Participants of Voice of Youth

2023 Participants

Tran Lan Nhi
Kyungsung University, Bachelor's degree in Business Administration
Tran Lan Nhi is an undergraduate student majoring in Business Administration. Her research interests include the circular economy, global waste trade, and climate justice. In addition to her academic pursuits, Lan Nhi is currently a volunteer at Youth Climate Action Network and Viet Nam Youth4Climate Youth Policy Working Group, where her main role is to engage the young generation in climate and environmental issues. As a participant of Voice of Youth 2023, she is examining the intricacies of South Korea’s waste trade problem and its implications. With her passion for sustainability and climate action, Lan Nhi aspires to further her studies in this field to contribute to a net-zero society in the future.

Seohyeon Ko
Kookmin University, Master’s degree in Public Policy
Seohyeon Ko is a dedicated graduate student currently pursuing her master's degree in Public Policy at Kookmin University. With a distinct approach that combines public policy and criminal justice, her research interests encompass policy formation, juvenile justice, and policing. Seohyeon graduated with honors as a Summa Cum Laude in public policy from Kookmin University and was awarded the prestigious Centennial Humanities Scholarship in 2019. In her previous research, Seohyeon conducted a comprehensive investigation into the policy frames and designs of juvenile justice policy in South Korea, utilizing network analysis as her primary research method. Building on this foundation, she aims to delve deeper into the emerging phenomenon she uncovered, specifically the polarization within juvenile justice policy. Seohyeon aspires to amplify her voice and contribute to a meaningful dialogue surrounding the complexities and challenges of the juvenile justice system through the Voice of Youth 2023 program.

ByeongKyu Jun
Korea National Open University, Bachelor’s degree in Economics
ByeongKyu Jun is an undergraduate student studying Economics at Korea National Open University (KNOU) as a third-year student. He has previously studied Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations at King’s College London, UK, and graduated in 2022. ByeongKyu is majorly interested in exploring the connection between international politics and international economics to build a better tomorrow in which everyone can get the opportunity to achieve their dreams. With this passion in mind, ByeongKyu has previously interned at the Programme and Policy Division of the UN World Food Programme HQ, worked as an undergraduate research fellow at KCL, and worked with NGOs and charities around the world, including PeaceX, World Federation of United Nations Associations, and London International Model UN Foundation. As a participant in Voice of Youth 2022, his research will explore to what extent diplomacy influences the economic relationship between countries through the lens of social constructivism and behavioral economics. The research ultimately aims to share new insight into the relationship between politics and economics and to provide a policy framework that Korean diplomacy can apply to improve economic relationships with key trading partners.

Isabelle Pia Sison
Korea University, Master’s degree in Area Studies (East Asia)
Isabelle Pia Sison is a Filipino MA student at the Korea University Graduate School of International Studies. She specializes in Area Studies with a focus on East Asia. She possesses vast experience in cultural development and public diplomacy, having worked at diplomatic missions, including the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, the Embassy of the United States of America in the Philippines, and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in the Philippines. She was also involved in various journalism and reporter programs. She was a part of the student reporter program of the Korea JoongAng Daily – The New York Times. Additionally, she is a Korea.Net Honorary Reporter for the Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS). As a participant in the Voice of Youth 2023 program, she is conducting research on China's Role in International Relations. Her study focuses on analyzing the impact of Chinese 'Wolf-Warrior' diplomacy versus 'Good-Neighbor' diplomacy.

Seoin Youn
Yonsei University, Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Justice and Civil Leadership (JCL)
Seoin Youn is currently a 3rd-year undergraduate student at Yonsei University Underwood Division double majoring in Economics and Justice and Civil Leadership (JCL). She has always enjoyed studying fields that provided her with a context in which she can better understand the world she lives in. Her current interests include comparative economics, philosophy, and international law. Her goal throughout her time in undergraduate studies is to enjoy the freedom and opportunities, and to broaden the scope of her experiences. Thus far she has participated in events such as the Korea-China LEADership program, Asia Economics Community Forum, Asia Law Students’ Association, and SNU Discussions for the Future, with each experience she has conducted research on Korea and China’s ethical reasoning of facial recognition technology, the importance of regional economic partnerships in the age of hyper-uncertainty, and attempted to define the future of ‘genuine relationship.’ She wishes to assess Korea’s role in shaping the international standard in the legal domain and has chosen the entertainment industry as the scope of her research for this year’s VOY program.

2022 Participants

Yujin Jeong
Ewha Woman's University, Bachelor's degree in Economics
Yujin Jeong is a senior at Ewha Woman's University, double majoring in Economics and International Development Cooperation. Her research interests are development economics, international development cooperation, political science, and diplomacy. She has taken part in many projects relating to international development, including the KOICA CTS Idea Planner Program, where she explored development cooperation projects and aid effectiveness. As a participant in Voice of Youth 2022, she will conduct a theoretical study on the effectiveness of the "Advantage of Backwardness" concept in Asia. Yujin aims to further her studies in development economics and international development cooperation to one day use her expertise to contribute to the United Nations.

Dylan Motin
Kangwon National University, Ph.D. in Political Science
Dylan Motin is a Ph.D. candidate majoring in Political Science at Kangwon National University. He is currently writing his doctoral dissertation, in which he intends to explain when and why minor powers sometimes align with threatening greater forces. Dylan is also a visiting research fellow at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies (Seoul) and has recently been accepted to the Emerging Leaders Program of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy. His research interest revolves around balance-of-power theory, great power war, and Korean affairs. For the 2022 VOY program, he is investigating why certain Asian states align with China while most others do not.

Eunju Oh
Korea University, Ph.D. in International Studies
Eunju Oh pursues a doctoral study in International Relations at Korea University Graduate School of International Studies. She has been working with the KU GSIS BK21 program of Glocal Studies since the spring of 2021 and has participated in a series of academic events, including the BK21 Student Colloquium and the World Congress for Korean Politics and Society. Her research interests center around peace and security studies and nontraditional security issues that demonstrate Northeast Asia's security dynamics. She previously worked as a research fellow at East Asia Foundation(EAF), Asia-Pacific fellow at the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs(APSIA), research assistant at the Institute for Global Economics(IGE), and teaching assistant at Seoul National University College English Program. Her research paper under the Voice of Youth 2022 program explores the nuclear energy security landscape in Northeast Asia and its implications for Korea's future economic security.

Youngwoo Park (Winner)
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Bachelor of Area Studies
Youngwoo Park is an undergraduate student majoring in Italian Area Studies and International Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. His fields of interest include human rights, development cooperation, and the sociology of gender and race. Youngwoo is currently working as an intern in the International Development Cooperation Team at Human Asia and a translator in the Department of Operations and Support for the Seoul Queer Culture Festival. His previous work experiences include working in the US SDG Action Campaign, translator at Compassion Korea, and program assistant at the 2021 MOFA Junior Scholar Fellowship. As a participant of Voice of Youth 2022, his research paper dissects the South Korean protestant movement against the Comprehensive Anti-discrimination Bill. It analyzes the discursive pattern within the sociological framework of 'habitus,' a concept suggested by French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu.

Yeoeun Shim
Seoul National University, Master of Arts (M.A) in Anthropology
Yeoeun Shim is a master's student at Seoul National University majoring in Anthropology. Her field of interest is urban anthropology, specifically related to urban development, regeneration, architecture, regional culture, cultural heritage, sustainable development, mobility, and Asian cities. She recently received a bachelor's degree in International Studies from Hanyang University, graduating with a Summa Cum Laude. Before studying in graduate school, Yeoeun completed internships at Hanyang University's Euro African Institute and Seoul National University's Asia Center. She is currently participating in the BK21 Graduate Program for Cross-cultural Research and Cultural Commons in East Asia. As a participant in Voice of Youth 2022, she is investigating the identity of artists' residencies that are different from typical art institutions and how a comparative understanding (verstehen) of the actor's subjective experiences can contribute to a more sustainable art ecosystem.

2021 Participants

Yerin Boo
Seoul National University, Master’s Degree in International Studies
Yerin Boo is a master’s student at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of International Studies. As a BK21 Scholarship Fellow, she is both conducting and assisting in research related to East Asian security and Korea’s foreign policy. She recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Seoul National University, where she was the president of SNU Student Ambassadors, as well as editor-in-chief of the English paper. Such continual ambassadorial and journalism involvement has made her invested in using writing and research as a means to advocate for the Korean perspective. As an extension of this passion, her research for the VOY program focused on Korea’s middle power diplomacy strategy. In particular, she used a re-conceptualized theoretical framework of middle power diplomacy to conduct a three-tier assessment of MIKTA, then proposed corresponding youth-oriented solutions. Yerin aims to further her studies in international relations and international law to one day use her expertise to contribute to Korea’s foreign policy.

Jinwan Park
Keio University, Bachelor’s Degree in Economics
Jinwan Park is a rising junior at Keio University, participating in Programme in Economics for Alliances, Research and Leadership (PEARL). His research interests include political theory, labor, and public economics, and civil rights. He is currently serving his internship in the U.S. Consulate Busan, where he is in charge of analyzing the economics and political agendas with a regional specialization in the Busan, Jeju, and Gyeongsang areas. For several years, he also has officially represented the Republic of Korea in numerous international forums, including but not limited to the inaugural ASEAN-Korea Youth Summit and Asian Education Forum. As a participant of Voice of Youth 2020, his research paper analyzed the causations of rising youth engagement in Korean politics and discussed its impacts.

Abigail Tan
Yonsei University, Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies
Abigail Tan is an undergraduate student majoring in Culture and Design Management, and Asian Studies. Her research interests include museum education and learning, museum accessibility, digital initiatives and development in the museum, and programming in the culture and heritage fields. She took part in the Yonsei University Underwood Research Project where she explored the future of the museum experience and digital technologies post-pandemic, and also interned at Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore in 2020. As a participant of Voice of Youth 2021, she investigated the impact of digital technologies in the museum during the Covid-19 pandemic, and how they can be better made use of to reach underserved students who are impacted by the digital divide.

Michael Yoo
University of Oregon, Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Policy and Urban Planning
Michael Yoo’s research interests revolve around brand transparency, climate adaptation policies, global supply chains, and international cooperation. Over the past year, he worked with civic nonprofits and universities to engage youth voters with climate action legislation in California, Oregon, and Washington. As a participant of Voice of Youth 2021, he analyzed the consumer behavior and market trends within South Korea’s coffee industry, and evaluated the trajectory of the industry in context with climate change and shifting consumer preferences.

Sera Yun (Winner)
Seoul National University, Master’s Degree in International Studies
Sera Yun is a Master’s candidate majoring in International Commerce at the Graduate School of International Studies, Seoul National University. Her research interests lie at the intersection of multilateral climate finance, green growth, and development cooperation. Sera’s professional experiences include having worked at the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre, Green Technology Center Korea, and most recently at the World Bank, under the Infrastructure Chief Economist’s Office and Korea Green Growth Trust Fund. As a participant of the Voice of Youth 2021, her research paper examines the degree of ‘equity’ in the distribution and allocation of multilateral climate finance in Asia, analyzes a set of explanatory factors behind the region’s allocational patterns, and suggests a strategic framework that is purposed to address the growing climate financing gap.

2020 Participants

Junyoung Han (Winner)
Korea University, Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and International Relations
Junyoung Han is an undergraduate student majoring in Political Science and International Relations. His research interests include international cooperation, voting behavior, public opinion and political methodology. He worked as an undergraduate researcher at Korea-Asia Center for Development and Cooperation in 2017, and he also completed an internship at Asiatic Research Institute of Korea University in 2018. As a participant of Voice of Youth 2020, his research paper addressed the impact of growing social diversity on foreign aid spending among major donor countries with special focus on the case of South Korea.

Christophe K.
Yonsei University, Ph.D. in Political Science
Christophe pursues doctoral studies in Political Science at Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. In 2020, he concurrently holds the position of International Delegate for the Paris-based Jeunes IHEDN [National Institute for Higher Defense Studies – Youth section] and Observer for the Geneva-based ICoCA (International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers’ Association). He was previously based in Africa, in charge of security for a multinational industrial corporation. He studied and worked with public and private organizations, mainly in East Asia, Europe, Caucasus and Southeast Asia. He is particularly interested in challenges pertaining to defense and international security.

Haneul Kim
Yonsei University, Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies
Haneul Kim is a junior at Yonsei University Underwood International College, majoring in International Studies. Her research interests include international security, global environmental issues, and human rights. She interned at the Dartmouth Sustainability Office and the Seoul National University Center for Transnational Migration and Social Inclusion, where she explored the impact of international issues on individuals’ lives. As a participant of Voice of Youth 2020, she researched the South Korean public's perception of nuclear weapons and its implications on the country’s logic of nuclear decision-making.

SeoLa Kim
Korea University, Master’s Degree in Business Management
SeoLa Kim is a master candidate of Korea University Business School, majoring in the field of organizational behavior and human resource management (HRM). Her research focuses on meaningfulness, motivation, culture, counterproductive work behavior, and leadership. As a passionate student who intends to pursue further academic development, she has done a cross-cultural study regarding the effects of distinct leadership styles on employee behaviors and made a presentation about it. 

2019 Participants 

Jihyeon Bae 
Kyung Hee University, Master’s Degree in International Relations
Jihyeon Bae is an aspiring political scientist at Kyung Hee University. Her research interests include democratization, international institutional design, and political methodology. Recently, she has been focusing on the international dynamics of ongoing democratic recessions with a regional focus on Asia. Having such puzzle in mind, she presented her research paper answering whether Chinese aid has negative ramifications on the status of East Asian democracies.

Wonguk Cho
Soongsil University, Lifelong Education Studies
Wonguk Cho is very interested in the Korean educational system. His dream is to create a learner-centered educational environment where learning can take place throughout the entire lifetime of participants, from cradle to grave. His research topic for Asia Society Voice of Youth 2019 addressed university students’ perception on English medium courses in school, to further demonstrate the impact of English curriculum on academic performance and future prospects for students’ careers.

Seulki Hong
Seoul National University, Ph.D. in Public Policy
Seulki Hong is a Ph.D. candidate in Public Policy at Seoul National University. Her research paper for Voice of Youth 2019 addressed the growing demand and significance of corporate social responsibility (CSR), as well as the guidelines businesses could follow to satisfy the emerging interest in CSR.

Ji Yeon Jeon (Winner)
Ewha Womans University, Master’s Degree in Political Science and International Relations
Jiyeon Jeon’s research interests lie in the intersection of racial politics, nationalism, migration and citizenship, and foreign policy. In the past, she has worked with local governments to support early education for multicultural families. She has also worked for an NGO that assisted in overseeing resettlement programs for North Korean defectors in South Korea. At Ewha, she seves as a research assistant and a teaching assistant for the political science and international relations department.

Seohee Lee
Seoul National University, Ph.D. in Public Administration
Seohee Lee is a Ph.D. candidate in Public Administration at Seoul National University. She aspires to build up her academic achievements through improving sophisticated and complex social research projects. As a participant of Voice of Youth 2019, Lee presented her research on the effects of urban gentrification on the residents of Seoul.

2018 Participants 

Hong Il Kim
Chung-Ang University, Bachelor’s Degree in Business
Hong Il Kim emphasizes the importance of human interaction and cooperation above superficial awards or status, and eagerly hopes to become a proud Korean representative in the globalized arena. He is a beneficiary of Asan scholarship and received full-tuition in recognition of voluntary services for the community, which involves providing English lessons to students in foster care and music lesson to a child with autism. Kim is currently interning at Operations Division of Morgan Stanley Korea. 

Youjin Lee
Schwarzman Scholars, Tsinghwa University, Master's Degree in Global Affairs 
Youjin is a Schwarzman Scholar  which is a fully funded one year Master's degree program established by CEO of Blackstone Stephen A. Schwarzman for fostering youg global leaders in geopolitical domain. She is now aspiring to enhance the technological application to build sustainable world in global area.

Eun Ji Park (Winner)
London School of Economics and Political Science, Master’s Degree in Environment and Development
Eun Ji Park holds interest in environmental policies and climate adaptation measures. She aspires to be a diplomat for climate change negotiations in the future. Through Asia Society Korea, Park was able to publish a paper titled 'Korea in the integrated carbon market for Northeast Asia'. Consequently, Park have followed a path to pursue an internship in the European Parliament, continue her education in London and take part in a project for water and sanitation in the Philippines as a fellow scholar of the Ban Ki Moon Center for Global Citizens in Vienna, Austria.

Eunkyung Son
Sogang University, Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Economy
Eunkyung Son dedicates much of her passion towards solving challenges with female migrant entrepreneurs in South Korea. Through her experiences in the business world both in Korea and abroad, she aims to harness great opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs and businesses to take root in Korea.

Gahwan Yoo
Ewha Womans University, Master’s Degree in Social Welfare
Gahwan Yoo’s ultimate goal as a researcher is to successfully examine the mechanism that racial/ethnic minorities and immigrants/refugees experience mental health issues and their risk/protective factors as social determinants. She is interested in the roles of the offline/online community for minority populations to improve access to mental health services and their mental health status. Yoo’s master’s thesis addresses the social capital of immigrant youth in South Korea. Currently, Yoo is a Ph.D. Student at Silver School of Social Work at New York University.