Happy new year! The year of the wood dragon has finally arrived (which you can actually read about on page 19), and it has quite a lot in store for each and every one of us. The personal project for freshmen, the beginning of the IB Diploma Programme for sophomores, college applications for juniors, and of course, a fresh new start in college for seniors. It’s scary to think about, but let’s approach 2024 with an open mind as a year of new beginnings, a year of change. We can all work to become the best versions of ourselves.
Maybe try joining a new club! We have quite a few new clubs joining us with the new year, which we’ve outlined on page 15. Romanticizing life as a Studio Ghibli movie is also a nice way to find motivation, which you can find on page 13. Or even try adopting the Tiny Habits approach on page 12, changing your life one habit at a time.
When discussing change, technological advancements are the first thing that come to many people’s minds. Our January issue has quite a few articles about technology, including a discussion about the digital age on page 11 and in-depth interviews with VEX members on pages 18 and 25.
Change is an inevitable part of our lives, and 2024 is bound to bring some of that into our lives. We shouldn’t be afraid of change, but instead embrace it, accepting it as a necessary concept that will ultimately benefit us. Cheers to a new year!
Your EICs,
Editorial Policy
The Spirit is the official student-led news publication of Seoul Foreign High School. All issues of The Spirit are published digitally through ISSUU. Selected articles are also published digitally on the website. This is the New Years issue and fifth publication of the 2023-2024 school year. The Spirit is a student publication and may contain controversial matter. Opinions expressed in the newspaper are not necessarily those of Seoul Foreign School’s faculty, staff, or administration. Students and editors are soley responsible for the content of this student publication.
Contact Information:
If you wish to contact any member of the staff with opinions, you may email thespirit@seoulforeign.org. All letters must be signed; anonymous content will not be accepted.
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Front Cover: Olivia Sung
Back Cover: Yesa Hyun Snowman Photo: Erin Oh Fireworks Photo: Lisa Ku
The year 2023 has already flown past us. Here are some of the most eventful moments of the year ...
ANUARY
8th: China opens borders after COVID policy
EBRUARY
4th: Chinese spy balloons spotted flying over the Americas
ARCH
30th: Former president Trump indicted in Manhattan
PRIL
2023: A Review
20th: SpaceX’s Starship Rocket’s first launch explodes after 4 minutes
AY
6th: King Charles III coronation ceremony
UNE
9th: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigns
2023: Review
ECEMBER
9th: Shohei Ohtani signs $700m, 10 year contract with LA Dodgers
OVEMBER
29th: Spotify announces Taylor Swift as most streamed global artist of the year
CTOBER
7th: Attack on Israel; Start of Israel -Hamas War
EPTEMBER
10th: Djokovic wins 4th US Open Title
8th: Maui (Hawaii) wildfire burns 17,000 acres of land
14th: SAG-AFTRA announces strike
JANUARY NEWS BRIEF
BY ALEX JUNG, WON LEE, AND OLIVIA WASMUND | PHOTO FROM THE GUARDIAN
Korean Opposition Leader Lee’s Violent Stabbing Shakes Democracy
On January 2nd, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, was unexpectedly stabbed in the neck during a news conference in Busan (Aljazeera). According to the police, the assailant, posing as an autograph seeker, approached him and then swiftly surged forward with a knife, before being subdued and arrested on the spot. Speculations arise regarding the reason for the stabbing, given Lee’s recent corruption charges related to a real estate project during his tenure as mayor of Seongam (The Guardian).
Regrettably, this incident echoes past assaults on other South Korean politicians. In March of 2022, Lee’s predecessor, Song Young-gil, faced an attack while campaigning for Lee (BBC). Additionally, in 2006, Park Geun-hye, the head of the conservative party and eventual president, sustained facial injuries from a knife attack (BBC). Although democratic progress has been characterized by social revolution, it is important to distinguish between violence and protest. The stabbing of Lee transcends a personal attack; it violently tears the very fabric of Korean democracy.
The Possible After Effects of Fukushima
In a controversial move last August, the Japanese government released treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean (The Japan Times).The consequences are just now surfacing, with 12,000 tons of Japanese sardines, known as sappa, washing up on the country’s beaches (The Guardian).
Hakodate and Nakiri, two of Japan’s most well-developed local fish markets, were recently flooded with fish as far as the eye can see. While numerous news outlets connect this abnormal phenomenon to the recent release of radioactive water in Fukushima, others suggest that climate changes and irregularities in the seas may be responsible (Global News). Regardless of the cause, local fishermen can’t help but observe the unusual patterns in Japan’s oceans.
Prior to the release of radioactive water, Japan faced strong criticism from both Korea and China, urging Japan to refrain from such an action (IFL Science). Despite assurances from experts claiming “no abnormalities were found in the results of water-monitoring surveys,” residents and sushi lovers worldwide still remain apprehensive (Global News).
Mickey Mouse Becomes Public Domain
After 95 years under copyright, on January 1, the original steamboat Mickey Mouse became public property. This means that companies and even individuals can freely market the OG Disney character without permission from Disney or having to share a portion of the profit (Time). However, this only applies to the original Mickey and Minnie Mouse, not the more commonly seen characters in the Disney parks. Users are also prohibited from using Mickey Mouse to mislead customers into believing the product was created or endorsed by Disney (Fast Company). However, before this decade is over, the copyrights for various Disney characters will expire, leaving designers and artists with free reign over these long beloved cartoons. These characters include Donald Duck, Superman, and James Bond (NYT). In order to maintain control over the images of these characters, Disney will need to act quickly. In a statement, Disney said that “We will, of course, continue to protect our rights in the more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright” (Time).
Elections in Taiwan
BY OLIVIA WASMUND | ART BY YURA SHIN
On January 13, Taiwan held its 7th presidential election. This year, the stakes were higher than ever before, with conflict in the Taiwan Strait and possible aggression from China. Over 70% cast their vote with Lai Chiang-te winning 40% of the votes (Economist).
This year’s presidential frontrunners were Lai Chiang-te, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) candidate and Hou Yu-ih who is the candidate for the Nationalist Party (NYT). The DPP party is known for its strong opposition to the “One China” policy and advocates for the present and future freedom for Taiwan-
ese citizens. The Nationalist Party (KMT) shares more nuanced views on Chinese and Taiwanese relations and believes in a one-party state with one ideology with China (Britannica). With tensions between Taiwan and China on the rise, over 70 percent of eligible Taiwanese must choose their next president wisely, to avoid angering each nation. However, after a tense election campaign, Lai emerged victorious and was elected as Taiwan’s 8th president. He will assume office on May 20 of this year. This presidential victory marks the first time a political party has won three consecutive presidential elections. Taiwanese are hopeful about this new president and Lai promises to keep China at bay and Taiwan’s independence intact. However, China has very critical views about Lai, calling him a “troublemaker through
and through”. Lai states that Taiwan is already an independent nation and China and Taiwan are “not subordinate to each other” (Reuters). This obviously will antagonize China’s politicians and might cause even more strain between the two countries.
This outcome of Taiwan’s presidential result will likely determine China’s attitude towards Taiwan and influence China - U.S. relations, as well as relations within the region. As shown by the reelection of the DDP, the citizens of Taiwan are drifting away from China and won’t come back voluntarily.
This outcome of Taiwan’s presidential result will likely determine China’s attitude towards Taiwan and influence China - U.S. relations, as well as relations within the region.
Is It Still Safe to Fly? The State of Air Travel in 2024
BY ROYCE IN | ART BY ASHLEIGH KIM
While 2024 is expected to be a record year for air travel following the pandemic, the current outlook for airlines isn’t promising. In the wake ofmultipleairplanefailuressincethe beginning of the new year, including a fatal collision at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and a puzzling incident involving an Alaska Airlines plane dislodging mid-flight over Portland, Oregon, travelers are on high alert as more details emerge about these incidents. The two events raise serious questions about safety in a crucial sector of global travel.
to understaffed air traffic control towers and an unreliable air safety system. Air traffic controllers are in short supply, leaving many airport control facilities shorthanded and increasing the risk of human error in directing air traffic. According to a 2023 report by the Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.), in the United States alone, near-miss collisions between commercial airplanes occurred multiple times a week (NYT). The Haneda crash highlights the consequences of a shortage of air safety regulators and the failures of airports
The first accident occurred on January 3rd when a Japan Airlines flight collided with a local Coast Guard plane on the runway of Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan, resulting in the death of five Coast Guard crew members. All 379 people on board the passenger plane escaped to safety before the plane was engulfed in flames on the tarmac. Experts immediately speculated human error and raised concerns about the quality of communication in modern airports (AP).
world- wide.
Horror at 16,000 Feet
Days later on January 5th, passengers on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 recalled a harrowing experience as a section of the plane reportedly blew out in mid-air, forcing it to make an emergency landing. The specific portion that fell off the
Boeing 737 Max-9 plane was the “door plug,” a substitute piece for an unused emergency exit that is physically impossible to open from the inside of the plane. There were no injuries, but as a result of the incident, Boeing faced heavy criticism, and the F.A.A temporarily grounded the fleet of Boeing 737 Max-9s (WSJ).
Boeing could face significant consequences from the incident after investigations revealed loose bolts in several of the company’s planes within American fleets. Speculation suggests that this manufacturing issue could be the cause of the Alaska Airlines incident, which is not the first time Boeing has failed to meet F.A.A. safety regulations (NYT). Expect the company to face a tumultuous series of inspections and scrutiny in the upcoming months, as it scrambles to deal with the manufacturing problems.
The New York Times in 2023 found that the likelihood of aircraft collisions has more than doubledoverthepastdecade. The alarming trend is primarily attributed
Heading into 2024, manufacturers and airports are unprepared for the surge in air travel, causing widespread delays and cancellations.The industry’s challenges arise from corporate oversight and an unreliable air safety system posing potential threats to the airline industry. As the pandemic wanes, collaboration between governments and corporations is crucial to avert further potentially life-threatening incidents, emphasizing the need for traveler awareness and preparedness.
Airport Inferno
A Monarch’s Unexpected Abdication
BY LEAH ANDERSEN | ART BY ASHLEIGH KIM
Queen Margarathe II of Denmark, the longest reigning monarch since Queen Elizabeth ll, has formally abdicated the throne after serving for a remarkable 52 years. She will be passing the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik, along with his wife, Crown Princess Mary (BBC).
Her Majesty ascended to the throne following the passing of her father, King Frederik IX, on January 14, 1972. Prior to 1953, only male offspring of the king had the right to succeed to the throne. However, the Danish Act of Succession was adopted, allowing female descendants the right to inherit the throne, with the only exception being that male descendants hold precedence (Kongehuset). As the eldest among her two sisters, Queen Margarathe was entitled to the throne due to this historic rule (Business Insider).
For the first time in nearly 900 years, a reigning monarch has
voluntarily abdicated from the throne—a development that has shocked Danish citizens nationwide (Kongehuset). In early February, Queen Margrethe underwent major back surgery that had forced an extensive period of rehabilitation (NPR). Upon announcing her decision to step down, she expressed that “the operation also gave rise to thinking about the future—whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation” (Town & Country).
InSeptemberof2022,QueenMargarethe made the decision to strip four of her grandchildren, Prince Nikolai, Felix, Henrik and Princess Athena of their royal titles. They are no longer referred to as “Prince or Princess;” instead, they are referred to as “Count or Countess of Monpezat.” Her Majesty expressed that this was done to “keep up with the times” and “future-proof” the royal household
(BBC). All four members of the royal family are children of Prince Joachim of Denmark, fifth in line to the Danish throne and younger brother to Crown Prince Frederik. Crown Princess Christian of Denmark, son of Crown Prince Frederik is now first in line to the throne following his father’s coronation (Royal Throne).
The writer of this article is a Danish national, and views Queen Margarethe as a pillar of what Denmark is: strong, open-minded, simple, and equal.
In closing, I would like to recite the quote spoken by Her Majesty at the end of every New Year’s speech, coincidentally her last words of her abdication announcement:
“Gud Bevare Danmark” God Save Denmark
With the arrival of 2024 comes a fresh road to pave and new opportunities to pursue. But before we begin to work towards our resolutions, we must take a moment to look back and reflect on the past year.
Self-reflection plays such a crucial role in personal and professional development. It allows us to understand our strengths and weaknesses while also fostering self-awareness. This deeper awareness of ourselves helps us navigate challenges, build more meaningful relationships with others, and make more educated decisions. Self-reflection is such a powerful tool, and especially with this new year, it’ll push us to evolve throughout our lives continuously.
The reflection question “What’s one thing you wish you knew last year?” specifically drives us to have new aspirations and motivations for the new year. Regret is often seen as an emotion to avoid, but it can help us in our journey of self-growth in 2024. Whatever regret we may have from the past year can be used as fuel to transform our lives in the new one. Peri Freeman (11) expressed
BY GRACE CHO | ART BY SUE AN KIM AND CANVA
“ I wish I knew that I didn’t need to stress as hard in 10th grade since junior year is so much harder
- Peri Freeman (11)
some academic regrets when asked this question, stating, “I wish I knew that I didn’t need to stress as hard in 10th grade since junior year is so much harder”.
Both Abi Yoo (9) and Jamie Oh (9) agree that they wish they spent more time with loved ones like friends and family. Abi says she felt that she “wasn’t able to appreciate the people around [her] as much as [she] would have liked to,” while Jamie conveyed that we “should invest time not only in [ourselves] but also in the time spent with friends.” I also agree with both Abi and Jamie. Investing in your relationships with friends and family is just as important as taking care of yourself—maintaining a strong balance between both is critical.
Whether you may have academic or personal regrets, this question helps us understand where we want to place our values through this next year. Reflecting on our past is the key to opening new doors in front of us, and it can take our life journey to another level. We look back so that our views are even clearer looking forward.
So try answering the following questions and see what doors your 2023 will open for you in the new year:
- What were the biggest challenges you faced?
- What about achievements?
- What were your best and worst memories?
- How did you respond to new pressures and changes?
- Do you have any regrets?
- What have you learned about yourself?
- How would you sum 2023 up in 3 words?
Once you go through these questions, try envisioning your 2024. Using all that you’ve learned in the past year, you can make this new year even better.
DIVING INTO THE DIGITAL OCEAN
BY PETER SHIM |ART BY TARYN KIM
It’s not news to anyone in the SFS community that the digital age is upon us, and it’s here to stay. As we navigate this maze of technology - AI, social media, digital tools, and websites - skills like coding, digitaldesign,andwebdesignhave become necessary to work efficiently. Digital literacy is not only a way to be innovative, creative, and knowledgeable about the digital world, but it also opens up future careerpathsinnewanddeveloping frontiers, further exemplifying its importance. It’s never too late for students to start promoting digital literacy within their lives—here are some ways to get you started.
The wide selection of extracurriculars and clubs at SFS is a great starting point. Considering the countless number of experiences provided, many include the skills related to digital literacy. Clubs that focus on UI or digital design, like App.ly, Frame by Frame, or Artificial Intelligence can be great in preparing for related fields. Coding clubs or enrichment activities can
help one learn the necessary skills to navigate through the digital world in fields such as app development.
In addition to extracurricular clubs, incorporating digital literacy into academic pursuits is another excellent way for students to enhance their skills. The IB program at SFS provides a unique opportunity to do just that through the Personal Project pursued by sophomores. If interested, students could select a topic within the field of digital literacy, and grow, learn, and advance throughout the process. This would not only showcase students’ understanding of the digital world but also their ability to use this literacy as a means of innovation and creativity, all highly valued and possibly lucrative skills.
The power of self-learning and exploration in promoting digital literacy also cannot be overlooked. With the internet at our fingertips, there are countless resources available to learn coding, web design, digital design, and countless other skills. Websites like Codecademy, Coursera, and Khan Academy offer free courses students can take at their own pace,
and of course, we can’t ignore the fact that ChatGPT is always available for a hands-on experience with AI. Even spending a few hours each week exploring these resources can significantly enhance digital literacy skills.
In conclusion, the digital age is not a wave to ride out, but an ocean to dive into. Embracing digital literacy through these methods isn’t one of those skills that are just “Good to have on your resumé” (though they may be helpful), but one that has great potential and use in future paths.
TINY WINS, BIG VICTORIES
We all know the phrase “New Year,NewMe”–humanity’sdoomed attempt at an annual do-over. We’ve all thought of making grand plans to reinvent ourselves, only to find our resolutions floating away like helium-filled promises. However, it’s totally possible. Ever feel like you’re stuck in a version of yourself you want to fix? Well, you have the power to manifest a new and improved you, right here, right now. To start, the key lies in changing your habits – the small, seemingly insignificant ones that shape your daily life.
The Tiny Habits approach, researched by behavior scientist and Stanford professor BJ Fogg, advocates for making small and doable changes that eventually turn into big transformations. It’s about creatingarippleeffectbyalteringyour routine in tiny but impactful ways. Think of it like sculpting a masterpiece, one small chisel at a time. For example, try slightly tweaking your daily routine. It could be something as simple as showering earlier than you usually do. Of course, you won’t morph into anew
BY KAITLIN LEE | ART BY OLIVIA JUNG
person overnight, but the cumulative effect after sustaining these changes over time can be large. Nobody can overhaul their entire life in a day; grandiose changes are overwhelming and often lead to burnout. Success is built on the foundation of these small victories.
And when setbacks inevitably happen—and they will—don’t let them derail your progress. Life isn’t a straight line, and neither is self-improvement. Maybe you hit snooze one morning or you forget to organize your desk. It’s not the end of the world. What matters is pulling yourself back up. Instead of dwelling on the setback, acknowledge it, make up for it, and move forward. You mess up, it’s fine. Consistency is your greatest ally on this quest for self-improvement. The journey may be slow, but it’s the daily commitment that counts. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small they may seem, and let them fuel your motivation to keep going. Be proud of yourself for making these changes, and don’t underestimate the power of incremental progress.
However, shame-based motivation is often the main driving force behind many resolutions. Making a 180º personality change can be unhealthy if it’s driven by the desire to become an entirely different person from who you truly are. In short, shame isn’t
the ideal catalyst for change. Anything that leaves us feeling diminished or unworthy only sets the stage on shaky ground for transformation. Make resolutions because you actually want to improve yourself, not because you feel like someone else expects you to improve. Without the proper motivation, the foundation will crumble beneath your feet, and yet another year will go by without reaching your goals.
Your “New Year, New Me” journey is not about radical transforma tions or empty promises. It’s about embracing theideathat change is a gradual pro cess, shaped by the small, intentional choices you make every day. So, go ahead and start sculpting that dream version of yourself. The power is in your hands, and the time to manifest your best self is now.
TO LIVE IN A A STUDIO GHIBLI GHIBLI OVIE MOVIE
ROMANTICIZING LIFE
The phrase “romanticizing life” is thrown around quite a lot these days, but it’s really an arbitrary idea. It entails structuring your life in a way that emphasizes beauty, passion, and aesthetics—quite a vague description, but fortunately, one that allows room for interpretation. When most people imagine an “aesthetic lifestyle”, the first thing that comes to mind is Studio Ghibli. Watching Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, and Spirited Away, one can dream of living in a world so bright and magical with its nostalgic melodies, fantastical characters, and gorgeous backdrops. Yet we can
also bring these movies to life by making small changes in our lifestyles.
Romanticizing life can be a great way to avoid burn-out in such a competitive academic environment. As our student lives are consumed with grades, extracurriculars, and worries about the future, it’s important to find some sort of intrinsic motivation—an internal passion that drives us forward, completely separate from the external pressures that may drag us through life. We can learn this from the characters in the beloved Studio Ghibli movies, who live their lives freely and colorfully.
WRITTEN BY ETHAN CHO
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY: TARYN KIM
Hayao Miyazaki is known for embedding themes of environmentalism in many Studio Ghibli movies. Ponyodepicts the effects of humanity’s activities on marine life, while Princess Mononoke emphasizes the importance of protecting nature and the creatures that inhabit it. While some movies explicitly share a message of appreciating nature, most Studio Ghibli movies illustrate the beauty of the environment simply through its beautiful natural settings and the ways in which characters interact with them.
APPRECIATE THE THE
SMALL THINGS
What’s beautiful about Studio Ghibli movies is the amount of detail put into each and every frame—what’s more impressive is that every frame
EMBRACE THE BEAUTY OF NATURE
is hand-drawn! Every one of the 1415 hand-drawn frames in Spirited Away was drawn that way for a reason. From the unique clothes of the frog spirits in the spa, to the signs in the spirit market street, to the flowing fur on the dragon Haku, the small, yet abundant details in Spirited Away are what give the animated movie life. In our life, we should also start appreciating the small
Whether it be with the main cast of MyNeighborTotoro traversing the thickets that Totoro calls home or Chihiro from Spirited Awaysailing across the calm, blue waters of the spirit realm, nature is depicted so beautifully—luckily,wehavethesameenvironment in our reality. Take some time out of your day to bike along Han River, take a walk through the cherry blossom trees in midMarch, or even just leave your computerforabreathoffreshair. Spending time in nature can instill a sense of peace in our lives.
FILL YOUR LIFE WITH MUSIC
Everybody listens to music, yet Studio Ghibli music has its own charm to it. If youlistentoitwhilewalking home or studying in a café, you really feel like you’re immersed in the aesthetic world of Ghibli. The orchestral compositions of each piece can make anybody feel like the main character of their own personal movie, as the voices of the instruments elevate the emotions of your own life story. While any Ghibli lover has their own personal collection of favorite songs, here’s a few you must add to your playlists.
details of the world. Did you know that the red-crowned crane on the 500 won coin represents the leap of South Korea’s economy? Or that velcro works with tiny hooks and loops? Or how intricately beautiful the web of a Joro spider is? Looking at the bigger picture is great, but appreciating the tiny details can make life on this planet infinitely more interesting.
OneSummer’s Dayfrom SpiritedAway CaveofMind from Howl’s MovingCastle
Departurefrom Kiki’sDelivery Service Pathofthe Windfrom My NeighborTotoro
There are many ways of finding intrinsic motivation, and romanticizing life based on Studio Ghibli movies is only one of them. Making everyday interesting and aesthetic—as if you’re the main character of a movie—can give you the energy to push through life, but it won’t work for everybody. The most important part of finding this motivation is realizing what drives you. So try out a lot of different methods, whether it be exploring nature, finding a hobby, or realizing your academic passions. It’ll be a lot harder to burn out if you look forward to living every day to its fullest.
NEW ON THE BLOCK
CLUBS
BY CHLOE SHIN | PHOTOS FROM CLUB LEADERS
LUMINA
As we embark upon a new semester, the high school buzzes with excitement and anticipation, bringing forth a fresh set of new Crusader Clubs. From STEM enthusiasts to creative minds, there truly is something for everyone! Start ing from the second semester, six new clubs have joined the high school’s club community: Chess Club, Crusader Politi cal Union, Artificial Intelligence, Inkwell, Lumina, and Oasis. Fortunately, I’ve had the opportunity to interview some new club leaders to gain insight into the di verse offerings of 2024.
Lumina is an interdisciplinary club that is related to both STEM and writing. “Our club Lumina’s name means ‘light’ in Latin. We chose this name for our club since it aligns with our goal to shed light on various aspects of STEM,” says Rachel Pyo (11), the president of Lumina. She adds, “Our club’s
mission is to create an encouraging and inspiring space where students can actively interact and discuss their passions with their peers. We hope to achieve this by publishing a STEM magazine each semester, consisting of student’s works.” One of the biggest challenges that Lumina faced was finding advisors for each STEM division. Her team is very thankful for all the advisors who have stepped up to support the club. As Lumina enters into the SFS club community, she hopes to “inspire a passion for STEM in the SFS community” and also provide opportunities to break the prejudices towards STEM that STEM is an unapproachable area.
Therefore, Inkwell focuses on two sectors: the Inkwell Project, which will post
Oasis is a club centered around service wishing to help the minorities who currently need help. Ian Kim (11), the president of Oasis, states, “we want to aid the underprivileged Middle Eastern and South Asian refugee community in South Korea who receive little to no support from the government. We would like to support them through philanthropic services and teaching.” As a new club, Oasis had to navigate their way through unexpected obstacles.
OASIS
INKWELL
student-produced projects in the Walt Whitman Library, and the Inkwell Initiative, which helps with the events being hosted at the library, such as author visits or World Book Day. When creating the club, the leaders faced some issues. “It was really hard to get people to be interested in what amounted to an English club,” he states. “Therefore, we tried to find events to make our club’s curriculum distinct among all Crusader Clubs, such as through our collaboration with the Walt Whitman Library.”
For instance, “it was difficult to find ways to advertise [his] club to the SFHS community.” However, as they go into semester two, they are excited to spread cultural awareness to the SFS community and to also get involved in in-person interactions with the refugees every week!
5+5=10 A RECIPE BOOK
BY SOPHIE HA | PHOTOS FROM JANICE AND JESSICA
Have you ever woken up to the call of a sizzling pan, or the scent of freshly baked bread? Smelling or hearing something wondrous taking place in your kitchen is suretoliftanyone’smood.Infact, cooking’s magic is also a way to treat depression and anxiety. A simple cupcake can change the way you look at the world.
At the start of the new year, Janice Tsui (12) and Jessica Shin (12), two dreamers with a passion for cooking, released a cookbook for the entire community. The cookbook was originally “for CAS; [which is] a long-term project, so we needed to do something that we loved,” says Jessica. “We both initially had a hobby for cooking,” adds Janice, “so we agreed to create a cookbook for the SFS community.” The cookbook is also a way for the two to improve their cooking skills, which further motivated them. “I selected the dishes that were easy to make, [as] the SFS community is mostly busy, so having recipes that were easy and fast was my goal,” says Janice.
The recipes in the book can be made quickly with common ingredients so that they are accessible by anyone, anytime. The recipes can also be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of cooking experience.
In fact, Janice only started cooking and baking in her sophomore year. “[My passion] for cooking and baking [began] in grade 10, when I took Children’s Design with Ms. Park, and there was a unit on cooking and baking. Then I [began] cooking and baking when I was stressed,” she says. It’s never too late to start cooking, and with time, anyone can create a comforting meal. Adhering to its title, 5+5=10, the cookbook consists of five recipes in the cooking section, and five recipes in the baking section. “My favorite cooking recipe was the ham and egg fried rice [was] my first recipe that I learned from my mom. [It’s] the best meal to cook when you’re by yourself,” says Janice. Day-old rice and some eggs fried together can create a to-
tally new dish. “For me, it has to be the [triple chocolate] brownies,” says Jessica, “I really like this recipe because I have good experiences making it with my friends and family.” Cooking with family and friends can also be a great way to spend quality time as well. “I think cooking and baking can relieve stress for [all of] the SFS community, but also, as fellow seniors go to college, most of them will end up cooking and baking on their own. Learning simple recipes could be important,” says Jessica. Maybe it could be trying one of the recipes on a lazy afternoon when you’re home alone. Maybe it could be baking something for a club bake sale fundraiser. Either way, it will create egg-cellent days for everyone!
A STEP INTO THE FUTURE
BY SOPHIE HA | ILLUSTRATIONS BY CANVA
A nervous silence engulfs the room as contestants carefully place down their masterpieces: robots. Just like people, the robots are different sizes and shapes. Just like people, they are here on this big day to compete together with their team. Someone swallows loud- ly, others wipe their palms; the tension in the room is high. VEX Robotics, named by Guinness World Record as the largest robotics competition in the world in 2018, has students design, build, program, and drive robots based on an annual prompt. Currently in SFS, there are four VEX teams, two in the high school and two in the middle school. “I feel like SFS doesn’t offer a lot of opportunities where students can explore their interests in STEM, and I think that’s what really made VEX stand out to me”, says Esther Nam (11), a member of the SFS VEX team Pocket Aces. Interested in pursuing STEM and robotics, Esther has been on the VEX team for two years now.
Whilethecreationtimelinevaries per submission, the process of creating a robot from scratch is definitely not an easy one. “VEX itself is a year-long process, which makes it a pretty big commitment,” says Esther. “Even during the break you need to come in to work on your robot”. VEX team members also meet for four hours a week, building and rebuilding to come up with the best robot.
The entire process is full of challenges, as there are “always unexpected errors in the creation, especially during coding,” Esther adds. Despite the constant trial and error, the team members remain patient, trying out new ideas until everything finally works the way they want it to. “I think a fun part [about VEX] is that its really based on teamwork, and it’s really collaborative,” Esther says. Two heads are always better than one; the team members work together to help each other out in all stages of the process. The VEX teams recently competed in the KAIAC Finals this
January, where Esther’s team ranked third. The KAIAC Finals are the first of three stages to get to the VEX World Championships, which is the final goal for all teams. “We would have to first win the Korea Nationals to get [to championships], which is in three weeks,” adds Esther. It’s definitely not an unreachable goal, as Esther’s team has already been to the championships last year, hosted in Dallas, Texas.
From those that can lift heavy objects to those that can score points in a game, the VEX teams createrobotsthatcandoincrediblethings.Inaworldwhereweare becoming more technologically advanced, the SFS VEX teams may just show us how much we can accomplish through robots and en- gineering. For now though, we wish them good luck in their competitions!
THE YEAR OF THE
BY YENA PARK | ART BY ERIN LEE, PHOTOS FROM LIFESTYLE ASIA , PEOPLE, TOSKA,
Happy 2024! It’s a new year to meet new people, eat new food, go to new places, and do new things. However, at the same time, 2024 can be quite overwhelming and make no sense at all, as if you’ve lost complete track of time. And yet, this feeling coincides with en thusiasm for the future and more treasured memories to come. 2024 embodies the return of the Year of the Wood Dragon, promising the flourishing of wealth, self-development, and strength. To truly understand the significance behind the new year, we should dive into the history of Chinese Zodiac signs. To start, what even are Chinese Zodiac signs? Why are they so significant in Asian culture? And what can we do to preserve and celebrate our heritage?
Chinese Zodiac signs have theirrootsin2637B.C.when the first Chinese emperor, Emperor Huangdi, created the Chinese lunar calendar: a calendar that follows the cycles of the moon. The 12 zodiac signs (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig) are thus used to resemble the cycle of 12 years, where
each year is represented by an animal. As time evolved, the traces of the Chinese zodiac myth have visualized the complexity of Chinese culture, as the signs have been integrated into stories andfolkloreforchildren.This myth is about how the Jade Emperor desired to know his precise age in a numeric value, and did so by selecting 13 animals to compete in a swimming race. He named
each year in the order of the position of each animal, the rat coming first, the ox second, and so on. Although 13 animals were selected, there are only 12 zodiac signs as the last animal, the cat, supposedly showed envy and abhor to the other animals, disqualifying itself from the race.
THE WOOD DRAGON
TOSKA, VECTEEZY
These interesting stories of the Chinese culture make us curious about how a zodiac sign, created thousands of years ago, can predict our fortune for each year. According to Chinese astrology, the dragon is a powerful creature that affects the energy, fortune, and success of each zodiac animal during its year. The horoscope predicts that this year, the dragon will bring in luck, wealth, power, leadership, and the beginning of long-term success for all 12 of the Chinese zodiac signs. For those born in the Year of the Dragon (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988,
2000, 2012), the Dragon’s attributes of courage, independence, and assertiveness will reflect and amplify their personalities. Such traits can influence one’s motivation to passionately take control over their future and dreams.
In China, citizens will celebrate the Year of the Dragon through Lunar New Year, occurring on February 10th, 2024. Following the traditions of the previous years, many will create paper lanterns, symbolizing good luck, to decorate public areas. In addition, Dragon performances and mascots to cheer up the festivity are also pre-
CHINA
dicted. However, we can also embrace the tradition and culture of Chinese zodiac signs in Korea. The Songhyeon-dong site, located in central Seoul, will host a light festival for the first time in 110 years, while the Seoul Lantern Festival will also be held in Gwanghwamun Square. In the same area, a large blue dragon-shaped lantern will also be constructed out of Korean traditional paper to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. We can also honor the tradition in our own homes, baking dragon-themed goods or crafting hand-made lanterns to celebrate this occasion.
KOREA
Glamour, Gossip, and Glory: Recap of the Golden Globe 2024
BY JUSTIN KOO
spectacular outfits, broken records, surprising wins, and underwhelming host gigs, closing the curtains of another iconic year for the film industry. Here’s what happened:
As many expected, the “Barbenheimer” duo dominated the awards, combining for a total of seven: with five and
or Comedy” and “Best Actor in a TV Series” for both males and females. This ties them with Succession, which was named “Best TV Series” in drama.
Director Christopher Nolan led the cast to win the award for “Best Film” in drama while actor Cillian Murphy was crowned the “Best Male Actor”. Although Ludwig Göransson and Oppenheimer would also take the award for “Best Original Score”, it was sibling duo Billie Eilish and Finneas that would take the “Best Original Song” award for their track “What Was I Made For”, featured in Barbie. The drama and comedy TV show TheBearalso made a statement with four wins, including “Best TV Series – Musical
Outside of the US, the French thriller film AnatomyofaFall gained attention with a win in “Best Screenplay”, ousting both Barbie and Oppenheimerto seize the win, cementing writers Justine Trier and Arthur Harari as the first-ever French recipients of the Golden Globe’s screenwriting category. Meanwhile, Lily Gladstone’s performance as Mollie Burkhart in KillersoftheFlowerMoonmade her the first indigenous actress to win “Best Performance from a Female Actor in Drama”. Ali Wong won “Best Performance in a Limited Series by a Female Actor” for her character Amy Lau in Beef, being the first Asian actress to do so. Record-breaking performances and writing are always achievements to be celebrated. But for some fans of the ceremony, records and awards were the least of their concern.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Hollywood award ceremony without a touch of drama. American comedian Jo Koy took the role of hosting the ceremony and showed a less-than-satisfactory performance upstage. Several of his jokes were met with boos from the audience,
including one targeted at Taylor Swift and her relationship with football player Travis Kelce, stating that the big difference between the Golden Globes and the NFL is that “at the Golden Globes, we have fewer camera shots of Taylor Swift.” After the show, he blamed the monologue writers for the cold reactions. “Like I said, I didn’t write all of these,” he claimed. “Someone else wrote that one”. Taylor Swift was also caught on camera listening to singer/actress Selena Gomez’s gossip. Although many fans speculated that it was regarding the budding Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner’s relationship, Selena Gomez took to social media to deny this, claiming that it was about another
| ART BY ERIN KIM, PHOTOS FROM LOS ANGELES TIMES, ELLE, HICLIPART, AND VANITY FAIR
Flavors of Fortune: Lucky Lunar New Year Foods
BY EUGENIE WANG | ART BY ALICE YOON
As the sun sets on the old year and the echoes of laughter and fireworks fill the new year, we find ourselves in a food lover’s daydream: Lunar New Year awaits with the promise of sizzling pans and woks orchestrating a delicious feast. With each chime and clink of utensils, we bid farewell to our old 2023 selves, ushering in the new year with open arms and a flavorful journey into 2024.
So, what culinary wonders will grace the dawn of 2024? Undoubtedly, the tradition of reserving a spot on the Lunar New Year’s dinner table for the iconic dumpling will continue once again. These savory bundles of joy, with fillings of succulent pork or fragrant vegetables, have the magical ability to bring instant smiles to feasters. Dip them into the sauce, and you’re not just sinking your teeth into a dumpling—you’re relishing a promise of financial abundance. Each dumpling is a savory wish for wealth and riches in the new year.
Next on our journey is the sticky delight of rice cake, known as Nian Gao or ‘year cake.’ Its very name hints at a continuous ascent toward higher achievements with each passing year. Every chewy bite calls for a hopeful leap into a brighter future, heading towards a new year as sweet as Nian Gao itself. While this Chinese New Year’s cake may seem exotic to those unfamiliar with Chinese culinary traditions, its chewy texture and sweet undertones make it a delightful treat that anyone with a sweet tooth can appreciate. More than its taste, indulging in Nian Gao will be an opportunity to explore the richness of the Lunar New Year and culinary cultures.
No discussion of Lunar New Year foods is complete without mentioning Tangyuan, a Chinese dessert filled with sesame or red bean paste, resembling Japanese mochis and symbolizing the good things to come in the new year. The pronunciation of ‘tang yuan’ closely aligns with the Chinese phrase for togetherness and family gatherings. Each bite of Tangyuan sparks the joy of reunion, navigating the seas of filial love with waves of laughter and affection. Scooping these colorful delights into your spoon, you’re making a promise to yourself of good fortune and togetherness that persists through the changing tides of time.
But why do we celebrate Lunar New Year with such elaborate feasts? Beyond satisfying our appetites and palates, each dish holds profound cultural significance. Dumplings, resembling ingots, symbolize wealth and prosperity. Nian Gao, the sticky cake, signifies the hope for a sweet and prosperous future. Tangyuan, with its round shape, represents family unity and reunion. Celebrating the new year with these foods is an act of connecting with tradition and expressing our collective hopes for 2024. As you gather around the table, may each dish bring not only sustenance but also luck, laughter, and a year brimming with success. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
The Magpie is home to many young poets and writers, taking the initiative to publish student-submitted works every year. You may have seen the Magpie perform at open mics, where writers are welcome to share their creative pieces. The Magpie has also performed their works at other community events, captivating the audience through stanzas filled with vivid images and popping onomatopoeias.
Composed of three primary branches—the prints, events, and online team—the three sections work like parts of a well-oiled machine to power The Magpie. The prints team is in charge of collecting poems from SFS students and then selecting those that fit the theme or criteria for the magazine. The current theme of the Magazine is “Vertigo”, which refers to a sensation of spinning or dizziness. According to Chris Park (12), the editor-in-chief of The Magpie, “designing and printing is an annual process where we correlate works to determine the layout of the final magazine.” The events team brings together performances, open mics, or author visits, kindling a welcoming atmosphere for literary lovers across the school. Additionally, the online team launched Magpie’s website last year, bringing forth more accessibility to their magazine.
theprints thedigitals theevents
One unique aspect of the Magpie is how it “underwent a long metamorphosis into what [it] is today.” Although under different names, the Magpie has been around at SFS for five decades. For a brief glimpse into its history, the literary magazine began as “The Underneath” in the early 70s. In 1990, it changed its name to “The Gray Matter”. While some may cock their heads at this strange title, gray matter refers to the area in our brain responsible for creative thinking.
BY JINA SONG | PHOTO BY OLIVIA SUNG
After its disappearance in the 2000s, the high school English department revived the literary club in its current name, “The Magpie”. The club’s current editor-in-chief commented that “The Magpie is a bird which is believed to bring luck in Korean culture or an omen of good fortune.”
Delving into Chris’s personal story of becoming the editor-in-chief of the Magpie, she remarks that the Magpie drew her in as a “place where students with zeal for creative writing to really flourish. Especially because SFS is highly STEM-oriented, the Magpie was a special outlet to appreciate the value behind the literary arts.”
Magpie has evolved through the decades, mirroring the dynamic and creative evolution of the student body itself. From its humble beginnings as "The Underneath" to its current chapter, the magazine not only preserves the rich tradition of student literature but also acts as a beacon of cultural storytelling and artistic diversity. The integration of Korean cultural elements, the commitment to showcasing student talent, and the nurturing of a literary community speak to the magazine's enduring legacy. It stands as a testament to the power of words and the boundless potential of young poets and writers who find their voice and, perhaps, a touch of good fortune within its pages.
Magpie Executives
A ROBOTIC REVOLUTION
BY IAN CHAE | ART BY YURA SHIN
Imagine a world where robots play sports, cook food, and teach classes. Whether you like it or not, that may soon be our reality. With the emergence of powerful AI tools like ChatGPT, many fear how robots will change our society. They may potentially take away jobs, reach sentience, or maybe even integrate into society as better versions of themselves, but, for now, robots are integral to society’s development. Today, in the golden age of technology, robots are everywhere, visible or not. Robots already roam Incheon Airport, serve food at restaurants, self-drive cars, and even help us with our homework. However, this is just the beginning of technological advancement, with many more revolutionary inventions on their way.
VEX is one of the few programs in SFS that allow students to explore the capabilities of robotics. Offered to all SFS students, VEX allows students to awaken their inner designer, coder, competitor, builder, and even journa teamwork, VEX encourages collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving. Teammates A their experiences as VEX team members.
“OUR VEX TEAM IS FULL OF BRIGHT TEAMMATES WHO HAVE A PASSION FOR THE FUTURE OF ROBOTICS”
So what exactly happens in VEX?
Every year in VEX, a team creates one robot that fulfills a certain purpose. The task every year is a game where two alliances of two teams face off to score as many points as possible with their robots. The alliance with the most points wins. In each session, the team continues creating and developing their robot, coding their program, crafting their robot, and journaling their progress. The team can then compete in tournaments, ranging from KAIAC, Korean Nationals, and the World VEX Championships. The process is a “fun, exciting way to see your creation move” as you give it life. No matter the level of experience in robotics, VEX is an experience available to anyone, one by which you can learn valuable skills, beyond just robotics. Why did you join?
Most of the VEX team members learned about VEX through word of mouth. Alex, who joined VEX in his freshman year, continued the experience because “watching the process of having a robot come to life seemed very interesting.” Additionally, VEX matched his interests in coding. Henri, a close friend of Alex, joined VEX in his sophomore year after hearing about VEX from Alex. Henri decided to join because of the various skills VEX encourages, specifically the designing and building aspects. After the team fell short in its attempt to reach the world championships, Henri and Alex became determined to win a slot this year.
Our VEX team is full of bright teammates who have a passion for the future of robotics. To anyone even remotely interested in robotics, they strongly recommend joining VEX. You would meet people from SFS who share an interest in robotics and learn and collaborate with them. If VEX doesn’t interest you, support the current team! Watch their matches, and give them a high five when you see them in the hallways.
THE PULSE OF EDUCATION: SCHOOL NURSES AT THE HEART OF STUDENT WELL-BEING
BY JINA SONG | PHOTO BY SEOUL FOREIGN SCHOOL
Ph.D.
Head Nurse Lah began pursuing the profession of a licensed nurse as a student, earning her Ph.D. following a long study of specialized knowledge and skills as a nurse. Her passion was sparked by a fascination with studying the human anatomy and body system. “I also liked to help sick and injured people”, Head Nurse Lah said, which is demonstrated by her caring and mother-like personality. As a nurse, she expresses, “[she] loves being able to use this knowledge and skill to help [her] family.” But working as our school nurse is no easy feat, even after years of study and experience as many aspiring nurses in our high school may relate to.
Runny noses, explosive sneezing, and empty Kleenex boxes. It’s the dreaded season of colds that roll around with the gusts of chilly winds. With COVID returning to the scene, students and teachers have been more conscious of their health than ever. But you may ask, where are these hoards of sick students headed? Sitting at the corner of the soccer field, our health office is like a warm, open embrace for the feverish. The nurses, especially in the midst of Covid and the flu, undergo a busy cycle of typing student medical notes, checking symptoms, calling parents, and providing treatments. Welcome to a glance into the life of Head
The greatest challenge is to “prevent infectious diseases in our school, which means keeping 2000 st health office’s official fever policy states that “students return to school until they are fever-fr er.” Despite the indispensable need for sick students to stay home, for both their recovery and spre consistently faces bouts of protests. Complaints from students or parents—and sometimes both—to retu at the nurses. “I hope they understand our efforts to minimize the spread of infectious disease and cooperate for the safety of our community,” the head nurse remarks.
Moving on from such challenges, her favorite aspect of being a nurse is that, “[their] efforts are being recognized by faculty, parents, and students.” She smiled, pointing out the appreciation for the HS Student Council’s recognition and invitation to the Appreciation Day in January where they received a thank you card and flowers on stage. She also finds it heartwarming to see the “students who used to come to the Health Office crying in elementary school show up one day as a wonderful high school student.” The nurse is a growing and healing place for our entire school.
Especially with the constant cases of COVID-19 and influenza emerging, she provided her top tips to minimize your sick visits to the nurse’s office: “First of all, you should wash your hands frequently.” If you don’t have soap and water, try to use hand sanitizer. Second, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. “These are openings for infection. Stay away from people who are sick and consume nutritious food and drink plenty of fluids.” With that being said, don’t forget to refill your water bottles throughout the day! She especially stressed that “disinfection of contaminated surfaces, especially your cellphone and laptop, is important. Some studies even show laptops are more contaminated than toilet seats because of their infrequent disinfection! Try to remember these tips to stay healthy throughout the season! As wonderful as our nurses are, let’s try not to overwhelm them with our visits.
