I grew up on Jeju Island, South Korea, where I developed an appreciation for nature and a sense of community. Prior to joining ODID, I studied International Relations as an undergraduate at the University of British Columbia (UBC) with a focus on International Economy and Development. During my time at UBC, I had the opportunity to work at the British Columbian Ministry of Jobs, Trade, and Technology (now called the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation), which was a continuum of my interest in diplomacy and the connections between politics, economics, and technology in international relations.

I chose to study at ODID because I was captivated by the unique offerings of the nine-month Global Governance and Diplomacy (GGD) master's program. As I neared the end of my undergraduate studies, I realized there was much more for me to discover regarding the intricate workings of global governance and the various actors involved. I had a strong desire to better understand the effects and limitations of international institutions and norms, and I was thrilled to learn that ODID and GGD would provide me with the opportunity to explore these aspects in depth. Additionally, I had the chance to look through dissertation topics written by the programme's alumni, and I was fascinated by the diversity and breadth of their research interests. This further affirmed my belief that ODID and GGD was the ideal place for me to pursue my academic and intellectual growth.

What I particularly like about GGD and ODID is the strong sense of community and the collaborative learning environment that exists within the department. The small class sizes allow for meaningful interactions and engagement with both professors and students. I remember engaging in discussions on various topics, ranging from secularization to VR in diplomacy, during class. Interacting with students from different parts of the world, who bring unique insights, enriched the learning process and broadened my understanding of global issues. Additionally, I deeply appreciated the exceptional support provided by the course coordinator.

Bringing together my interests in media communications, technology, and East Asian elite politics, my dissertation focused on the topic of South Korean media framing of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its relationship with the South Korean elite discourse. I made the intriguing discovery that mainstream news outlets in South Korea often echoed the long-standing perspective of the South Korean elites regarding emerging technologies, portraying AI as a potent tool for economic development. This alignment suggested a clear influence of the elite discourse on media framing of AI in South Korea.

One of the notable experiences was my role as a student ambassador for the university. I had the opportunity to participate in the student takeover series run by the official Instagram channel for Oxford students (@oxunistudents). Through this platform, I shared my personal experiences, insights, and highlights of student life, contributing to the university's online presence and connecting with a wider audience.

Moreover, as a student at Green Templeton College, I served as the design chair for the Green Templeton College Ball. In this role, I contributed to the visual branding of this prestigious event and enhanced the overall atmosphere and excitement for the attendees.

Additionally, I served as a course representative, organizing various social events for my cohort and acting as a liaison between students and faculty. This role allowed me to effectively communicate students' feedback to the department and facilitate a positive student experience.

Lastly, I had the privilege of being a member of the University's Postgraduate Consultation Group, a platform aimed at amplifying graduate voices within the University community. Through this group, I worked closely with the university staff working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for postgraduate students,

Life at Oxford turned out to be more social than I expected it to be! From departmental events and guest lectures to college formals and other extracurricular activities, there was always something happening that allowed me to engage with people from various backgrounds and interests. It was through these social interactions that I expanded my network and developed new friendships.

Self-awareness is key. To gain self-awareness, take time to reflect on yourself and consider what makes you “you”. Ask questions such as: what makes you unique? What makes you a great fit for the program? Once you know yourself inside and out, you will realize that you are even more amazing than you think – good luck!