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Islands of Korea, Islands of the World                                                                                             Q. What are your personal goals moving                                                                     ISLAND Scene





                                                                                                                                         forward?
                                                                                                                                         I want to keep raising awareness of islands so
                                                                                                                                         more people can experience them and understand
                                                                                                                                         their  importance.  People  need  firsthand
                                                                                                                                         experience to truly appreciate why these places
                                                                                                                                         should be protected.

                                                                                                                                         I plan to keep sharing island stories through
                                                                                                                                         writing, video, and other channels. I’ll also
                                                                                                                                         continue studying to back up my voice with
                                                                                                                                         solid reasoning and results. I’m committed to
                                                                                                                                         safeguarding what we have—our precious island
                                                                                                                                         resources—with steady, passionate steps.

                                                                                                                                        “I’ll keep working through different channels so
                                                                                                                                         that more people take an interest in our islands.
                                                                                                                                         I’m determined to walk the path of protecting our
               Q. What are your hopes for the Youth               Q. What role do you hope KIDI will play                                precious resources with sincerity and purpose.”
               Advisory Group moving forward?                     going forward?
      02
      Vol.     One member was a resident of an island, and that   I was thrilled to hear of KIDI’s launch. I see it as a
               reminded me that the most accurate and powerful    place that can lead research and set big-picture
               voices come from islanders themselves. Including   guidelines for island development. I believe the
               more local residents would result in more realistic   Institute is deeply thinking through pressing
               suggestions. If meetings could be structured to set   issues like settlement conditions, transportation,
               collective goals and follow through with action,   industry, marine environments, tourism, and
               that would be even better. Since knowledge levels   population decline.
               differ, I also think a foundational education session
               would help. For example, in August 2023, an        I heard KIDI recently launched a counseling center
               academy in Gunsan explored island policy cases     to hear islanders’ concerns—this will be a huge
               from Jeju and Japan. I’d love to see more regular   help in identifying on-the-ground issues. I hope
               educational programs for the advisory group.       the Institute continues to amplify residents’ voices
                                                                  and act as a bridge between civil society and
                                                                  institutions.

               Spreading Awareness of Island                      KIDI  is  uniquely  capable  of  producing  well-
               Value Through Multiple Channels                    researched policy proposals. I trust it will serve
                                                                  as a reliable hub for communication and provide
               Q. Is there a KIDI project you’d like to join
                                                                  trustworthy information as a research institute.
               in the future?

               Yes—the “Living on an Island” workation program.
               It offers a long-term stay rather than just a short
               visit, which I find very meaningful. It directly helps
     54        improve perceptions of island life.                                                                                                                                                                                                  55
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