UN Day: How Korea admitted to the United Nations and what has happened since

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NEWs GENERATION is a program hosted by Arirang TV covering Korea’s latest trends and current affairs from the perspective of those in their twenties and thirties (millennial and Gen Zers, dubbed the ‘MZ Generation’ in Korea). For all of my appearances, visit
NEWs GENERATION Appearance.

What exactly does GMUN do and what type of role are you doing?

So, GMUN is our Model United Nations program here at George Mason University Korea. While we’re registered as a registered student organization or RSO, which is similar to what you would consider as a ‘club’ in many Korean universities, our primary target is for our students majoring in Global Affairs or Conflict Analysis and Resolution as these two programs focus on the interdisciplinary study of global issues, conflict, and peacebuilding.

Our goals at GMUN is to first provide our student body an opportunity to host a Model United Nations event of its own as we actually held the first MUN event ever on our campus this semester, enabling them to empower themselves in an academic and professional manner.

As the Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management, I am mainly responsible for overseeing the operation of simulated UN education programs in and out of the Secretariat, the correction of the rules of procedure, and for the training of delegates, staff, press, and chairpersons.

How important do you think youth is in terms of sustaining or better facilitating the United Nations and its values?

That’s a great question. Today, I think it’s increasingly apparent that the world has become more interconnected yet more fragmented than ever. Information from all around the world is accessible at the tip of your fingertips, but at the same time, we’ve witnessed more and more violent conflicts and wars amid a global democratic backsliding.

At the heart of many of these issues lie many complex layers of history, culture, politics, and economy and that’s why international organizations like the United Nations exist: for nation states to find common ground and search for solutions. International peace and security are so important not only because of national sovereignty, but because of many people whose lives are endangered by conflicts such as that in Israel and Palestine.

That’s why it’s also important to acknowledge and empower the role of youth. I see today’s youth as more resilient than ever and capable of solving many of the pressing issues that face the world as future leaders. I think part of that comes from a dire need for us to change and act now, especially when topics such as climate change poses a global threat and question of survival on the entire human race.

What more should be done to make sure the UN better plays its part in the world?

The United Nations isn’t without its flaws. A lot of people are tired or simply don’t care anymore because they don’t expect international organizations, like the UN, to agree on matters or be effective enough to enforce real change.

I am, however, hopeful that things can and will change for the better although it will be a slow and tedious process. Because you also mentioned youth, continuing to empower young people in the decision-making process in addition to reforming bloated bureaucracies, for example, could help the UN gather diverse perspectives and prepare swift responses.