{"id":1562,"date":"2025-12-03T11:07:42","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T16:07:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.colby.edu\/voices\/?p=1562"},"modified":"2025-12-03T11:08:40","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T16:08:40","slug":"a-new-generation-shifting-values-in-a-growing-nation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web.colby.edu\/voices\/2025\/12\/03\/a-new-generation-shifting-values-in-a-growing-nation\/","title":{"rendered":"A New Generation: Shifting Values in a Growing Nation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Lee Eunseo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Interviewee: Eunseo Lee
Interviewer: Hakan Eroglu<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interview Synopsis<\/strong>
In this Oral History interview, I talk with Eunseo Lee, a 22-year-old student from Seoul. I have met Eunseo during my time studying abroad in Seoul, Spring of 2025. We start by talking about her background, where she was born and where she lives, and then her studies. Eunseo shares details about her decision to study chemistry with aspirations to work in the semiconductor industry, and her hobbies, which include photography and running. Our conversation then turns to her identity as a member of Gen Z and the generational gap in South Korea, highlighting differing values between younger and older generations. The conversation then addresses her perceptions of North Korea, and the impact of the media on her perspectives, particularly variety shows featuring North Korean defectors. While Eunseo finds North Korean culture and language differences interesting, she views the topic of unification as distant from her daily life. She believes that unification could offer a potential solution to South Korea’s low birth rate, but it is not a current priority due to significant economic and social challenges. Finally, we reflect upon the course theme of \u201cislands.\u201d Eunseo talks about South Korea’s unique geographical and cultural position, agreeing that it functions like an “island,” which influences its culture. She notes that the popularity of South Korean media in the North could also serve as a surprising bridge between the two distinct societies. This interview was conducted by Hakan Eroglu, a senior at Colby College on October 9th, 2025 on Zoom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n