Engaging the Public with Korean History: Interview with Hae-rin Park

Content Creator Hae-rin Park (left)

Unlike many college majors that follow clearly defined pathways, history is often pursued for its own sake, without a predetermined outcome. This uncertainty places the responsibility on students to chart their own course and transform what they study into something meaningful. Hae-rin Park, a Korean history content creator and full-time college student majoring in history, demonstrates how academic curiosity can evolve into work that engages and benefits the broader public.

Q: What led you to become a Korean history content creator?

A: I wanted to share my passion for history in a way that felt engaging and approachable. Creating content felt like a fun and effective way to communicate that interest and connect with others.

Q: How did you first become interested in history, and why did you choose it as your major?

A: My interest in history began in elementary school, when I first learned about Japan’s colonial rule over Korea. I found the topic deeply compelling. Because my interest continued for many years, I decided to major in history and pursue it as a long-term academic and professional path.

Q: What aspect of Korean history captivates you the most?

A: I believe the Japanese colonial period is one of the most significant eras in Korean history. It encapsulates the sacrifices, resistance, and efforts of Koreans living under colonial rule. From a practical standpoint, focusing on Korean history also holds more relevance for me as a student preparing for future career opportunities.

Q: You study both history and Classical Chinese literature. What is Classical Chinese literature, and how does it connect to your study of history?

A: Classical Chinese literature focuses on texts written in Classical Chinese, such as The Analects of Confucius and the works of Mencius. I chose this major because Classical Chinese—also known as Sino-Korean—is essential to the study of Korean history. A strong understanding of Sino-Korean is one of the most important foundations for students pursuing Korean historical research.

Q: What qualities do you think are most important for history students?

A: The ability to manage a heavy workload and retain large amounts of information is crucial. In college, the volume of material is significantly greater than in high school. It’s also important to be comfortable engaging with a wide range of literary and historical texts.

Q: You previously represented a student-led organization, Mansa, which promoted Korean history and conducted interviews with professionals in the field. What advice would you give students interested in starting similar projects?

A: Thorough preparation is key. Before conducting interviews, it’s important to research the interviewee and their work carefully. I also made an effort to ask questions that went beyond the usual ones, while ensuring they were thoughtful and respectful—questions the interviewees would genuinely want to answer.

Q: What is your vision for the future?

A: I hope to become a curator at a Korean history museum and help people engage with history in a more accessible way. As a history content creator, I also want to play an active role in society by connecting communities through shared historical understanding.