This month, the Photo Division team searched for some triumphant moments around us. In a society where humility is a basic quality to success, our self-esteem often makes us forget that we were great people ourselves. We looked for things that literally explain themselves to be sovereign through photography. While we agree that interpretation is subjective, we hope these will give you a chance to look back on your own definition of triumph and eventually restore confidence.

Oh Ji Su

South Korea is a country where the ancient harmoniously blends with modernity. It is a place rich in history and culture that transcends time, forming a defining part of people’s daily lives. It is a memory that survived after years of conquering and being conquered, the remains of the ancient era, the tangible proof of our roots, and the legacy left by our ancestors. Throughout the country, these monuments remain for people to visit and explore their roots. The old but vibrant and intricate architecture makes these places unique and overwhelmingly beautiful.

These pictures represent just that: the union between our past and present. All pictures are from Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, both of which are located in the middle of Seoul. One would expect these places to be located in the countryside due to their size and grandeur; however, they are in fact just a few steps away. For this section, I mostly took pictures of buildings close to water in order to depict the resting place of royalty in the past.

Jie Yeowon

Sometimes we venture off on journeys with a certain objective in mind. Whether it be to cleanse our emotional palette or to attain inner peace, we let our bodies wander in search of mental stability. Yet, coming to a journey’s end and looking back, we can realize that what has conquered our reflective minds are often things we do not anticipate upon initially heading into the experience. The unforeseen weather, the surrounding attractions, and the sensible style of an accompanying friend all play into enhancing the sensation of the entire adventure.

To capture these spontaneous bursts of inspiration, I began carrying around my camera when I had the chance to escape my home ground. Needless to say, mindlessly taking photos without much preparation was frustrating at first. Yet, I slowly found myself getting more accustomed to detecting and appreciating the small beauties scattered around the centerpiece of the moment. Examining the photos after returning to reality, I found the ones I took most abruptly were the images that left the biggest imprint in my mind.

Ryu Jiin

Han River holds a special place in many of our hearts. Coming from a different city, I was mesmerized by its beauty on cloudless days and how it gleamed from city lights at nighttime. There, I created some of my best memories in Seoul, with beautiful companions and good food. From Yeouido to Ttukseom, and along the Seoul Subway Line 2, Han River is something we encounter in our daily lives. It is easy to overlook the people or the things the closer we are to them. So, in this issue’s photo essay, I wanted to capture the Han River off-stage. Ttukseom on a weekday after a rain was unusually silent and vacant. The steps and the bench that are normally crowded with people never looked so empty. However, at Han River, stripped off, the small things captured my attention. When the glamour of sunshine wears off, citizens can see other aspects of Han River and the tiny parts that constitute it. Historically, the Han River was a strategic point during the Three Kingdoms period. A kingdom that seized Han River in battles would reach its golden age and prosper. However, now, in a society where it is so easy to get caught up with “winning” and “conquering,” Han River provides a place to look away for a moment and to focus on the small joys in life.