The beginning of a year has different meanings for each person. For some, it might be a chance to reset and create new expectations and goals, but for others, it might just be another day in life. However, one aspect that unites both groups is that life is plagued with unavoidable responsibilities, which require hard work and perseverance. The Photo Division of The Granite Tower (GT) opens this year illustrating the never-ending efforts of these different people as they survive and strive for a better future, withstanding everything since “the show must go on.”

Jie Yeowon

Once every month, my family visits local markets to stock up on ingredients to last us the next 20 days or so. This month, we headed to the Osan Five Color Market, where we gathered food to celebrate the Korean New Year. While exploring the colorful scenes filled with halmoni attire, Korean traditional snacks, fresh vegetables, and fish, I was keen to examine the never-ending labor and strife of sellers withstanding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the cold. Though social distancing measures and stigma surrounding COVID-19, might have posed obstacles to the economic stability of local markets, its lively dynamic remains intact.

Yun Sunwoo

As a university student in my early 20’s, I occasionally feel as though I am on the brink of adulthood, which is thrilling but also nerve-wracking. Just a few years ago, I used to snuggle up under the wing of my parents, but I now realize that they must have had the weight of the world on their shoulders. Coming towards that recognition, I can’t help but think that that will be me in the near future.

To capture adults and their hefty responsibilities, I started paying more attention to my everyday surroundings. It wasn’t long before I realized adults sacrifice so much. Although life as a “responsible adult” is tiring, they carry on and make life easier for the rest of us, and I find myself to be in endless gratitude for that.

Kim Minji

With a new year comes fresh responsibilities. Despite bleak prospects on the alleviation of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), students remain firm in their positions, fulfilling their given duties. Daechi, a well-known area in Seoul for private education, continues to bustle with students, proving once again the perseverance of Korean students. For the March issue, I captured moments where one can sense the students’ arduous effort for education. From busy pedestrians to flashing signboards, it is obvious that students are striving hard to achieve their goals. By reflecting at these photos, I hope to leave an aftermath of importance of persistence, no matter how challenging the situations are.