Instead of borrowing a book from the library, students could borrow “Living Books” from the Human Library, according to KUSPA. “While talking with Living Books––or socially diverse individuals with unique lifestyles––we believe people can break down popular stereotypes in regards to them and come to a happy medium of respectful communication and understanding toward one another,” said Jin Ji Hye (’10, Russian Language and Literature), the team leader of the Human Library.

The Human Library did not start with KUSPA, but first began in Copenhagen, Denmark, for the moral purpose of the enhancement of human rights. An idealistic youth organization called “Stop the Violence” was formed in 1993 to raise awareness by mobilizing youth against violence. During its first official festival in 2000, the Human Library was born to encourage dialogue and build relations among festival-goers. With so many different people, or books, in such a small space for a limited amount of time, they were bound to start “reading” one another.

At the Human Library at KU, students who chose to participate could reserve a 30-minute appointment for a one-on-one session with a Living Book. They were able to make reservations via the KUSPA homepage, or at the booth itself during the event. Although the event lasted only for a week, from October 30 to November 2, it aroused much attention and interest from students, even after it was concluded.

A variety of Living Books were offered and “lent” at the Human Library to participating students, as follows: a homosexual, a super model, an immigrant, a vegetarian and animal lover, and many more, all who reside in Korea.

“I had wanted to participate because I was hoping to share my story of the rare lifestyle that I have in Korea, and perhaps have as many people understand and absorb what I told them about,” said Han Seo Young (33, Paju), a vegetarian and animal activist. Han opened herself up about her life as a vegetarian, which has both its ups and downs. While it gives her a healthy boost, mentally and physically, she often feels alone and sees herself as a burden to others when going out to eat with others. “Another one of the biggest difficulties that I had was that people assumed I would have a subdued personality because of my vegetarian diet, but I actually do not. In fact, it is probably because of these stereotypes that I knew people had, that led me to try and fight against that personality, if I even had one!”

Living Books such as Han had their own stories to tell to students, but even more so, they had the opportunity to listen to their share of stories as well. Han added, “There was one incident where I myself became the listener for a student who wished to tell his own story and receive some sound advice from me as an animal lover and animal rights activist. I realized that it is not only about talking, but it is mainly about sharing.”

Not just the Living Books themselves, but participating KU students received much from the Human Library. Ban Ji Hye (’10, English Education) found out about the KUSPA-funded event, while passing in front of the Dongwon Global Leadership Hall where it was held; the KUSPA organizers there persuaded her to give it a try. “I did not regret it! Through this opportunity, I was able to go one-on-one with people I might have had a bias against,” said Ban, a firm Christian who met a Muslim Living Book. She ecstatically explained how she learned that Muslims are in fact gentle people contrary to popular belief, and that those portrayed in the media are terrorists who are honestly a minority among Muslims. “I did not know what to expect, but I was ignorant, and I had my misconceptions; I am glad I talked to him,” said Ban.

This was the Human Library’s Second Season this year––its first was last year––because of its success, KUSPA conducted another session as a follow-up. The Human Library was a big hit this year, and according to the team leader, there are hopes for it to continue. “It was actually quite a laborious and difficult process to round up as many Living Books as we did,” said Jin. Living Books do not get paid for what they do, but are volunteering for the Human Library purely out of the goodness of their hearts, their time, as well as their energy.

Kang Tae Kyung (’07, Philosophy) was one such Living Book. His friend from KUSPA recommended him, who then chose on his own to volunteer. “I was more than happy to come and try to bend stereotypes people might have, and I was interested to learn what kind of thoughts they had about people like me,” said Kang, who is a student activist and traditional martial artist.

It is not every day that an opportunity like the Human Library is presented, where one may have the freedom to ask any and all questions to people who have, or what may be thought of as having, unusual or exceptional lifestyles. “We only usually meet people who we are familiar with at school, and I believe the people we meet at the Human Library are not people we would meet every day or keep in contact with,” said Ban. “This was such an easy way to meet new people, and I am glad I took part in it.”