Korea University Student Union invited special guest on Nov, 20th; a retired public official named Yoon Yeo Joon, former minister of environment. He stopped by Korea University (KU) to unfold his story and share ideas on Korean politics with students. This special meeting is part of “Honey Book Café Project,” a lecture hosted by student council.

▲ Retired public official Yoon unfolds his lifetime lessons. Photographed by Kang Sang Ji.

At the underground auditorium of 4.18 Memorial Hall, he stood in front of small number of students who gave all ears to him. He unfolded his life story–mainly about politics and ethics that public officials have to keep in mind–that included his personal anecdotes with former presidents and political figures. Throughout this story, he consistently put emphasis on “following the path of integrity” as the first prerequisite to be a public official or politician. He also pointed out several social ills that are now pervasive in Korean society including fierce competition and most markedly, the political conflict between conservative and progress. He dealt with quite grave topic that might have bored audience, yet he maneuvered to entwine hard facts with knowledgeable humor and drew occasional laughter from students gathered there.

The joyful dialogue with him went on with no fixed theme. Students often raised rather controversial questions on politics, and were rewarded with factual experience-based answers. At times it drifted rather purposelessly, yet the communication between lecturer and students was smooth enough to keep every audience awakened and focused with curiosity.