Dear Reader,

“I am more than excited to see what the future of Herald, led by the next generation of Editors, will bring to us readers.”

These are the words that Jisun, my predecessor, left me with in her last letter as Editor-in-Chief. Obviously, the first of that “next generation of Editors” — is me. Reading those words on the page, I felt like I was thrown out only half-prepared into the deep, deep seas of “editorship”. 

I thought the transition from Assistant Editor to Editor-in-Chief would be relatively straightforward — after all, I had experienced eight editing weekends already, switching between the 30-or-so tabs of articles which would comprise the month’s issue, searching up background information on topics I didn’t know much about, and racking my brain for ways to reword ideas into clearer sentences for whole days on end. I could not have been more wrong.

“Responsible” is a word I have always pulled out when anyone asked me to describe myself since elementary school. The concept seemed quite simple — I was punctual to class, I finished my homework before going out to the playground, I never forgot my promises and commitments; therefore, I was responsible. But responsibility, especially as the editor of a newspaper, is so much more than that.

Taking a look at its definition, responsibility is first “having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone”. Although it might sound cliché, I have witnessed the power of our writing. Those seemingly flimsy words have significant outcomes once proliferated and taken into action. In turn, our 16 pages of articles must be filled with a careful selection of the most relevant, novel, and necessary for the wide range of KAISTians we reach out to, out of the vast pool of issues we face each day. 

Responsibility is also “the state of being accountable”. I am accountable for not only the impression that the Herald leaves through those 16 pages, but also for any ideas or discussion that have sparked from what our reporters have written. Thus, stimulating constructive discussions is a goal that the Herald should strive toward.

Finally, responsibility implies “a moral obligation to behave correctly”. The search for the truth is no easy feat, and at times, there is no guarantee that one even exists. Nevertheless, the Herald must become a trustworthy source, encompassing all of the voices and values we believe bring us closest to the truth. 

So, I am now responsible for The KAIST Herald and its 25 members. I am responsible for all the voices that seek to use the words on our paper as a medium for communication. And I am responsible for you, dear Reader, who will read those voices from our pages to obtain information and formulate your own opinions. 

As intimidating as that may sound, I know that I am not alone. Herald exists as a platform to connect you to the community surrounding you and beyond, and you, dear Reader, are my guide to navigate through this journey. I hope each issue of our newspaper can bring something new to you: an unfamiliar idea introduced, a fresh perspective to contemplate and discuss, an activity to be shared and enjoyed together. During my term as Editor, I hope I can fulfill my responsibility to you to the greatest of my abilities. I am excited to deliver to you the most of the Herald. And I hope you feel the same way.

With anticipation,

Hae-Rim Kim

Editor-in-Chief