Dr. Kim Ji-yoon, a political scientist, expressed her ambition to interview Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States.
The magazine 'Bravo My Life' released a photo shoot and interview with Dr. Kim Ji-yoon, who graced the cover of the January issue, on the 2nd. In the photo shoot, Dr. Kim showcased not only her usual intellectual and sophisticated image but also wore a traditional hanbok.
During the photo shoot, a vintage studio and modern reinterpretations of hanbok were prepared, and Dr. Kim revealed her bright and lovely true self while maintaining her strength. After the shoot, in an interview, Dr. Kim said, "I'm not a celebrity, so when would I ever get to do a photo shoot like this? I'm grateful for the opportunity for a new experience."
Dr. Kim Ji-yoon holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Relations from Yonsei University, a master's degree in Public Policy from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Kim recalled that it was not easy to walk the path of a political scientist after many years of study. She said, "I was in my late 20s and early 30s during my master's, Ph.D., and postdoctoral research. My friends were already out in society working, and I often thought, 'What am I still doing in school?' I regretted it. However, because of my lazy personality, I couldn't quit. If I had been diligent and curious, I might have looked for other paths."
Dr. Kim started her professional career at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies and is currently actively running her YouTube channels ('Knowledge Play' and 'Long Take') and appearing on broadcasts after leaving her job. When asked about her concerns at the time of her resignation, Dr. Kim said, "I had a lot of worries about whether to take a risk or choose stability," adding, "No matter what I do, I believe that putting in my best effort is the default, and if a bit of luck follows, I thought I wouldn't have to worry about financial matters."
After much contemplation, Dr. Kim Ji-yoon started her YouTube channel. Regarding the changes in her life, she said, "When I first started YouTube and gained 100,000 and 200,000 subscribers, my children were proud and said, 'Mom, you're cool.' Recently, I've been recognized more often after appearing on TV entertainment shows." She continued, "At some point, I started being called a 'knowledge influencer,' and as a very introverted person, I don't know how to react to such titles. It scares me."
Known as a 'knowledge influencer' and a 'world-class interviewer,' Dr. Kim Ji-yoon has made headlines by conducting exclusive interviews with former U.S. President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Regarding this, she said, "I was lucky. I don't think it was because I was special that I could do it," adding, "But when I do it, I make sure to thoroughly research and study everything about the interviewee." She also expressed her desire to interview President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Dr. Kim Ji-yoon emphasizes that family is the most important thing in life. Her candid and down-to-earth interview will be featured in the January 2025 issue. 'Bravo My Life' is a life magazine that provides in-depth information that resonates with the 50+ generation. It has been recognized as an excellent content magazine by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for three consecutive years, acknowledging its public service and usefulness.
