How can a magazine contain a variety of young people's stories? Here is 《Laugh Jeonju》, a magazine created by four students from the Department of Sociology at JBNU. 《Laugh Jeonju》, in Korean called 《R깔깔전주》, tells a story of our unique locality. In Korea, ‘깔’ means color, and ‘깔깔’ is a word that expresses a pleasant laugh. As the name suggests, all four editors hope that many people will smile at their magazine. Shin Yu-jeong (pen-name Very) and Jeong Cheol-woo (pen-name Seon-u), who always dreamed of publishing a magazine, proposed this project to Jeon Seung-a (pen-name Seung-duck) and Kim Young-hwa (pen-name Movie). The JBNU Globe gives a behind-the-scenes look at their fresh magazine.

• Purposes and Criteria for Their Selection of Topics

Seon-u and Very have always wanted to create a magazine about local stories. It was a vague dream, but it became a reality through the ‘Student Self-Design Contest’ hosted by JBNU last winter. Very said, “we are living in a rural region, not a metropolitan one.” There are a plethora of stories concerning metropolitan areas, along with many media and cultural events that further illuminate them. Very expressed disappointment over the small coverage that less populated areas receive. “The local youth are doing various activities and writing their own stories. They just need something to push their stories forward,” she added. It is the reporters’ wish to capture the stories of various young people living in the countryside.

How do these young reporters select topics? They typically select keywords based on the magazine’s theme and color scheme and publish stories of young people who match that criteria. There are three criteria for the selection of the magazine’s topics: young people being active in Jeonju, people who engage in activities related to certain keywords, and new and interesting topics.

• Their Other Goals

The JBNU Globe asked about the editors’ next goal. All of them said, ‘publishing the next issue’ is their top priority. Unfortunately, this is not an easy task. Publishing a magazine is not only an expensive business, but all editors must have an open and flexible schedule. Very said, "we plan to find a support program to publish the next issue." These editors have specific and personal goals for their magazine. Movie hopes to publish three magazines within the year. She aims to continuously let people know what is happening in Jeonju. The editors stated that they want to overcome the regrets and inexperience felt when making the first issue. For their new publication, they want to find their own charm to deliver diverse stories. Seung-duck said, "as all editors study sociology, I want to tell a story that urges readers to use their sociological imagination." Moreover, she wants to make 《Laugh Jeonju》 a forum for discourse among young people in Jeonju. Seon-u wants to expand 《Laugh Jeonju》 into a broader magazine and hopes to learn a lot from his fellow editors before starting his career.

• Why are the Stories of Jeonju Important?

《Laugh Jeonju》 is a local magazine and contains the stories of Jeonju. Why did these editors choose the stories of Jeonju? The stories have well-defined values about the relationship between different regions and people. Movie believes that she can meet new people and look back on her life. She mentioned that the act of telling a local story is an act of showing interest and affection for the region, and through this process, she can develop into a better person. Very believes that ‘archiving’ is very important. She feels deep regret for the disappearance and alienation of people's stories in the ever-growing cities. Through 《Laugh Jeonju》, she aims to introduce unknown spaces, facilities, and stories to help young people living in Jeonju. Seung-duck believes that an area with a story is full of life. She thinks that stories created by people living together are valuable in themselves. Seon-u thinks he spent memorable 20s in Jeonju. By sharing his fond memories with readers, he wants to inform them that Jeonju is a pretty charming city.

Despite all the difficulties, these editors didn't give up. Their countless hours, sweat, and the grueling work of finding stories in Jeonju gave birth to <Laugh Jeonju>. There is no doubt that local magazines created by the local students have a high scarcity. Look at the brilliant results of their love for Jeonju and their spirit of welcoming a challenge! With curiosity, passion, and willpower, <Laugh Jeonju> will move toward showcasing more stories.

• 《Laugh Jeonju》 vol.1 Purchasing Guide

Access their Instagram profile (@laughjeonju), fill out the purchase application form and transfer money to their account.   Prices: five thousand won for ePOST mail and three thousand won for hard copies* (＊only available when meeting near the JBNU Main Campus.)

• Places where 《Laugh Jeonju》 is Available

| Park Ji-woo, Ha Yae-one Reporters