I cannot believe I became some kind of hero. I’m just a common Korean woman.
I’ve decided to study the MBA, as it’s crucial to have comprehensive knowledge of business administration and management in running science technology institutes as well as making science-related policies.
It’s not uncommon in South Korea for a building to not have a women’s bathroom.
I feel bad that I’m the one always blamed for the failure of the space business – even though there are problems with government policy toward the space business.
If you ask me what’s harder, being famous or flying to space, I’d say fame is much harder.
I will try and make peace between North and South Korea.
California is an easy place to be an Asian woman engineer.
They gave me 18 experiments to complete in my 10 days in the ISS. That’s a lot. Everyone told me I didn’t have to complete all of them, that it wasn’t expected of me. But I knew everyone was watching me, so I gave up meals and sleep and completed all 18 experiments. It’s a very Korean thing to do.
Only in space did I realize how lucky I am to be Korean. Only in Korea could I have gone to space before turning 30 years old.
I felt so free in space, flying around and unrestrained by any social relationships, but my life since has changed a lot. Now I am extra-careful about what I say and do because everyone recognises me.