[Opinion] Korea’s Astronauts

If I were to name my two most memorable movies on space, I would not hesitate to name the two science fiction movies of 1997: ‘Gattaca’ and ‘Contact.’ In the future, where status is determined by genes, the genetically inferior Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke) changes his identity with Jerome Morrow, who is genetically superior but disabled, and attempts to go to space (Gattaca). His last words before leaving space are memorable: “They say every atom in our bodies was once part of a star. Maybe I`m not leaving, maybe I`m going home.”

The movie ‘Contact’, starring Jodie Foster as Ellie Arroway, is the story of a female scientist in search of intelligent beings from outer space. Adapted from the novel with the same name written by the renowned astronomist and writer Carl Sagan, the lead character says, “If it’s just us, it seems like an awful waste of space.”

Goh San and Yi So-yeon, two Koreans who were selected as candidates for space exploration, remind us of the main characters of the two movies through their passion for ‘space.’

Because for our astronauts, difficult tasks need to be performed in the total solitude of space, the selection was extremely meticulous. The two people who passed a different series of tasks are ‘perfect’ in possessing intelligence, integrity, and health. The two are also scientists and engineers that students today shy away from, and have not studied overseas. Goh, who studied mathematics in college, studied artificial intelligence in graduate school, while Lee is a rare female mechanical engineer.

Early astronauts were required to possess difficult aviation maneuvering skills, and hailed from the flying corps. These days scientists who can conduct scientific experiments in space are preferred. Though leading economic development, they were abased with derogatory terms, while they were the first to be fired during the previous financial crisis. Three quarters of our brainpower who obtained doctorate degrees in science and engineering in the U.S. expressed disappointment and stated that they did not have plans to return. With the pride in treading the path that others avoided, they are surely qualified to look down on the bright green star: planet Earth.

Chung Sung-hee, Editorial Writer, shchung@donga.com