In this episode of Beyond the Tigris, we sit down with Sung Kwan Ma, a Korean traveler, photographer, and aspiring YouTuber, who has spent years exploring cultures beyond mainstream narratives. We discuss his journey to Iraq, the interplay of politics and identity, and how national borders shape who we are. Sung shares his perspective on Iraqi and Korean cultural similarities, the concept of independence, and the media’s role in shaping perceptions of places like Iraq. Through his travels, he questions societal structures, challenges preconceived notions, and highlights the power of firsthand experience in understanding the world.

We covered:

- Sung's Childhood Aspiration to Visit Iraq

- His experiences in North Korea

- The Relationship Between Language and Concepts Like Freedom and Love

- How News Media Shapes Human Perception

- Contrasting Media Portrayals with the Reality of Iraq

- The Difference Between Hearing About a Place and Experiencing It Firsthand

- Korean Culture and Its Similarities with Other Asian Cultures

- Embracing Humility and Letting Go of Ego When Traveling

- Iraq as a Melting Pot of Diverse Cultures

- Exploring the Definition of 'Iraqi' and National Identity

- Living Within A Bubble In Your Community