Interview with Robert Kim

As we wrap 2021 and look back at the last 2 years, we see the world fighting against the COVID-19 and its powerful impact on our life around the world. Globally this pandemic has killed 5.4 million people among 276 million people infected while it has made 8.6 billion vaccine doses administered. The pandemic has disclosed a shameful divergence in the recovery and worsened existing inequalities deeply embedded in our society. WHO data shows that the vaccine doses have been administered 18 times more in high-income countries than low-income countries. Nevertheless, the toll of death and infection in high-income countries significantly outnumbers one of counterparts. Delayed recovery from the pandemic will subsequently deprive frustrated youths in developing countries of a lost decade of development, education, employment.

The pandemic has also impacted many aspects of democracy in countries around the world. 6 coups took place and used military force to resolve long-standing conflicts and consolidate power in 2021. 79 of military and authoritarian leaders have postponed or canceled elections to crackdown, arrest, and torture protesters during the pandemic. In the fight against this pandemic, we have to be proactive and learn more about the world around us, volunteer for activities that improve the situation of unequal and unjust distribution of resources and opportunities. As it is aiming for, I hope Hidden figures will pioneer the promotion of these activities and encourage and make the world a better place where everyone has equal rights and faces no inequality issues soon.