The president of <TheMonthly Tomato>, Lee Yong Won

 Who Is He?

 He graduated from the School of Mass Communication and the School of Communication Sciences at CNU. After graduation, he worked as a reporter and now he runs The Monthly Tomato. He works as the chief editor and the president of The Monthly Tomato.

 1. How Was His Experience At The University?

 He said that he was not a hard working student. When he was discharged from the army service, Korea was experiencing financial crisis known, so everyone was in a difficult situation. But, he spent his time pleasantly. In the 90s when he was a university student, many students participated in political campaigns. He talked about his concerns about society and politics with his friends. It was shortly after the country became a democratic republic, so he was interested in political issues and the irrationalities of the society. And then, he opened eyes to the world. His undergraduate years when he had so much interest in politics and society influenced his life very much. With concerns about society, he became a reporter and now he runs a magazine company.

 2. Why Did He Start The Monthly Tomato?

 He founded The Monthly Tomato after he turned 30. He thought that the society wasn’t working out as he had expected. There were many people in unfortunate situations, and he felt there was a hole in society. He thought we could not live subjectively in this society. He tried to find the way to act subjectivity in his own life and started The Monthly Tomato. He wanted people to change their attitude and value of their life by the Monthly Tomato. By The Monthly Tomato, he hoped that we would get an opportunity to think about our future and worries.

 3. Why Did He Open A Book Cafe, IDEE?

 He had plans to open a book cafe, IDEE, from the moment he started The Monthly Tomato. IDEE was opened to create opportunities to introduce The Monthly Tomato, and many people have come to IDEE. Various activities take place at IDEE. Several shows and displays are held on the first floor, second floor, rooftop, and front yard. He makes good use of IDEE premises. Also, a flea market is held sometimes for 5 days. Moreover, many lectures are delivered at IDEE. Lately, IDEE had a book concert in commemoration of the publication- “Scene of time we know”. The photos of unknown small towns are featured on the magazine. He visited those small towns before they disappear. IDEE is a place where the magazine is introduced and where people can enjoy several cultural arts. He hopes for IDEE to be a cultural space where people can experience art. He wants people to be able to enjoy art through IDEE.

 4. It Is Likely That Regional Magazine Publishers Have Their Own Disadvantages Compared with Seoul Magazine Publishers. What Are the Disadvantages?

 Regional publishers have some disadvantages in a distribution network, printing, bookbinding and publicity. The value of region should be well known and the Seoul-centric perception needs to be changed. The most important thing is governmental industrial support to make these things to be realized. He hopes to see the development of regional publishers with legal aids and the change of our Seoul-centric perception

 5. His Advice To CNU Students

 He says that he wants CNU students to open their eyes to the world. The university is a buffer in life so college years are the best time to travel and create good relationships. It is especially important to read books. He thinks there is value in paper media, so he advises students to feel sensibility that can only be obtained from paper media. Students should experience as much as they can and open their eyes to the world before they go out into the world.