What I learned from the short-lived Martial Law declaration in Korea

The past two weeks have been among the most challenging of my life. On Tuesday morning, December 3, I woke up to the shocking news that the South Korean president had declared martial law. At first, I thought it must be a reference to the martial law declaration from decades ago. But as I continued reading, I realized it was happening in real-time. I saw fully armed soldiers breaking windows and entering the National Assembly. Civilians were confronting the soldiers, standing in front of guns and military vehicles to stop them. It was unbelievable. I checked several major news outlets, and it was true—it had just happened an hour earlier. For over a week, I couldn’t focus on anything else but following the news and praying.

I was born under a dictatorship. The Korean people fought tirelessly for democracy. Many were arrested, tortured, and some even lost their lives. Thanks to their sacrifice and bravery, we achieved democracy. I’ve always been immensely proud of them and my fellow Koreans.

When I realized the current situation was real, I felt two overwhelming emotions. First, fear that we might revert to the 1970s, potentially sacrificing many lives to regain democracy—a process that could take years. Second, anger—how dare anyone even consider bringing dictatorship back to Korea?

I was following the news alone, and memories of past experiences left me feeling exhausted. It’s like spending months building an amazing art piece, only to have it destroyed in seconds. You don’t feel energized to start again immediately; you feel drained and reluctant to begin anew. That’s how I felt.

Then I saw people demonstrating—individuals half my age—smiling, singing, and chanting ‘impeachment,’ turning the demonstration into a K-pop concert. They brought K-pop light sticks, sang, and enjoyed their time together, as if it were a concert. A famous singer even performed for free. I watched their interviews, hearing how they felt when they first heard the news. I felt camaraderie. Although I was physically alone, I realized I had comrades—people who believed in the same ideals, felt the same way, and shared my values. It was different from a support group. Their ability to make this long journey enjoyable brought a smile to my face and energized me. I started to think, of course, we can do it. It’s a long journey; let’s enjoy it together. That was a shift in energy.

In my group coaching program, Women Leaders Club, I’ve been focusing on building community. I thought it was important for women on the same journey to support each other. After this experience, I realize that’s not enough. I want club members to feel a deep sense of camaraderie, knowing they share the same values and beliefs. I also want to focus more on making the journey fun. This is a bit of a challenge for me, as I tend to be serious. 😉 But I’m energized and excited about this new approach.

During this challenging time, I had friends who stood by me with kindness, care, and love. Their presence reminded me how essential it is to have people who resonate with you in tough moments. ❤️

As I reflect on these events, I’m reminded of the importance of resilience, camaraderie, and fun in navigating life’s challenges. Whether it’s my Women Leaders Club or another community, find the one that helps you thrive. 

Enhance Communication Through Structure

Have you ever sat through a presentation or read an email that seemed to wander aimlessly? You probably found yourself tuning out, wondering what the point was. This happens because the message lacked one key ingredient: structure. Whether you're giving a speech, pitching an idea, or leading a team discussion, structure can be the difference between a forgettable moment and a lasting impact.

What Is Structure and Why Does It Matter?

Structure is the backbone of effective communication. It organizes your ideas into a logical sequence, helping your audience follow and understand your message effortlessly. A clear structure creates clarity, builds trust, and makes your points memorable. Without it, even strong ideas can get lost in a swirl of disconnected thoughts. Structure ensures your audience stays engaged, connects with your message, and knows exactly what to do next.

Examples of Effective Structures

Here are some powerful structures to guide your communication:

1. What > So What > Now What

This structure works for explaining ideas, making proposals, or driving action.

• What: Introduce the topic, idea, or concept.
• So What: Explain why it matters and how it impacts your audience.
• Now What: End with actionable steps or next moves.

Example:

• What: This new software improves workflow efficiency.
• So What: It saves us five hours of manual work each week, freeing up time for strategic tasks.
• Now What: Let’s schedule a trial run to see how it fits our needs.

2. Problem > Solution > Benefit

This is ideal for persuasive communication, such as addressing challenges or presenting opportunities.

• Problem: Identify a clear issue your audience cares about.
• Solution: Propose a viable way to address the issue.
• Benefit: Highlight the positive outcome of implementing the solution.

Example:

• Problem: Our team spends too much time on repetitive tasks.
• Solution: Automating workflows with this software could simplify these processes.
• Benefit: It will save time, reduce errors, and improve team productivity.

3. Point > Reason > Example > Point

This structure is great for making a strong argument or illustrating a key idea.

• Point: Start with your main argument or statement.
• Reason: Provide the rationale or supporting evidence.
• Example: Share a concrete example to illustrate your point.
• Point: Reinforce the initial argument with greater clarity.

Example:

• Point: Clear communication improves team efficiency.
• Reason: Miscommunication leads to duplicated efforts and missed deadlines.
• Example: Last quarter’s delay could have been avoided with clearer instructions.
• Point: That’s why clarity is critical for achieving team goals.

4. Comparison > Contrast > Conclusion

Use this structure when comparing options or perspectives to lead to a decisive outcome.

• Comparison: Highlight similarities between the options.
• Contrast: Explore the key differences or trade-offs.
• Conclusion: Share your recommendation or takeaway based on the analysis.

Example:

• Comparison: Both software tools offer automation and analytics.
• Contrast: Tool A is easier to implement, while Tool B offers more customization.
• Conclusion: Tool A is the better choice for our current needs due to its simplicity and faster onboarding.

5. Situation > Task > Action > Result (STAR)

This structure works well for storytelling or sharing past experiences.

• Situation: Describe the context or event.
• Task: Explain the goal or challenge you faced.
• Action: Share what steps you took to address the challenge.
• Result: Highlight the outcome of your efforts.

Example:

• Situation: Our client retention rate was declining.
• Task: We needed to identify and address the causes of churn.
• Action: We conducted surveys, implemented feedback, and improved customer support.
• Result: Retention increased by 15% in three months.

Why These Structures Work

Each of these frameworks provides a logical flow that ensures your audience stays engaged and understands your message. By using them, you can simplify complex ideas, connect with your listeners, and inspire action.

Mastering these structures will not only elevate your communication but also ensure your ideas leave a lasting impact. So, the next time you speak, write, or present, let structure be your guide—and watch your message transform.