The Oxford Global Agenda Project 2026 / Arts & Social Science Series

Today, we live in a global society. Because our society consists of various types of people, she thinks that the responsibility of the individual extends beyond themselves and encompasses their role in society. The problems faced by individuals, society and the state will differ depending on what society they are in and what institutions they have. Perhaps today we already think of the world in terms of it being an international family or global neighbours.

Seeun believes that the purpose of society is to help us grow, progress and find happiness. Inspired by this idea, she has created a range of societal art projects that merge jewellery with global issues. Her work centres on jewellery and metal objects informed by the humanities and social sciences. Alongside these, she uses photography and film to express her ideas in the most inclusive ways possible—incorporating text, British Sign Language, and English braille.

She hopes her work offers viewers a moment for self-reflection and greater awareness. Through her societal art projects, she communicates her thoughts with courage and imagines a society where everyone can live with a smile. Her projects have enabled her to engage with diverse audiences around the world.

/ Arts & Social Science Series

“The Wearable Strength: Seven Keys of S.O.C.I.E.T.Y.”

Today's modern society is often called a 'battleground of infinite competition' or the 'pinnacle of excessive competition.' We have faced endless competition at every moment of our lives, and some have lost themselves amid excessive comparison and rivalry driven by others' eyes. Our reality involves fearing school due to academic competition, falling into isolation and depression due to job shortages, and being driven into workplace competition while suffering from the anxiety of unemployment. These negative phenomena created by a competitive society may have left deep wounds in our hearts. It is never easy to overcome fear and pressure within a cold, fierce, competitive environment. We cannot wholly control competition itself.

However, I firmly believe we have the 'power' within us not to let competition dictate our lives and happiness. I want to encourage people to use this inner strength to overcome fear, pressure, and isolation, and to move forward at their own pace and in their own direction. This time, I completed the project inspired by the impressive quotes of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt and the author Helen Keller. The public will gain strength from my work and their quotes, and flexibly overcome difficult times marked by isolation and fear. Also, a shift in perspective is necessary—accepting failure not as an end but as a process of growth toward the next stage —and I believe it is essential to focus on becoming a little better today than I was yesterday.

Moreover, some people might be wondering why I have incorporated sorts of words and English braille into this project. I think small efforts and habits come together to create and grow ourselves, just as words come together to form sentences and writings. This project is a necklace that begins with the words "SOCIETY" and works together to provide positive, inspirational communication. The goal of this project is to deliver the value of inner power.

S – Strength: Symbolises inner strength to overcome adversity.

O – Optimism: Signifies a hopeful outlook towards a bright future.

C – Courage: Represents a brave heart that confronts fear.

I – Inspiration: Evokes new ideas and creativity.

E – Emotion: Understands and encourages each other.

T – Trust: Symbolises belief in oneself and others.

Y – Yes: Refers to a positive attitude towards life's opportunities and challenges.

These words collectively reflect important values an individual should possess as a member of society — strength, hope, courage, emotion, trust, and positivity and aim to provide the wearer with continuous positive inspiration.

Additionally, I sincerely hope that my social art project becomes inclusive and accessible to everyone without barriers.

I want to convey a message of encouragement to everyone in the public who appreciates this work.

“You have always done your best, and you will be able to bravely overcome any future hardships.”

One notable passage from the speech is referred to as "The Man in the Arena" :

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

-Citizenship in a Republic is a speech given by Theodore Roosevelt,

former President of the United States, at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, on April 23, 1910.

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”

-We Bereaved by Helen Keller in 1929.