▶ People②
Alpago Shinasi (M.A. in International Relations, Class of ’10)
Everyone has a story, but Shinasi’s is unusually dynamic. Armed with a master’s degree in international relations from Seoul National University (SNU), he has continually reshaped his life while traversing borders, languages, and cultures as a lecturer, correspondent, comedian, reporter, writer, and YouTuber. Whenever change has confronted him, whether self-driven or imposed, he has allowed it to reshape him. This is an account of the journey of “human Alpago,” who has continued to widen the scope of his world at his own pace.
Alpago Shinasi’s life has passed through several inflection points. Although he was accepted to Istanbul Technical University, he chose to cross borders and pursue his studies at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology(KAIST). Thereafter, he pivoted his academic trajectory from engineering to studying Korean at a language institute, followed by a bachelor’s degree in diplomacy at Chungnam National University, and eventually a master’s degree in international relations at SNU. He reflects that at the center of every change lies the rediscovery of himself.
“In Türkiye, if you do well in school, you are expected to become an engineer or a doctor. However, my life in Korea dismantled the stereotypes I had grown up with in Türkiye. I decided to study political science and diplomacy because I was deeply drawn to international relations, revolutions, and nationalism.”
In his master’s program at SNU, he was so taken with Professor Choi Jungwoon that before he knew it, the two-year program stretched to eight years, during which he immersed himself in rigorous coursework and served as an instructor in the last few years.
“Studying the history from the era of Heungseon Daewongun to the establishment of the South Korean government made me realize that Korea’s progressive–conservative divide long predates the inauguration of the Kim Dae-jung administration. Progressives and conservatives read the same events differently because they see history through different lenses.”
Having been on track toward becoming a researcher, he shifted direction once again and served as a correspondent for Cihan News Agency (Cihan Haber Ajansı). He enjoyed his “festival of achievement,” a time of filing stories and feeling connected to the world whenever his reporting made headlines. But in 2016, when political turmoil in Türkiye forced the shutdown of the news agency and stoked fears that he might be called back against his will, he rebuilt the foundations of his life by naturalizing as a Korean citizen. After wandering through a long stretch of uncertainty, he eventually chose an unexpected path: He turned to stand-up because it brought back cherished memories of the enthusiastic audience applauding him at the speech contest he had won in high school. He drew encouragement from the audience’s laughter and crossed another boundary to move with greater resolve toward a new page in his life book.
“These days, I report on global affairs across 60 countries through TV programs such as Tokpawon 25 O'Clock, while also running my YouTube channels “Alpago’s Knowledge Channel” and “Middle East Times.” Out in the field, I often contend with the unexpected. Ironically, that’s exactly what I love about it. Filming can wear me out, but as soon as I’m home, I’m already longing to go back.”
Navigating shifting tides, Alpago Shinasi has always refined himself anew. Even amid life’s daunting challenges, what has kept him moving is momentum—the force that has propelled him forward. “Sustaining momentum is essential for growth. If you graduate from an elementary school in a remote village, you should pursue your middle and high school education in a larger city and then venture abroad. When young, we grow through challenges, not comfort.”
In every sense, he is a man of remarkable drive. Whenever a challenge has beckoned, he has thrown himself into uncharted territory. His move to Korea was one such daring leap. Choosing the unknown over the familiar has reshaped the course of his life.
“After the Korean War, people underwent a profound change. Those who wouldn’t cross Taebaeksan Mountain are now spreading out across the world, right? Could it be that the nation poured everything into education? I’d like to know why.”
Like other dynamic Koreans, he continues to evolve constantly. Notably, his YouTube channel “Middle East Times,” which drew over three thousand subscribers in its first ten days, has become yet another stage for him.
“You must keep moving. Stagnant water is bound to rot.”
His winsome smile carries the calm strength of a man who has always chosen to grow through challenges and not remain static through comfort.
While weathering numerous challenges and transitions, Alpago has continued moving forward without backing down. What kind of growth does he now envision?
“Has my knowledge deepened? Have I become more empathetic? Have my character and moral sense matured? Am I less vulnerable to harmful temptations? To me, growth is about reflecting on all of these questions. Had I spent my entire life in Türkiye, a predominantly Muslim country, I probably wouldn’t have felt comfortable encountering a Buddhist monk. But in Korea, I now treat Buddhist monks just like I’d treat any elder around me.”
To those who go deep but see the world only through a vertical perspective, his life path might seem unfamiliar. Yet, those who view the world from a larger perspective will grasp the true depth of his challenges. Whenever he has recharted the course of his life, he has emerged a little stronger. With each change of course, he has broadened his horizons and opened up his heart toward others. In the journey of life, where is his next destination? I suddenly found myself wondering what boundary he is about to cross this time.
“True expansion occurs not beyond me, but within me.
It should be directed toward lasting inner balance
and self-reflection, not material gain.”
Alpago Shinasi’s “Middle East Times” has gained wide popularity for its accurate reporting on world events, particularly those in the Middle East.
