Soju Think You Can Dance: The Imjin War, 1592
Background Guide coming soon!
In the year 1592, the Korean Peninsula finds itself beset by a great power: the Armies of Taik? Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Japan has decided Korea is a nice stepping stone to conquering all of Ming China. Korea's Joseon Kingdom needs help, and Buddhist Monks have taken up arms to defend her. A sect of roughly 5,000 monks, organized by Supreme Commander of the Eight Provinces and Sixteen Schools Hyujeong, have taken up arms and coordinated to defend the homeland. These so called peaceful seekers of enlightenment have united and strapped themselves to the yoke of necessity in order to ward off the invaders. The peninsula awaits with baited breath as the Korean and the Japanese armies collide. Not only is this worldly conflict brewing, you all are soldiers, generals, and kings in a subcutaneous battle between those seeking to escape samsara and the devil, Mara. Across time and space, Mara seeks to trap beings in a cycle of death and rebirth and prevent enlightenment. As incarnations of the Buddhist Pantheon, it is your jobs to defend the Saha and guide the beings within towards enlightenment. This conflict is never-ending and will occur over many different times and places. Are we in the final stages of the Buddhist world, or shall the monks usher in a new age of Nirvana?
Nicholas Carone
ChairGreetings delegates!
I'm Nicholas Carone, your chair of the Imjin War! I’m a fourth-year at Berkeley studying Political Science and History. In my time at UCBMUN, I have been lucky enough to experience conferences as both a delegate and staff member—traveling across the country to compete at a variety of universities and chairing our very own committees. I was UCBMUN's president last year, but I have graciously passed that prison sentence along to my stunning and brave Crisis Director, Will.
Outside of Model UN, I am the Senior World Editor for the Berkeley Political Review and a member of Greek life. I like to stay active: I hike, play basketball (I will dust u), and train BJJ. I love classic rock, shout out Jimi Hendrix and CCR, I cook a lot—I chef up a fire chicken parm, and I am an avid reader and creative writer.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me or Will!
Best,Nicholas Carone
Chair, Soju Think You Can Dance: The Imjin War, 1592
Will Baker
Crisis DirectorHello delegates!
I’m Will Baker, and as a third-year student at UC Berkeley studying History, I’m thrilled that I get to put my major to good use as the Crisis Director for UCBMUN’s Imjin War committee! I joined UCBMUN my freshman year and competed in MUN for all four years of high school, so it’s safe to say I have a little staffing experience. This year I’m lucky enough to be UCBMUN’s Co-President along with my wonderful roommate! My life isn’t entirely about MUN; I’m also the Senior Opinion editor for the Berkeley Political Review (can you tell I love talking about geopolitics?). I’m originally from San Diego, but over two years in the Bay have brainwashed me into believing that SF is the greatest city in the world. One fun fact about me: last summer I started taking Mandarin classes, so if you give me an excuse I will absolutely speak a little during a crisis update. Get ready for an enlightening committee experience, delegates!
Best,Will Baker
Crisis Director, Soju Think You Can Dance: The Imjin War, 1592