Overview
This committee will function as a traditional crisis committee, with an emphasis on teaching foundational MUN crisis skills. The committee will function on a two-pad note system, where delegates will be given two legal notepads to write their crisis notes on, and the backroom takes one pad per cycle. Each of the two pads should be filled with notes addressed to one external contact, such as a mother, spouse, or powerful relative. The note cycle duration will vary depending on staffing and the speed of committee debate. On average, it will take 30 minutes to process one pad and collect the second. Crisis updates will take place interspersed with committee, likely coinciding with the note-collections.
Topic: Defense of the Korean Peninsula during the Imjin War, 1592
The Japanese have come to the great peninsula of Joseon. With Japan under the leadership of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, having risen to power after a series of civil wars throughout Japan with the daimyo of Hideyoshi coming out on top once the dust settled. This is a great danger that has arisen across the peninsula with worries of the eradication of Korea as we know it. Though there is a source of help in East Asia currently as the Ming dynasty in China is also under threat by the Japanese and views Korea as a final buffer before they also fall under the direct crosshair of the Japanese invasion.
Busan has just received word that invaders have landed from Japan, a force of around 200,000 Japanese are at the doorstep and are about to occupy the South Eastern city. The committee will have to advance technology, create superior battle tactics, or come up with solutions to the actions made by the invaders. All in the name of defending the great peninsula of Joseon with its rich culture and diverse geography throughout. Any and all resources may be expended to prevent the fall of Korea.
The Dais
Rysen Hirata-Epstein - Chair
Rysen Hirata-Epstein is a senior at Boston University and the Kilachand Honors College, where he is double majoring in English and Political Science. As he steps onto the dais for the Imjin War, Rysen marks the final committee of a distinguished nine-year MUN career. Originally from Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, he serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Boston University Pre-Law Review, is a frequent Wikipedia editor, a violist, and a dedicated researcher of the works of Maurice Ravel.
Throughout his time in MUN, Rysen has specialized almost exclusively in historical committees. He is fascinated by the "absurdity" that historical fact can bring to the table and how creative delegates can fundamentally alter the course of the past. Rysen is a firm advocate for "Fun MUN." While he encourages intense debate and high-stakes maneuvering, he emphasizes that healthy discussion is far more successful than aggression.
When he isn’t managing a wartime cabinet, Rysen can be found exploring his favorite Wikipedia rabbit holes. He is excited to make his final conference a memorable one and can’t wait to see how you all reshape history.
Contact: rysenhe@bu.edu
Kaitlyn Sim - Vice Chair
Kaitlyn Sim is a freshman at Boston University majoring in Business with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Biology. Having participated in Model UN throughout her high school career, Kaitlyn actually attended BosMUN as a delegate before joining the staff side. Since arriving at BU, she has traveled with the competitive team and recently served as a Vice Chair for the Crisis Ad Hoc at BarMUN XVIII.
Originally from Hawaii, Kaitlyn is an avid lover of the outdoors. Before the Boston winter set in, she could usually be found hiking, spending time at the beach, or playing tennis, spikeball, and volleyball. She is also a passionate photographer specializing in landscape, wildlife, and portrait photography. When she isn't behind a camera or in the gym, she enjoys exploring the local restaurant scene and attending live concerts, with a musical palette ranging from indie and rock to jazz and classical.
Kaitlyn has a deep appreciation for historical committees and is excited to see the complexity of this committee unfold. She encourages delegates to remain confident and creative while maintaining an inclusive environment for their peers. She looks forward to seeing the strategic maneuvers and enriching discussions delegates will bring to the table this February.
Contact: ksim@bu.edu
Miya Peterson - Crisis Director
Miya Peterson is a sophomore at Boston University pursuing a double major in Environmental Analysis and Policy and International Relations, complemented by a minor in Japanese Language and Literature. Originally from Hawaiʻi, Miya often enjoys escaping the Boston cold to head home, but while on campus, she spends her free time hiking, crocheting, and drawing. This marks her second year with BosMUN, though her Model UN experience stretches back to the era of virtual high school conferences. She is a seasoned veteran of the crisis circuit, and served as the Director of Delegate Affairs for BarMUN XVIII and now her third time in the role of Crisis Director.
With approximately fourteen crisis committees under her belt, Miya brings a wealth of technical expertise to the Imjin War backroom. While she acknowledges the gravity of this topic, she holds a high standard for creativity and strategic depth. She specifically looks for crisis arcs that are meticulously researched and well-developed, featuring a clear progression from beginning to end. Miya is eager to see the intricate narratives and characters delegates create on their legal pads and looks forward to a weekend of high-stakes historical simulation.
Contact: miyasp@bu.edu
Sabrina Hughes - Assistant Crisis Director
Sabrina Hughes is a freshman at Boston University studying International Relations and Chinese Language & Literature with a minor in Philosophy. Originally from Long Island, New York, she is a proud advocate for the superiority of New York bagels and pizza. While BosMUN XXV is her first time participating as a staffer for this conference, she recently gained valuable experience staffing a crisis committee at BarMUN and is eager to bring that energy to the Imjin War backroom.
Outside of her academic and MUN pursuits, Sabrina is a "stairmaster warrior" at the gym and a recently retired Irish Dancer who still enjoys visiting the dance studio on occasion. She also spends much of her time exploring the various neighborhoods of Boston. Sabrina is particularly looking forward to seeing how delegates develop their individual character arcs and navigate the historical complexities of this topic. She enjoys the challenge of connecting the dots between various delegate actions and encourages everyone to be creative as they craft their narratives for the upcoming weekend.
Contact: samwh@bu.edu