Foreign language news association marks 11th anniversary, honors members who helped spread Korea's voice abroad
The ceremony drew figures not only from the journalism industry but also from the political and diplomatic spheres, including American Chamber of Commerce in Korea Chairman James Kim.
The recipients of the awards presented at the Foreign Language Newspapers Association of Korea's 11th anniversary ceremony pose for a group photo at the Korea Press Center in Jung District, central Seoul, on July 9.PARK SANG-MOON
The Foreign Language Newspapers Association of Korea (FNA) marked its 11th anniversary with a ceremony on Thursday, highlighting the expanding role of international journalism in a rapidly evolving global media landscape.
The event, which took place at the Korea Press Center in Jung District, central Seoul, brought together journalists, diplomats and business leaders to recognize FNA members’ contributions to expanding Korea’s voice abroad.
During the event, the association honored outstanding members who had significantly aided the growth of foreign-language media.
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Jim Bulley, the head of content strategy at the Korea JoongAng Daily, received an award for his contributions to the news outlet’s growth, for which he drove new content development and pioneered the adoption of AI.
Jim Bulley, the head of content strategy at the Korea JoongAng Daily, right, poses for a photo with Yang Kyu-hyun, the CEO of Aju Daily and president of the Foreign Language Newspapers Association of Korea, during the association's 11th anniversary ceremony at the Korea Press Center in Jung District, central Seoul, on July 9.PARK SANG-MOON
Other award recipients included Nam Yoon-jae and Han Seung-min from The Korea Times’ advertisement marketing bureau, Cho Ju-yeong from The Korea Herald’s marketing team and Lee Jae-hyeon from Aju Daily’s strategic marketing department.
Yang Kyu-hyun, the CEO of Aju Daily and chairman of the association, presented the awards.
“Eleven years is by no means a short period. During that time, we have weathered numerous challenges, from the crisis facing print newspapers and the digital revolution to the emergence of AI and shifts in the global order,” Yang said during his opening remarks.
“Despite those changes, foreign-language newspapers have steadfastly served as a platform connecting Korea with the world, bridging languages and cultures through journalism.”
The ceremony drew figures from the political and diplomatic spheres, including Chinese Ambassador to Korea Dai Bing and American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (Amcham) Chairman James Kim.
“The FNA has played an important role in promoting Korea’s exchanges with other countries,” Ambassador Dai said in his congratulatory remarks. He went on to emphasize the expanding responsibility of the media in a world flooded with information and rapid AI development.
“When news moves faster and reaches further, the media takes on an even greater responsibility, and journalists face more challenges to defend the facts and truth,” he added.
From left: Seoul Metropolitan Government Vice Mayor Park Chan-gu, Korea JoongAng Daily Executive Editor Choi Ji-young, The Korea Times CEO Oh Young-jin, Foreign Language Newspapers Association of Korea President Yang Kyu-hyun, Chinese Ambassador to Korea Dai Bing, Reform Party floor leader Chun Ha-ram, Herald Media Group CEO Choi Jin-young and Amcham Korea Chairman James Kim pose for a photo during a ceremony marking the association's 11th anniversary at the Korea Press Center in Jung District, central Seoul, on July 9.PARK SANG-MOON
Amcham Chairman James Kim also stressed the irreplaceable value of traditional journalism in the age of AI.
“Technology can generate content, but it cannot replace sound judgment, editorial integrity or the credibility that professional journalists have built over many years of dedicated service,” Kim said.
He described the association members’ jobs as crucial in helping international readers “understand not just what is happening in Korea, but why it matters.”
“This role is especially important as Korea gains greater global attention in areas such as AI, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and innovation,” he continued.
Reform Party floor leader Chun Ha-ram; Seoul Metropolitan Government Vice Mayor Park Chan-gu; U.S. Embassy in Seoul Director of Communications and Spokesperson Sonia Kim; and members of the country’s four major foreign-language media outlets also attended the anniversary event.
