- A total of 35 members from 8 countries selected to identify and correct misinformation on Korea abroad and promote Korean culture

- Leveraging global interest in K-Culture to facilitate a deeper understanding of Korean culture and history

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister CHAE Hwi-young, MCST) will host the launching ceremony of the 19th term of the Friends of Korea on September 16 (Tuesday) at the KOCIS Center (10F, Korea Press Center). The ceremony will also be streamed live via Zoom for members based abroad and serve as a means to deepen participants’ understanding of the initiative while strengthening bonds among the group.

35 members selected across 8 countries, including the U.K., Uganda, and Brazil,  with new mentor-mentee program introduced to maximize efficiency among returning and new members

Friends of Korea is a civilian-based activity group open to both Koreans and non-Koreans aged 18 or older. Members monitor international media, websites, and online platforms to identify and report inaccurate information about Korea, while actively promoting a correct understanding of Korea’s culture, history, and traditions at the global level. Since its launch in 2013, a cumulative total of 709 members have actively participated in both online and offline activities, successfully raising global awareness of Korea by reporting and correcting numerous inaccuracies. Their efforts have delivered tangible results, such as changes to correct the sole labeling of the East Sea as the “Sea of Japan” to dual labeling by several major media outlets.

A total of 120 applicants competed during the three-week recruitment period for the 19th term of the Friends of Korea, which started July 21. Of these, 35 finalists were selected (29 Koreans and 6 non-Koreans), at a competition ratio of 3.4:1, for their strong knowledge about Korea as well as their foreign-language proficiency. In addition to major languages like English, Japanese, and Chinese, the 19th term also includes speakers of Turkish, Hungarian, and Arabic. This is expected to enable outreach to a wider range of linguistic regions.

Furthermore, to ensure smoother operations of the 19th term, this year Friends of Korea will launch a new “mentor–mentee program.” Six returning members have been appointed as mentors to assist new participants by sharing their experience and practical know-how. This approach is expected to maximize efficiency and ensure stable program management.

From the global wave of K-Pop Demon Hunters to a deeper interest in K-culture

Diverse activities planned to foster a proper understanding of Korea

Following the launch ceremony, the 19th term of the Friends of Korea will begin full-scale activities by reporting inaccuracies through the “Facts About Korea” portal (www.factsaboutkorea.go.kr), operated by MCST, and by promoting accurate information about Korea. Moreover, with the global popularity of Netflix’s hit animation K-Pop Demon Hunters sparking new interest in Korean culture, this year’s group aims to raise awareness and promote an accurate understanding of Korean culture. Members will utilize generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot, as well as engage with local museums, to identify misinformation and provide accurate information about Korea to global audiences.