The 2024 Korean Culture Content Creators Appointment Ceremony (Courtesy of the MCST)

This year, 2,641 people have been appointed as Korean cultural promoters who will share their perspectives about Korea on the international stage. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) held an appointment ceremony for this year’s class of Korean culture promoters on April 30, 2024. 

Of those selected this year, 1,387 people from 93 countries were named Korea.net Honorary Reporters, while 1,254 people from 97 countries were selected as K-influencers. The promoters will focus on reaching out to expatriates in Korea and others interested in Korea abroad and produce content such as articles, photos and videos about Korea in their native languages. Their content will provide a fresh look at Korean culture from a non-Korean perspective and help promote Korea globally.

The 2024 Korean Culture Content Creators Appointment Ceremony (Courtesy of the MCST)

The April 30 induction ceremony, titled "K-Voyage Begins!," marked the beginning of the Korean cultural promoters' journey to discover Korean culture. About 100 promoters in Korea started their activities locally, while others from different parts of the world joined through online video conferencing. The MSCT livestreamed the launch ceremony on Korea.net’s YouTube channel, allowing people around the world to celebrate the successful start of the promotional campaign.

Korea Here & Now sat down with Zuibada Hassan, a newly appointed Honorary Reporter, to learn more about what motivated her to apply for this exciting program. 

Through the promotional tour, the reporters spent time understanding fishing villages by experiencing the tidal flats and collecting clams. (Courtesy of the MCST) 

Korea Here & Now: What motivated you to apply for a position as a Korean Culture Content Creator? 

Hassan: One of my main reasons for moving to Korea was my interest in learning the Korean language and culture. I also enjoyed creating content, including writing articles, reports and stories. I saw the Volunteer Reporter Program as an opportunity to pursue my hobbies and interests. That's why I applied for the position of Korean Culture Content Creator!

Hawash: It all started with Korean dramas, which led me to discover K-pop, variety shows, K-beauty, and Korean cuisine. I've always admired how Koreans incorporate food into every aspect of their lives. As I watched shows featuring Korean food, my curiosity grew, and I decided to try it for myself. I began by dining at Korean restaurants and quickly fell in love with the flavors. Eventually, I started cooking Korean dishes at home. My brother suggested that I start a YouTube channel to share my Korean food recipes, which I did. In 2022, I discovered the K-influencer Academy. Now, for the third year in a row, I am a K-influencer, using my social media platforms to spread and share Korean culture through my Korean food recipes.

Korea Here & Now: What activities have you primarily engaged in as a Korean Culture Content Creator?

Hassan: Generally, I create short-form video content for my Instagram page. I make content about travel, fashion and other topics that I enjoy. The Korean Culture Content Creators program is the best platform and resource for me to post on my Instagram page, while improving my editing and video skills. I am currently working on a short video about my recent trip to Namwon during the Chunhyang Festival, which was organized by MCST!

Hawash: I have been recognized as a star K-influencer, with one of my videos being featured at the K-wave Festival in 2022. I have also been appointed as a Salam Seoul Ambassador by the city of Seoul to promote Korean culture to Muslims and other non-Koreans. I am actively spreading Korean culture in Egypt and learning the Korean language!

Through the promotional tour, the reporters spent time understanding fishing villages by experiencing the tidal flats and collecting clams. (Courtesy of the MCST) 

Korea Here & Now: During your tenure as a Korean Culture Content Creator, what would you like to accomplish?

Hassan: I want to be able to experience, research and learn about Korean culture in depth. I believe that Korean culture is often lost or overlooked due to the fast-paced modern lifestyle, and I want to take every opportunity to immerse myself in the country's rich culture.

Also, as an Indian, I enjoy the beautiful similarity between Korean traditional music and Indian classical music, especially due to the use of similar instruments. My first introduction to the similarity and symphony of Indian and Korean classical music was at the annual SARANG show put on by the Indian Embassy in Korea, and since then I have made it my personal mission to seize every opportunity to attend Korean classical music concerts.

Hawash: I aim to promote Korean culture and educate others about Korean cuisine and food culture. I also strive to enhance the relationship between Korea and Egypt and help Korean culture enthusiasts prepare Korean dishes at home to experience the wonderful flavors of Korean food.

Hassan&Hawash

Korea Here & Now: Please tell us about your future goals and aspirations.

Hassan: I'm studying for a master's degree in chemistry, and my future goals, aside from the Korean Culture Content Creators program, are to work in a Korean skincare, cosmetics, or automobile company. Although my professional career is far from my personal interest in culture, I plan to continue and apply for a position in next year's cohort of Honorary Reporters. In doing so, I hope I don't lose my zeal and pursuit of cultural immersion every now and then!