The ‘Non-Summit’ of Gyeonggi Province: Global SNS Press Corps begins in Gyeonggi!
Createdd 2015-05-22 Hit 1405
Contents
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the 2014 entertainment sector in Korea was headlined by the TV show ‘Non-Summit’. It has come back down to earth somewhat due to a few controversies, but it was a sensation during its initial phase. The fact that a program from a general service TV channel reached as high as 6.3% per minute viewership might give you an idea just how popular it was.
Image Source: JTBC
The popularity of Non-Summit was only natural. Non-Summit is a TV program in which young foreigners living in Korea freely debate issues that they are concerned about. Listening to refreshing and varied stories about Korea from smart and handsome foreigners meant that it was difficult for the show not to gain notoriety.
Like the saying goes, it is difficult to see the forest for the trees. But what happens when we see the forest from outside the woods? We might be able to find an objective answer, one that comes from a new perspective.
At some point, the number of foreigners around us exploded. Now, it is nothing new to see a foreigner at school or on the street. Watching Non-Summit made me wonder… What does Gyeonggi Province look like to these foreigners who live among us? Would they be able to see things from a new perspective, things that we Koreans miss because they are so obvious to us living in Gyeonggi Province?
So, we went out and recruited them. A launching ceremony for the Gyeonggi Province Global SNS Press Corps took place on April 18. The final 8 candidates who made it through the intense competition for this opportunity gathered at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex. Moving forward, the Global SNS Press Corps will bring you a wide range of news from Gyeonggi Province through SNS.
At noon on April 18, the global reporters we met in front of provincial public service center showed no sign of nervousness. I was able to feel their anticipation and excitement for a new role. Can you feel the determination of our Global SNS Press Corps from stances?
First, we begin with a tour of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex with our band of Global SNS Press Corps members.
“This is the public service center. We listen to the hardships of Gyeonggi residents and resolve their problems at the center.”
Everyone is listening intently. Hold on, everyone understands what we’re saying, right?
Of course they do! Do not underestimate our Gyeonggi Province Global SNS Press Corps. These guys have a great command of Korean!
Li Cheongyeon and Akutsu Yuki. Although Cheongyeon is Chinese and Yuki is Japanese, communication is not a problem between the two. That is because they can speak in Korean. We have no idea what’s so funny but they have become close already.
Did you know each other before?
No, we didn’t, but we grew close because we have so much in common.
Both share the fact that they each have one Korean parent. Let’s listen to these two beautiful foreign belles.
■ Interview with Cheongyeon and Yuki
Li Cheongyeon (left), Akutsu Yuki (right)
Dalkom Simin | Hi. First of all, can you introduce yourselves? |
Li Cheongyeon | Hi, my name is Li Cheongyeon. I was born in 1996 which makes me 20 years old in Korean age. I came to Korea last June. At the moment, I’m attending the fourth term at Dankook University’s Korean Language Education Center. My mom is an ethnic Korean living in China, and my dad is Korean. But I went to school for ethnic Koreans so I can’t speak Korean very well. |
Yuki | Hi, I’m Yuki. I’ve been in Korea for two years now, and before that I lived in Japan. I came to Korea when I was 20 years old in Korean age. My dad is Japanese and my mom is Korean. As for my nationality, I’m Japanese. When I was in Japan, I had the perception that Korea is liberal. There were a number of aspects I didn’t like about Japan because the rules were strict and rigid. So I wanted to come to Korea, learn Korean and experience Korean culture. But now that I’m in Korea, I do miss Japan from time to time these days. |
Dalkom Simin | Both of you share the fact that one of your parents are Korean. Can you think of any unique advantages of having this attribute? |
Yuki | I think it’s a position that allows me to look at both countries objectively. As you know, many historic issues overlap Korea and Japan. As for me, Korea is my mom’s country and Japan is my dad’s country, so I don’t think I’m in a position to side with a particular country. I think about how both countries can improve their relationship. I want to be a bridge that connects both countries. Normally, when I say I’m from Japan, Koreans first ask me who does Dokdo Island belong to. I think it should follow the evidence if historic evidence exists, and I don’t think personal feelings should be involved. I believe I can think of issues that are difficult for Japanese people to handle such as the Dokdo issue or comfort women problem from a Korean’s perspective and explain those thoughts to the Japanese people. |
Dalkom Simin | It must be a difficult issue as a Japanese person so thank you for bringing it up. Cheongyeon, what do you think of Gyeonggi Province? |
Li Cheongyeon | In fact, the first thing that comes to mind when I think about Gyeonggi Province is that it is close to Seoul. But I’m definitely sure that it is a great place which is advanced in terms of its economy and culture. Places like Bundang are fantastic! Oh, I love Namhansanseong Fortress the most in Gyeonggi Province. I go there often with my parents when I’m free over the weekend. Climbing up Namhansanseong on Saturday or Sunday morning is really great. And it does remind me of the Great Wall of China too. |
Dalkom Simin | Namhansanseong! You’re almost a Gyeonggi person. Finally, I’d like to know how you’re going to start your roles as members of the Global SNS Press Corps. |
Yuki | I was thinking about engaging myself in a lot of activities while I’m in Korea. Just now when I was on my way here, I thought that places like the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress are really beautiful. I think it would be a great chance for me to write in Korean, since I’m not used to writing in Korean just yet, and I think I’ll be able to see more places in Korea through Global SNS Press Corps activities. I want to write as much as I can, participate in many events, and learn more about Gyeonggi Province. |
Li Cheongyeon | My dream at first was to become a reporter. Right now, my dream is to become a producer at a broadcasting station. I want to make my dream come true by gaining lots of experience through the Global Press Corps. I’ll enjoy my activities and learn a lot. |
They sure are determined, right? Their love and interest for Gyeonggi Province seems deep, which makes me look forward to their activities already.
Of course, the Global SNS Press Corps isn’t just made up of those with Korean ancestry. I had a chat with Heunssa, who we have already seen at the Cherry Blossom Festival event that allowed people to visit the Office of the Governor of Gyeonggi Province.
■ Interview with Heunssa
Heunssa is from Ethiopia. What were his thoughts when he was applying for the Gyeonggi Province Global SNS Press Corps?
Let’s listen to Heunssa’s story.
Heunssa (left) and a communications officer with Gyeonggi Province
Dalkom Simin | First of all, please introduce yourself. |
Heunssa | My name is Heunssa. I’m from Ethiopia. It’s been 1 year and 3 months since I came to Korea, and I’m studying electronic engineering at Ajou University. I’m 20 years old. After graduating from high school, I studied engineering for about 6 months in Ethiopia and came to Korea as a government-recommended scholarship student. |
Dalkom Simin | Wow, a government scholarship student! You must have done really well in school! |
Heunssa | Ethiopia has 9 provinces like Gyeonggi Province in Korea. I scored the highest marks within my province. (shrug) |
Dalkom Simin | Unlike the two just before you, it is obvious you look like a foreigner Heunssa. How is it living in Korea as a foreigner? |
Heunssa | A lot of people to look at me. When I go someplace, at times people say, ‘Oh, we have a foreigner here!’ They think I can’t speak Korean. Oh, and someone tried to take a picture of me once. I can take a picture with them if they ask, but it’s disappointing because they tried to take it in secret. |
Dalkom Simin | It must be a little troubling. From now on, people who want to take pictures with Heunssa, please ask! Going forward, you will meet even more people while you work with the Gyeonggi Province Global SNS Press Corps. How do you plan to pursue your activities? |
Heunssa | I’m very interested in SNS. Six months ago, I took a course on SNS marketing in Gyeonggi Province. So far, I’ve only studied in Gyeonggi Province. But now I want to experience more places. Perhaps places like the Hwaseong Temporary Palace? Oh! I have been across Paju. Also, I want to meet more people. All university students in Gyeonggi Province are kind. I want to get to know them soon. |
Today, 8 members of the Gyeonggi Province SNS Press Corps including Heunssa took a tour of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex and had the chance to talk to one another. Then, they received their letters of appointment from a provincial communications official and had a briefing on their responsibilities as members of the Global SNS Press Corps. Justina, who couldn’t attend the launching ceremony on April 18, came separately and received her letter of appointment. These reporters will bring you a wide range of Gyeonggi Province news from the perspectives of foreigners.
Apart from Li Cheongyeon, Akutsu Yuki, and Heunssa introduced to you today, a total of 8 reporters including Justina, Hyeong Gagi, Oka Eriko, Jjing Ying, and Jang Han will work as members of the Global Press Corps. Let’s meet each and every person through the Gyeonggi Provincial Government’s SNS accounts.
There are those like Hyeong Gagi who have already started their work as reporters. We eagerly anticipate the stories that will be told by the Gyeonggi Province Global SNS Press Corps. Global SNS Press Corps, we look forward to your work!
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