Journalists discuss peace on Korean Peninsula
International journalists stand for a group photo during the opening ceremony for Journalist Forum for World Peace at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Monday. / Yonhap
By Kim Da-hee, Park Si-soo
An international forum of journalists began in Seoul, Monday, for a seven-day run to discuss issues relating to how journalism can contribute to peace, and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.
Nearly 80 journalists from 60 countries are attending the Journalist Forum for World Peace (JFWP), including those from major news outlets in China, Japan, Canada, France, Sweden and Russia.
The Journalism Association of Korea (JAK) is hosting the annual event under the theme “Denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and the Role of Journalism for World Peace.”
“Although our genders, skin colors and ideologies may differ, we have one thing in common. We are professional journalists who discover the truth with cool heads but warm hearts, and we strive to promote freedom and peace,” said Jung Kyu-sung, JAK president, in his welcoming speech at the Korea Press Center in downtown Seoul. “
Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Kim Jong-deok underscored the role of journalism in bringing peace to the Korean Peninsula.
“It is meaningful to hold an international forum at a time when the Korean Peninsula is facing global attention following the recent nuclear tests by North Korea,” Kim said, referring to the escalating inter-Korean tension reignited by the North’s recent military provocations. “While we are at it, support from the media is critical.” The minister asked attending journalists to reaffirm their role during the forum.
Along with the forum, the participants will be given opportunities to visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the U.N. Memorial Cemetery in Busan and other historic and cultural sites.