I cover a wide range of stories about Korean society — one of the most dynamic places in the world. To me, journalism means being on the ground, uncovering untold stories and amplifying marginalized voices, especially in an era when AI is reshaping the media landscape. That’s why I’m always here to listen. Tips and stories are welcome — feel free to reach out via email. Before becoming a journalist, I traveled through 24 countries over 702 days, served two years as a military police officer in the Republic of Korea Air Force and later studied filmmaking at the Korea National University of Arts.
INTERVIEW Selma Naciri’s multicultural journey drives her path to diplomacy
Selma Naciri, winner of the grand prize at the 14th Global Korea Awards, poses at Bosung Girl's High School in Yongsan District, central Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
By Park Ung
Grand prize winner of The Korea Times' 14th Global Korea Awards
When Selma Naciri, an 18-year-old student at Bosung Girls’ High School in Seoul’s Yongsan District, introduces herself, her name often prompts curiosity since it does not sound Korean.
Born to a Moroccan father who later became a Korean citizen and a Korean mother, Naciri hopes to bridge the two worlds that shaped her: Korea, where she was born and raised, and Morocco, the country reflected in her surname.
“I want to become a diplomat who can contribute to sustainable development that benefits both Korea and Morocco,” Naciri said in an interview with The Korea Times. “Drawing on my multicultural background and years of navigating different cultures and languages, I want to serve as a bridge between the two countries.”
Naciri’s ambition — and the reason she chose diplomacy — is rooted in her upbringing. Her experiences navigating multiple cultures and languages have given her a clear sense of purpose and the path she hopes to follow.
Born in Itaewon, one of Seoul’s most cosmopolitan neighborhoods, she grew up among friends from many different backgrounds. “Talking with them exposed me to various cultures, and I found that interesting. I felt those cultures naturally blending among my friends. That’s when I first dreamed of becoming a diplomat.”
What she hopes to pursue as a diplomat became clearer through her experiences in Morocco. Through about 10 visits, Naciri saw the stark disparities between major cities and rural areas.
“Regional balanced development is one of Morocco’s key challenges,” Naciri said, adding that urban areas are rapidly upgrading infrastructure ahead of major events like the 2030 World Cup, while many rural areas continue to lag behind.
Those observations helped her when she represented Morocco at her school’s Model United Nations conference.
While preparing, she researched official development assistance (ODA) and understood that international cooperation is shaped not only by governments but also by corporations.
Naciri believes that Korea’s ODA to Morocco could help the North African country strengthen its role as a bridge between Africa and Europe and support more balanced regional development, while giving Korea an opportunity to diversify its trade structure.
“Seeing Korea struggle in the U.S.–China trade war showed me how vulnerable a country becomes when its economy depends on just a few major powers,” Naciri said. “It made me think that Korea needs to broaden its horizons more toward regions like Central Asia or Africa — and that Morocco, which is highly open to receiving ODA, could become a key player in that shift.”
Selma Naciri, winner of the grand prize at the 14th Global Korea Awards, poses at Bosung Girl's High School in Yongsan District, central Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Naciri is determined to become a diplomat who can advance those goals, drawing on her experience navigating multiple languages and cultures.
Her father speaks Korean but still thinks in Arabic, and the subtle gaps in his Korean sometimes lead to misunderstandings with her mother, a native speaker. Naciri said she learned to notice these nuances and often stepped in to smooth over the resulting moments of tension.
Those moments also taught her that language carries the core of a culture’s values and ways of thinking.
“For example, Arabic has the expression ‘inshallah,’ which means entrusting what we do to God,” Naciri said. “Even a simple phrase like that reflects the humility and values embedded in the culture.”
Her ability to navigate subtle linguistic nuances became a key strength as a class representative, helping her read classmates’ emotions and foster smoother communication.
“Naciri fits naturally into any group and brings good energy to those around her. She also makes sure no one feels left out,” her homeroom teacher Kim Hye-jin said.
Kim added that early in the semester, when students were still awkward with one another, Naciri suggested sharing encouraging words during morning homeroom — an initiative that showed her commitment to the class.
Her instinct to understand others extends to issues of identity.
Naciri became aware of the identity challenges faced by those growing up between cultures early in her life. She recalled a friend of Korean and Australian heritage who felt out of place in both countries because her appearance didn’t fit either side — a vivid reminder of how easily people straddling cultures can feel they don’t fully belong.
Naciri believes that such mixed identities are a strength.
“People growing up between cultures often face identity questions — whether to choose their father’s nationality or their mother’s, and where they belong,” Naciri said. “But they don’t need to pick one. Both identities can coexist and become a strength.”
“In today’s global era, embracing both sides is far more powerful than limiting yourself to one,” she added.