Foreign language newspaper guild celebrates decade of progress

Attendees pose during a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the Foreign Language Newspapers Association of Korea (FNA) at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul, Wednesday. From front row left are Qatari Ambassador to Korea Khalid Ebrahim Al-Hamar, Aju Daily Chairman Kwak Young-gil, acting chair and floor leader of the Reform Party Chun Ha-ram, emergency committee chair and floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party Song Eon-seog, acting chair and floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea Kim Byung-kee, FNA Chairman Choi Jin-young, President and Publisher of The Korea Times Oh Young-jin, Moroccan Ambassador to Korea and dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Korea Chafik Rachadi, American Chamber of Commerce in Korea Chairman James Kim and senior presidential secretary for public relations and communication Lee Kyu-youn. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

The Foreign Language Newspapers Association of Korea (FNA) marked its 10th anniversary Wednesday, recognizing journalists and staff who have helped share Korea's stories with the world in English and Chinese.

Founded in 2015, the FNA brings together Korea's major daily foreign-language newspapers — The Korea Times, The Korea JoongAng Daily, The Korea Herald and The Aju Daily, which is the Chinese edition of Aju Business Daily. The association aims to boost cooperation among its members and expand Korean media's presence on the global stage.

A ceremony at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul drew an audience of lawmakers, diplomats and journalists. Notable attendees included acting chair and floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Rep. Kim Byung-kee; emergency committee chair and floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party Rep. Song Eon-seog; acting chair and floor leader of the Reform Party Rep. Chun Ha-ram; and senior presidential secretary for public relations and communication Lee Kyu-youn.

In his congratulatory remarks, FNA Chairman Choi Jin-young, who also serves as CEO and publisher of Herald Media Group, said the mission of Korea's foreign-language press has never been more vital.

Choi Jin-young, chairman of the Foreign Language Newspapers Association of Korea and CEO and publisher of Herald Media Group, delivers a congratulatory speech during a ceremony marking the association’s 10th anniversary at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

"This gathering is not just to mark an anniversary, but to reflect on our mission, our progress and our vision for the future," Choi said. "For more than 70 years, our foreign-language outlets have stood as guardians of truth and clarity, bridging international dialogue and solidarity and helping civilization evolve."

Choi noted the media must go beyond delivering information, acting instead as trustworthy connectors in the modern world.

"Peace and security on the Korean Peninsula matter deeply, as do Korea's cultural reach and diplomacy shaped by global trade tensions. It's our job to amplify Korea's voice and bring the world's gaze here, turning local perspectives into stories that resonate globally."

National Assembly Speaker Rep. Woo Won-shik of the DPK also praised the FNA's efforts via video message.

"Since its launch in 2015, the association has helped close the distance between nations by delivering news in multiple languages," Woo said. "You are Korea's window to the world and a vital pillar of our media. I thank you all for your hard work and pledge to support open communication that strengthens Korea's global role."

Award recipients pose during a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the Foreign Language Newspapers Association of Korea (FNA) at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

The event also recognized outstanding contributions. The Korea Times' Lim Mee-young and Shin Jin-young from the Business Planning Department received the FNA award for organizing forums and events that promote Korea internationally and for developing creative content that helps raise the country's brand value.

Park Han-sol, a reporter on The Korea Times' K-Culture Desk, was honored by the Seoul Metropolitan Government for her excellence in bringing Korean art to global audiences.

Other journalists and staff members — Ji Da-gyum and Kim Jae-heun from The Korea Herald, Yim Seung-hye and Yoon So-yeon from The Korea Joongang Daily and Lee Ah-hyun and Jin Se-na from Aju Daily — were also awarded for their works during the ceremony.

The celebration drew 35 diplomats representing 28 countries — among them Georgia, Qatar, Brazil, Serbia, Peru, Kazakhstan, Thailand, China, Bolivia, Colombia, Egypt, Japan and the United States — underscoring the association's growing role as a bridge connecting Korea with the world.