ed Old but new

This is a copy of the front page of the first issue of The Korea Times, published on Nov. 1, 1950, at the height of the 1950-1953 Korean War. A newspaper’s primary role is to capture history as it happens. Stories on this page 19,999 editions ago prove this. The image has been artistically enhanced. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Renewing commitment to truth

Today, The Korea Times is publishing its 20,000th edition, a feat no other English daily in the country has accomplished. This achievement was completed 64 years and five months after the paper issued its first edition on Nov. 1, 1950, at the height of the Korean War.

The Korea Times, the oldest independent and the most influential English daily in Korea, began humbly with the aim of publicizing the progress of the three-year fratricidal war domestically and abroad. But what it has shown since then has been much more than that.

The paper’s first issue came in the form of a two-page publication with a front-page editorial titled “Really New Start,” which underscored the need for fostering goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation among all countries around the globe.

During the country’s turbulent past, the daily has sought to be a messenger of truth and facts, as expressed by Dr. Helen Kim, the pioneer educator and journalist who played the central role in launching The Korea Times, in her message that ran in the first edition. Of course, the paper has been through some tough and unfavorable circumstances, but we dare to say that it has always been in the vanguard of English-language journalism in Korea, subscribing to the guiding principles of accuracy, impartiality and reliability.

The Korea Times has also set many records in Korean journalism. In addition to being the first English daily to issue its 20,000th edition, the paper created the “Thoughts of the Times” daily column, which is still acclaimed by readers, and Korea’s first literature translation award. It was also the first daily to recognize the importance of using newspapers in English education and promoting multiculturalism.

Over the decades, the paper has chronicled the nation’s miraculous industrialization and democratization after rising from the ashes of the Korean War. The Korea Times will continue pursuing that crucial mission in the coming decades, commending what’s good and criticizing what’s wrong with the country, with renewed determination.

Above all, The Korea Times, as the nation’s most trusted media outlet, is committed to reporting nothing but the truth, amid the partisan, ideological, regional and generational conflicts that have hampered the nation’s progress. We are committed to narrowing these rifts by strengthening our fairness and nonpartisanship, alongside the Hankook Ilbo, our sister vernacular paper. That means that The Korea Times will always maintain an impartial viewpoint and will not be swayed by any particular faction or ideology.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of national division. The Korea Times is expected to lead the transformation of the Korean Peninsula, which is divided and conflicted, into a peaceful, just and prosperous place. We promise to do our best to contribute toward reunification and consequently make Korea a model nation, respected by the entire world.

The advent of the digital age offers both challenges and opportunities in many sectors, and journalism is no exception in this irreversible trend. For this reason, we renew our resolve to effectively adapt ourselves to the rapidly changing digital environment. Needless to say, all our efforts will be dedicated to our readers with the special aim of meeting their diverse needs and expectations.

The Korea Times has grown by leaps and bounds to be a leader in Korea’s English journalism, against all odds. Once again, we pledge to do our best to carry out our mission as a truthful provider of news and commentary through ceaseless effort and innovation.