"Getting acknowledged for our work by K-pop fans in both Bulgaria and elsewhere is the best gift I've ever received," said Bojana Doneva, who runs a Sofia-based radio show, "Friday Chopsticks," that introduces Korean pop music, TV shows and movies to fans across Bulgaria and elsewhere in the K-blogosphere.

Doneva, who talks about Korean pop culture on her radio every Friday, stresses that one of the reasons why Korea is so attractive to people all around the world is that the Korean people treat the elderly with respect.

Diana Trifonova said, "I was the only one who had some experience broadcasting when we first started the program, so I've served as the show's editor. I'm also shooting photos and videos for our YouTube channel."

Starting with the radio broadcast, they're now introducing all things Korea through a variety of social media, like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. They are also write articles for Korea.net as honorary reporters, to get more information about Korean pop and to communicate with fans all over.

Doneva and Trifonova, who fell in love with K-pop and Korean TV shows and movies after watching the Korean TV show "You Are So Beautiful," visited Korea in 2013 and 2014, respectively. This year, they came to Korea together to deliver even more vivid news about Korea to their audience.

On Sept. 29, Korea.net had a chat with the two, who are in Korea for 13 days and who are traveling all over the country so that they'll be able to give more in-depth information to their audience and online followers.




How did you become interested in Korea?

Doneva: In 2009, the Korean drama "You Are So Beautiful" was a big hit in Bulgaria. I saw the show, too, at the time. I became interested in Korean TV shows and movies, and later I even learned about Korean music, history and language.

You came to Korea in 2013 and 2014, respectively. How did you feel about Korea?

Doneva: I was much more surprised than I thought I would be. It was especially touching to see that the people I came across on the street were all so kind. I also have to mention the street food. There are a lot of foods that are so diverse and which stimulate my appetite.

You came to Korea this time not only to travel but also to collect news material for your radio show. Can you tell us more about it?

Doneva: We started the radio show in November 2012. We introduce entertainment news from Asia, including Korean dramas, in our weekly program. We started mainly because there was a need for media for the Bulgarian audience that was interested in the Korean Wave and the entertainment industry in Asia more broadly. Korean soap operas and K-pop are really popular back home.

Trifonova: In addition to delivering vivid news about a variety of features about Korea, we will participate in the Busan One Asia Festival and the Seoul Art Market to collect information. We weren't sure if we could get press accreditation for the events, but we were so thankful to be so welcomed. We're happy that we can let our audience and followers listen to more news about Korea.

What was the most memorable experience while doing the radio show?

Doneva: Getting acknowledged for our work by fans of the Korean Wave, both in Bulgaria and elsewhere, is the best gift I've ever received. Working together with good colleagues, too, is unforgettable.

Trifonova: Until we started the show, there was no other radio or TV program that focused on K-pop or the Asian entertainment industry. We were the first. I also can't forget the fact that we got press accreditation for the Busan One Asia Festival. It's good to know that with our work we can be recognized at international events.




What Korean thing is famous in Bulgaria?

Korean soap operas, language and K-pop are getting more and more popular. Their popularity is spreading among Bulgarians of all age groups, as well, as dedicated K-fans.

How would you introduce Bulgaria?

I think Korea and Bulgaria share having four distinct seasons, a beautiful natural environment, delicious food and a culture where people enjoy food together. So I want to introduce Bulgarian food that's just as delicious as Korean food. It can be a little salty for Koreans though. Also, I have to talk about Bulgarian yoghurt. I've never tasted any yogurt that's more delicious than Bulgarian yoghurt, anywhere in the world. I'd also recommend to go down to see the Black Sea if you come to Bulgaria. I hope to see you there.

By Yoon Ji-hye
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Jeon Han Korea.net Photographer
wisdom117@korea.kr