The 2025 class of Korea.net Honorary Reporters on April 30 pose for photos at their induction ceremony hosted at KOCIS (Korean Culture and Information Service) Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District.

By Margareth Theresia

Photos = Lee Jeongwoo

This year's class of nearly 1,500 Korea.net Honorary Reporters have officially begun their activities to promote Korea to the world.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on April 30 held their induction ceremony at KOCIS (Korean Culture and Information Service) Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District to officially launch their duties.

Approximately 500 Honorary Reporters participated in the event on and offline under the slogan "I'm Press. Ready to Impress the World." Also attending were media personnel from around the world, with the ceremony livestreamed worldwide.

The event began with cultural performances by select Honorary Reporters, with some doing traditional performing arts from their home countries. They were followed by the awarding of certificates of appointment, celebratory speeches and a declaration by the reporters on the launch of their official activities.

Chae Su-hee, director general of the ministry's Global Public Relations Bureau, on April 30 delivers a congratulatory speech at the induction ceremony for this year's class of Honorary Reporters at KOCIS Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District.

Among the 1,498 appointees from 101 countries, Asia led all regions this year with 40.39% of them, followed by Europe (22.83%) and Africa 15.62%. This year's class also includes 474 Honorary Reporters who have been in the program for over two years like sisters Salwa and Esraa Elzeny of Egypt, both of whom have been in the group for 11 years. The reporters will introduce and promote Korean culture, events and policy to the world.

A newcomer to the program, Tracy Leann Barnes from Australia, said, "As a 50-year teacher living in Korea, I wish to share stories of my life in Korea from the view of a middle-aged person."

Chae Su-hee, director general of the ministry's Global Public Relations Bureau, said, "We will provide active support through various information and networks so that Honorary Reporters get more meaningful and new experiences."

An Honorary Reporter from Vietnam on April 30 performs a fusion dance combining elements of traditional Korean and Vietnamese dance to liven up the induction ceremony for this year's class of Honorary Reporters at KOCIS Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District.

Launched in 2011, the Honorary Reporter program marks its 15th anniversary this year. Participants have since produced a combined 7,304 articles on Korea.net in 10 languages including English, French, Spanish and Arabic.

margareth@korea.kr