By Honorary Reporter Carlos Delfin from Mexico

Photos = Saori Fujimoto

Saori Fujimoto, a native of Yokohama, Japan, is a cultural ambassador for Korea and Japan and a member of Hangeul, an international project performance group that promotes Korean culture. She is fluent in Japanese, Korean and Korean Sign Language.

When she performs with the group, she uses sign language to convey the lyrics of each song for the hearing impaired. What she does goes beyond simple interpretation because she infuses a wide range of emotions into each movement.

Because of the positive response to her sign language activities from the Korean public, she has uploaded videos on YouTube to help the hearing impaired enjoy K-pop by expressing to them the meaning and feel of the songs. She also plans to upload more such videos on her YouTube channel because of the scarcity of such content for the hearing impaired.

The following are excerpts from an interview with this unique performer.

Saori Fuijimoto has a video on YouTube in which she uses Korean Sign Language to convey the lyrics of the BTS hit "Dynamite."

Why did you learn Korean?
While in high school, I visited Korea for the first time. At the time, my friends were diligently studying Japanese and showed an interest in Japanese culture. I was so happy but embarrassed that I didn't know anything at the time, so I felt I had to learn Korean.

Why did you learn Korean Sign Language?
When I was a student in Japan, I learned Japanese Sign Language and in elementary school, I also looked after a disabled friend. I was also surprised to see athletes at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympics and thought I should make a social contribution.

Why did you come to Korea?
I came as an ambassador for the PyeongChang games. Due to my activities, I joined my management agency FMG and started to appear on Korean media. I dreamed of appearing on TV once I could speak Korean.

Saori Fujimoto is also a cultural ambassador for Korea and Japan.

How long have you lived in Korea?
June this year will mark my third year here.

Has it been difficult to adapt to Korean culture?
I found no particular difference here as Korea and Japan have no big differences in lifestyle, but there are many difficult parts. I realized that each country has a different culture and that we must understand each other's cultural differences and not be prejudiced.

What do you do nowadays?
I am a cultural diplomat, a PR ambassador for the Korean Ministry of Justice and the Seoul branch of the Korean Immigration Service, and a global ambassador for the Korea Tourism Organization. I also run a personal YouTube channel and do performances with the Hangeul group.

Saori Fujimoto poses with two members of the Hangeul performing group.

Apart from the Hangeul group, where else have you worked in Korean entertainment?
I've made many appearances on TV and radio as well as hosting events and giving talks. Eventually, I want to learn acting and work in domestic productions here.

What is your dream?
I want to eliminate prejudices between Korea and Japan and create a good influence in empathy through mutual understanding.

How would you advise foreign nationals aspiring to break into Korean entertainment?
The number of foreign residents in Korea is increasing every year, so it's important to find a job in Korea for you. I feel that opportunities are not simply created, and one can grow by always trying to create opportunities. If you keep trying, you will most likely succeed.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.