By Honorary Reporter Ayushi Kharayat from India
Photos = Ayushi Kharayat & Korea.net

The Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS), an affiliate of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, on May 19 held an induction ceremony at KOCIS Center in Seoul for this year's incoming classes of Honorary Reporters and K-influencers under the slogan "Beyond the K," which aptly describes the vibrant essence of Korean culture's global appeal.

Livestreamed on Korea.net's official YouTube and Zoom platforms, the event was special to me as I was one of the global ambassadors of Korean culture selected from across the globe to participate through a webinar.

The induction ceremony for this year's class of Honorary Reporters and K-influencers was held at KOCIS Center in Seoul.

The 13th class of Honorary Reporters comprised 4,536 members from 129 countries and the fourth of K-influencers 1,930 from 105. Every year has seen a significant rise in these numbers thanks to the growing influence of Korean culture. 

Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Cho Yongman, KOCIS Director Kim Jangho and 60 ambassadors residing in Korea were in attendance. In his congratulatory message, Vice Minister Cho said the ambassadors are breaking barriers of nationality and race in connecting people worldwide through their shared love for Korea. 

KOCIS Director Kim echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the ambassadors' passion for their activities.

Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Cho Yongman (third from left in the top upper left photo) and KOCIS Director Kim Jangho (third from right in the top upper left and bottom right photos) interacted with new Honorary Reporters and K-influencers both off- and online.

Being a webinar participant, I took part in the rehearsal on the morning of the event. The organizers guided us through the livestream and made many adjustments and connection checks to ensure a smooth ceremony. 

The rehearsal started around 6 a.m. in my area. I was initially tired and sleepy but had so much fun with the others in an environment filled with excitement, passion, laughter and pride. I proudly displayed the Indian national flag as my background and dressed in traditional Indian attire, joining other webinar participants who did the same. 

The hosts engaged the attendees and held a pop quiz, creating a lively and comfortable atmosphere. Despite the time differences, everyone exhibited energy and enthusiasm. These activities and the photo event made the ceremony so enjoyable.

Though the ceremony began at 6 a.m. in my area, I had a lot of fun as a webinar participant thanks to a pop quiz and interactions with other participants.

In my first year as an Honorary Reporter, I gained valuable knowledge, and participating in the ceremony online ignited my passion to improve under Korea.net's guidance. Being a global ambassador of Korean culture, whether as an Honorary Reporter or K-influencer, offers a platform for personal growth within the global community of Hallyu enthusiasts. 

I encourage anyone inspired by the ceremony to go "Beyond the K."

msjeon22@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.