By Honorary Reporter Ilse Diaz from Mexico

Photos = Ilse Diaz

My fascination with Korea began not with K-pop or K-dramas but with the nation's remarkable economic development. 

Early in college, I had no interest in economics, my major. Terms like "economic growth" and "economic indicators" seemed so abstract until 2020, when my professor highlighted the industrial development of four East Asian countries. 

Korea stood out to me for overcoming extreme poverty after the Korean War. Its industrialization was the first academic topic that captivated me in college, as I was surprised to learn that a country colonized for 35 years built itself up in just a few decades, something that took others centuries. 

This spurred my interest in related subjects. For example, I read the books of former Cambridge University professor Chang Ha-joon, whose straightforward and insightful books deepened my understanding of Korea's economic progress and cultural richness.

My expanding interest in Korea led me to discover Korean TV programs, whose original and memorable stories, music and fashion choices were impressive. 

This led me to become interested in Korean music like K-pop and traditional genres. The captivating music videos, heartfelt lyrics and compelling stories soon made Korean music the soundtrack of my life.

On the left is the BTS wall at the Line Friends store in Seoul's shopping district of Myeong-dong and on the right is a poster for the webtoon “Itaewon Class.” 

Later developing a passion for writing, I joined the Honorary Reporters program in May last year to get my fix in Korean culture and writing, focusing on art, technology, economy, history and literature.

In November, I was named one of the top five Spanish-language writers due to my stories posted on Korea.net, showing that my genuine interest and passion paid off.

On the left are gifts given to Honorary Reporters and on the right are screen captures of my articles posted on the official Spanish-language section of Korea.net.

In literature, I discovered a gem in the Spanish-language translation of Kim Cho-yup's science fiction novel "If We Can't Go at the Speed of Light," and have since sampled many other works of Korean literature.

In June this year, I achieved a dream by visiting Korea for the first time.

Clockwise from left is the National Folk Museum of Korea; statue of King Sejong at Gwanghwamun Square; me wearing Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace; and Korean barbecue. 

So never did I expect that my fascination with Korea would begin from what a college professor taught me about the nation's economic development. 

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 Korean.