By Honorary Reporter Ayushi Kharayat from India

The Seoul Metropolitan Government gives honorary citizenship awards every year, with this year's 17 winners from 16 countries named on Nov. 26 at Seoul City Hall.

All recipients have lived in Seoul for at least five years and seen professional success along with performing community service and international exchange. As of this year, the city has given the honor to 968 expats.

Two of the 2025 awardees are theater and film artist Anna Rihlmann, also known as Anna Yoon, from Germany, and artificial intelligence (AI) engineer Luis Filipe Ferreira Fraga from Brazil.

A resident of Korea for over a decade, Rihlmann was recognized for reinterpreting Korean folktales through contemporary performing arts including a modern adaptation of the pansori (lyrical opera) story "Chunhyangga." She has done work for the German-language service of KBS World Radio and the Korean Cultural Center in Berlin.

Fraga was cited for his contributions to AI-based medical imaging and diagnostics as well as his community service and promotion of the city.

The following are excerpts from email interviews with Rihlmann and Fraga from Dec. 8-20. 

Why did you come to Korea and what shaped your work and decision to stay?

Rihlmann: My journey to Korea began in high school through my love of Korean cinema, which led me to major in Korean studies and media in Germany. I returned to Korea as an exchange student and intern, but everything changed when I was introduced to theater through a radio colleague. In 2014, I unexpectedly debuted on a Korean stage, and that set the course for my career and decision to stay.

Fraga: I came to Seoul in 2017 through the Global Korea Scholarship to pursue a master's in computer science at Soongsil University. I grew deeply interested in applying AI to medical diagnostics. Korea's strong innovation ecosystem allowed me to specialize in AI-based hematology and medical imaging, shaping my career and long-term commitment to working in Korea.

How has living in Seoul shaped your personal growth and professional journey?

Rihlmann: Through my Korean host family, I experienced everyday life and spent my formative years here, which influenced my communication style, values and sense of harmony. Living abroad also helped me to better understand and appreciate my German roots.

Fraga: Seoul's fast-paced, high-pressure environment has pushed me to grow professionally and personally. The strong work ethic, innovation-driven culture and competitiveness continuously motivate me to stay disciplined, improve my skills and challenge myself every day.

What contributions do you think was the main reason for your nominations?

Rihlmann: I believe it was the sum of my long-term work in Korea, especially my theater projects the challenges of foreign artists. I have also worked since 2014 as an ambassador for Insa-dong and Deoksugung Palace's Dondeokjeon Hall, and through the Seoul Foreign Residents Council, I have spoken on issues affecting the foreign community.

Fraga: The nomination reflects both my professional and community efforts. My work in AI-driven medical diagnostics and global health was key, along with mentoring foreign students, supporting immigrant communities, and conducting cultural exchange and public outreach between Korea and Brazil.

How do you balance your identity between your home country and life here? What aspects of Korean culture or life have influenced the way you think or work?

Rihlmann: Korean culture has shaped me more deeply than I ever expected. Growing into adulthood in Seoul influenced how I live, think and create, to the point that I sometimes feel out of place when in Germany. My identity today is a blend of German roots and a Korean way of moving through the world, and this duality shapes my artistic voice.

Fraga: Living abroad has changed me, sometimes making me feel distant from everyday Brazilian habits. Korea and Brazil differ greatly in communication, work culture and expressions of warmth but I find value in both. I prefer some things the Brazilian way and others the Korean way, so I try to live somewhere in between.

What advice do you have to others abroad who want to build a life here?

Rihlmann: Find your people and stay true to yourself. Learn the culture but don't feel pressured to erase your own identity. I once tried to become a "Korean version" of myself, which was exhausting. I later realized that keeping your own cultural roots is essential and that Korean society grows stronger through diversity.

Fraga: Start small and stay consistent. Join events, volunteer or take part in community programs. Genuine and steady engagement creates meaningful connections. Seoul responds warmly to people who participate with openness and sincerity.

jcy0531@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.