Korean Culture and Information Service Director Park Myeongsun on March 17 delivers a speech at the 14th induction ceremony for the volunteer group Friends of Korea.
By Kim Hyelin and Yoon Hee Young
Photo and video = Korean Culture and Information Service
The Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS), an affiliate of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, on March 17 held online the launching ceremony for the 14th edition of the volunteer group Friends of Korea and its activities.
The group’s purpose is to report misleading information on Korea contained on the sites of foreign media and international organizations as well as promote Korean culture to non-Koreans. Founded in 2013, the group is connected to the government-run site Facts About Korea (www.factsaboutkorea.go.kr), through which anyone can report inaccuracies reported by foreign media about the country. When false information on Korea is reported to Facts About Korea, KOCIS cooperates with the relevant organizations to request corrections.
KOCIS this year named 70 members to the group, mainly those with experience with non-Koreans and interested in Korea including foreign nationals, ethnic Koreans overseas or international students. The number of members serving more than two consecutive terms was raised to eight from one to three to assist in-depth searches for inaccuracies and ensure sustainable activities. The activity term was also extended from eight months to 9 1/2 until the end of the year.
KOCIS Director Park Myeongsun said, “Based on the efforts of Friends of Korea, KOCIS will actively support its activities to remedy misleading knowledge on or improve recognition of Korea by non-Koreans and quickly correct misinformation overseas.”
kimhyelin211@korea.kr
