KOREAN NET

Members of Friends of Korea, a volunteer group that looks for and corrects misinformation about the country abroad, on March 29 pose for a group photo at the organization's 16th induction ceremony held at KOCIS (Korean Culture and Information Service) Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District.

A volunteer group dedicated to promoting correct information on Korea worldwide has started its mission this year.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on March 28 held the launching ceremony for the 16th class of Friends of Korea at KOCIS (Korean Culture and Information Service) Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District.

Searching for and correcting misinformation on Korea in news articles or government websites abroad to promote Korea worldwide, the private group since its launch in 2013 has had 600 volunteers find and rectify 11,323 errors.

The recruitment of new members from this year will be held twice a year, and the the number of volunteers selected will rise from 50 per year to 70. This year's contingent has 34 Koreans and foreign nationals living in nine countries including Spain, Indonesia and France.

Through July, they will plan and produce promotional content on Korea and introduce the website Facts About Korea (www.factsaboutkorea.go.kr), which receives reports on misinformation about the country.

"I have great pride in Korean content such as esports and music," new member Si Jiwon said at the ceremony. "I will work hard so that Korea, a country that spreads culture, can develop without error and in a healthy manner."

"I want to play the role of a bridge between Spain and Korea," said Flores Beatriz, a Spaniard who took part in the event online from her country. "I'll work hard to further promote Korea to people who don't know much about the country and provide easy access information about Korea."

Friends of Korea chief Yong Hoseong on March 29 gives a congratulatory speech at the 16th induction ceremony for the volunteer group at KOCIS Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District.

"Foreign media coverage of Korea has jumped more than 10-fold, which means higher responsibility," said Yong Hoseong, director-general of the ministry's Global Public Relations Content Division and head of Friends of Korea, in a congratulatory speech. "I look forward to your active roles as leaders in correcting foreign misinformation and inaccuracies about Korea."

Photos = Jeon Han
Video = Lee Jun Young

By Lee Kyoung Mi
km137426@korea.kr