Korean journalists active around the world will gather in their homeland to hold a meaningful forum discussing the future of South Korea. Overseas Korean Journalists Association(OKJA) announced that it will host a 'Policy Forum on Key Issues of Overseas Korean Communities' on Tuesday, May 13th, at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, inviting key figures related to presidential candidates from major political parties. This forum is expected to be an important platform for in-depth discussions on various challenges faced by overseas Korean communities and for exploring the policy directions of the next government.

During the two-hour policy forum, from 3 PM to 5 PM, discussions will broadly cover core demands of overseas Korean communities, including: ▲Strengthening support for overseas Korean media (establishment of an Overseas Korean Media Promotion Foundation, etc.) ▲Practical measures to increase overseas Korean voter turnout ▲Issues regarding the adjustment of the age criteria for dual citizenship allowance ▲Controversy over the fairness of applying the Military Service Act to overseas Koreans ▲Enhancing the effectiveness of protection policies for overseas Koreans ▲Expanding domestic employment opportunities for children of overseas Koreans ▲Simplifying procedures related to overseas property ownership and investment. The WKJA emphasized that "beyond a simple exchange of opinions, in-depth discussions will focus on practical and specific policy proposals."

Prior to the policy forum, a media workshop will be held on Monday, May 12th, in the seminar room on the 6th floor of the Construction Center, under the theme 'The Response and Challenges of Traditional Journalism in the Post-Truth Era.' This workshop, aimed at revisiting the essence of journalism in a rapidly changing media environment and exploring the responsibility and role of the press in the face of the spread of fake news and misinformation, is expected to significantly contribute to enhancing the professionalism of overseas Korean journalists.

The workshop program consists of three specialized lectures: a lecture by Choi Byung-sung, renowned for his investigative journalism; a fact-checking journalism lecture by Jung Jae-cheol, emphasizing the importance of accurate and objective information delivery; and a YouTube journalism lecture by Professor Lee Jong-myung, exploring the possibilities of journalism using the emerging media platform YouTube. These are key areas currently addressed in the journalism field, and they are expected to provide practical assistance in strengthening the practical skills of overseas Korean journalists.

In particular, Park Chan-hwa, Secretary-General of the 'Daehan Sarang' (Great Korea Love) organization, will deliver a special lecture on 'The Shrinking-Oriented Korean History,' emphasizing the importance of overcoming the colonial historical perspective that remains in Korean society since liberation and restoring a nationalistic historical view. This is expected to be a meaningful time for overseas Korean journalists to gain an in-depth understanding of Korean history and identity and to support their journalistic activities based on a correct historical consciousness.

Furthermore, Lee Sang-deok, Commissioner of the Overseas Koreans Agency, will be a speaker at the workshop, presenting on the topic of 'Establishment and Implementation of Overseas Korean Policies, and the Role of Overseas Korean Media.' This is expected to strengthen communication between overseas Korean communities and the home government, enhance the policy understanding of overseas Korean media, and help in effective information dissemination and public opinion formation.

Following the workshop, an opening dinner will be held for networking and interaction among participants. Key figures from the overseas Korean media and political and business circles are expected to attend this evening event, including Commissioner Lee Sang-deok, Chairman Kim Deok-ryong of the World Federation of Korean Business Associations, former Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seong-gon, former People Power Party lawmaker Yang Chang-young, and WKJA Standing Advisor Kim Hong-soo, providing an opportunity for meaningful exchanges.

The enthusiasm of the event will continue. On the morning of May 13th, participants will tour major attractions in Incheon and Ganghwa Island, visiting important sites for understanding the history and culture of overseas Koreans. The tour course includes the National Hangeul Museum, which commemorates the history and value of the Korean alphabet; the Korean Emigration History Museum, which chronicles the lives and hardships of early Korean immigrants to the Americas; and the Ganghwa Anglican Church, showcasing the early history of Christianity in Korea.

Subsequently, a special three-day coverage tour of the beautiful island regions of Mokpo and Shinan County in Jeollanam-do will take place from May 14th to 16th. Participants will have the opportunity to directly experience the cultural heritage of the region, including the National Maritime Museum and the Mokpo Natural History Museum, as well as the stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural content of the Angel Bridge, Purple Island, Bunjae (Bonsai) Park, Hai Island, and Monde Monde. Notably, the visit to Hai Island, the hometown of former President Kim Dae-jung, is expected to be a significant experience in understanding the important milestones of modern Korean history.

This gathering of world Korean journalists in Seoul is expected to provide not only an opportunity for networking but also an important platform for in-depth discussions on key issues of the homeland and for enhancing their professionalism as journalists. Furthermore, through the process of directly experiencing Korean history and culture, overseas Korean journalists will be able to further strengthen their ties with their motherland and play an even greater role in accurately informing the global community about Korea. The OKJA's event will be a meaningful step in raising the status of overseas Korean media and contributing to the development of the Korean ethnic community.

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