Interview with a South Korean Journalist Myeongwoo Kim
Media*This interview was conducted in Korean on July 17th, 2024 and then was translated in English.
Hyunjin Yi: Thank you for joining me today. Could you please introduce yourself to our audience?
Mr.Kim: Thank you for having me. My name is Myeongwoo Kim, and I am a journalist working for TV Chosun in South Korea. I’m from the International News Office and cover a wide range of topics, mostly related to international news.
Hyunjin Yi: It’s a pleasure to have you here. As I have written in the email I have previously sent you, I am going to ask questions mainly focusing on the difference between Korean and German news. Ok, now let’s dive into the first question. What do you think are the key differences between the news reporting styles in South Korea and Germany?
Mr.Kim: That’s an interesting question. One of the key differences is the approach to news coverage. In South Korea, there is a strong focus on speed and immediacy. We prioritize getting news out to the public as quickly as possible. In Germany, there’s a stronger emphasis on in-depth analysis and comprehensive reporting. German news outlets tend to spend more time verifying facts and providing detailed context to their stories.
Interviewer: That’s intersting. How does this emphasis on speed in South Korea impact your daily routine as a journalist?
Mr.Kim: It makes for a very fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure work environment. We have to be constantly alert and ready to report on new developments at any moment. This also means working long hours and irregular shifts. (Laugh) However, it’s also very exciting and rewarding to be at the forefront of breaking news.
Hyunjin Yi: I can imagine! How do you ensure accuracy and reliability in the news when working under such tight deadlines?
Mr.Kim: It’s a challenge, but we have a few strategies. Firstly, we rely on trusted sources and have a rigorous fact-checking process. We also have a network of reliable contacts that we can turn to for confirmation. Additionally, teamwork is crucial. We work in teams to verify information quickly and efficiently. My teammates in the International News Office and also people in the news reporting headquarters are double-checking reports.
Hyunjin Yi: That sounds like a very collaborative effort. Moving on to another aspect, how do you see the role of technology in modern journalism, both in South Korea and Germany?
Mr.Kim: Technology has revolutionized journalism everywhere. In South Korea, we use advanced technologies for real-time reporting, such as live streaming and instant updates through social media. And I feel like in Germany, technology is also heavily used, but there’s more focus on digital subscriptions. Both countries are embracing the digital age, but in slightly different ways.
Hyunjin Yi: Very true. Furthermore, having an exchange semester in Germany, I have noticed how different the use of social media is. How significant is social media in shaping public opinion in South Korea compared to Germany?
Mr.Kim: Social media plays a huge role in South Korea. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are not only sources of news but also spaces for public discussion and opinion shaping. News spreads incredibly fast on social media, and it can influence public opinion almost instantly. In Germany, social media is also important, but traditional media still holds a significant influence, especially among older generations.
Hyunjin Yi: That’s a crucial point. Last but not least, could you share any memorable experiences from your career that highlight the unique aspects of being a journalist in South Korea?
Mr.Kim: Certainly. One memorable experience was covering the 2018 inter-Korean summit. It was an intense period with round-the-clock reporting, but it was also incredibly rewarding to witness such a historic event firsthand. Another memorable moment was reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic, which required us to adapt quickly to new ways of gathering and reporting news.
Hyunjin Yi: Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today. It has been a pleasure speaking with you.
Mr.Kim: Thank you for having me.