I, myself is an Honorary Reporter since 2019 and this would be my second year as part of K-Influencer though I attended the Induction Ceremony through watching the Online Live Streaming at Korea.net's Youtube Channel only, Why it feels surreal!? That it really hits my heart and feels so motivated then everything became so special.
I'm quite surprised that our members have grown drastically from last year, proving that Hallyu is getting more popular and different nationalities are falling in love with Korea and its culture!
Everyone is welcome in becoming an Honorary Reporter and K-Influencer as long as you can show your love and passion for Korea through writing an article, making videos, photos, illustration, webtoon or creating any contents that are related to Korea.
Let me share to you the highlights from the Induction Ceremony held last May 20, 2021.
Opening the ceremony is a Traditional Performance (Minyo'Baetnorae') by Castro Gonzalez Nancy Lorena. How cute she is in a Pink Hanbok and I love how a foreigner is confident and enjoys singing a Korean folk song and she's really good at it.
Followed by Emcee's Yoo Na-young and Kim Sun-woo who formally welcomes this year 2021 Class of K-Influencers (1,224 from 76 countries) and Honorary Reporters (3,432 from 105 countries) who are selected by KOCIS to help promote Korean Culture worldwide.
It was such a great honor to have the First Lady of the Republic of Korea, Mrs. Kim Jung-sook in giving a Congratulatory Speech and everyone watched it LIVE, including myself which I can't participate from the past years because I can't go personally to Cheong Wa Dae that time.
Not just congratulating the class of 2021 but First Lady Mrs. Kim Jung-sook gave an inspiring message to everyone relaying peace and harmony between different nationalities but through Honorary Reporter & K-Influencer everyone is having unity to achieve one goal and She also mentioned to give full support to one another and stop hatred or discrimination during this pandemic for everyone to fully overcome this crisis together.
Lastly, First Lady Mrs. Kim Jung-sook looks forward to 2021 Honorary Reporters & K-Influencers to give positive influence to humankind and be the messengers of hope and encouragement to the whole world.
(Photo Credit to Korea.net)
Present at the ceremony also was 2nd Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Kim Jeong-bae and Director of the Korean Culture and Information Service, Mr. Park Jung-youl.
How special it is to participate actual on the studio like K-Influencers, Jang Ipek Damla and Katarzyna Helinska; also Honorary Reporters, Cao Thi Huong and Maziyar Farbod. They each shared their stories and everyone is really amazing which I wanted myself to participate actively like them. One thing, everyone is wearing their National Costumes including the First Lady, she is wearing a Hanbok and that was so elegant and cute!
One of the highlights as well is "Kimchi", which is known as the popular Korean food right now which I really agree and Kimchi is also my favorite that I can eat it everyday. Kimchi tastes real good and very healthy!
During the ceremony, it was fun to see few members I knew (from the 40 Honorary Reporters & K-Influencers) on the screen participating through online video conference representing different countries especially from Philippines. The moment they presented past activities and experiences of Honorary Reporters and K-Influencers from the previous years just felt so good which motivates everyone to work harder and participate more in the upcoming activities this 2021 including me.
Another thing is a surprise quiz for everyone, first an “O or X” event asking if this year were the 40th Anniversary of KOCIS, and most of us got it right! The answer is X=wrong because this year is the 50th. Next question is to make the certain hand gesture that expresses love which everyone knows and that is “K-Heart”. I used to call it finger heart but from now on it is K-Heart for me!
Lastly, group ceremonies which is very meaningful for me; giving out of certificates (which I received in advance online) then card performances by the 40 Honorary Reporters & K-Influencers participating through video conference showing the slogan of the ceremony “FILL IN YOUR KOREA” and a Thank you message to the First Lady Mrs . Kim Jung-sook.
For finale is a Congratulatory Performance (Why not?) by LOONA (Ambassadors for this year's promoting Korean Culture Overseas)
(Photo Credit to Korea.net)
All in all, I am beyond grateful to be part of Honorary Reporters & K-Influencers again for this year 2021.Having an Induction Ceremony online is very meaningful and special to me. It feels like I am at the studio as well, meeting the First Lady and everyone. I will work harder this 2021 and can't wait to join actively in every activity that the KOCIS has prepared. Sharing my love and passion for Korea and its culture will always be one of my happiness and its actually the most reason why my life is full of excitement. Thank you so much to KOCIS and to every Honorary Reporters & K-Influencers this year 2021, Fighting~!
You can watch the Full LIVE Replay of the Induction Ceremony here:
