(Seoul): The World Journalists Conference opens in Seoul on Monday (Mar. 30), with around 50 reporters from 30 countries attending. The conference, hosted by the Journalists Association of Korea (JAK), runs through April 3 under the theme “Journalism and Democracy: The Role of Media in Times of Crisis.”
Fresh News is the only media outlet from Cambodia invited, represented by Mr Rithiya Sreu, underscoring Cambodia’s growing presence in regional media forums.
Now in its 14th edition, the annual gathering focuses on the future of journalism and the ethical challenges posed by rapidly advancing generative artificial intelligence, while providing a global platform for participants to share perspectives.
Held at the Korea Press Centre in central Seoul, the opening ceremony features welcome remarks from JAK President Park Jong-hyun, followed by congratulatory speeches from National Assembly speaker Woo Won-shik and senior secretary to the President for Public Relations and Communications Lee Kyu-youn, highlighting the Korean government’s support for robust, independent journalism.
The first session of the conference “Democracy and Journalism at a Crossroads: The Role of Media in Times of Crisis” begins in the morning. Lee Joo-hee, managing editor of The Korea Herald, serves as moderator, with speakers including Daniel Bastard of France, Asia-Pacific director at Courrier International; Felix Lill of Germany, correspondent for Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland; Kim Eun-ji of Korea, chief political editor at SisaIN; and Pattaraporn Paibulsin of Thailand, head of foreign news at Daily News. The discussion centres on how news organisations adapt to audience fragmentation and changes in news consumption habits; restoring trust in media; pushing for diversity in media newsrooms; and the important roles of media in promoting democracy among other topics.
The second session in the afternoon addresses “AI in Newsrooms: from Practice to the Next Phase.” Kim Tae-gyun, a staff reporter at Yonhap News Agency is the moderator with speakers include Martin Georgiev of Bulgaria, a member of the board of directors of the Union of Bulgarian Journalists; Kaijun Zheng of China, director of the Social Media Desk of the International News Department at Xinhua News Agency; Woo Seung Ho of Korea, deputy director of the Future & Strategy Department at Seoul Economic Daily; and Renata Ewa Kim of Poland, a journalist with Newsweek Polska. The session explores how news organisations adopt AI tools in the news publication process, how journalists can uphold ethical standards and credibility while using such technologies, and the push for AI legislation and regulations.
A special lecture follows at 3:30 p.m., delivered by Yum Kyuhyun, chief strategy officer of DOST Eleven, an MBC subsidiary. His lecture, titled “AI-powered Journalism: Paradigm Shift in News Production from Broadcasting to YouTube,” examines AI transformation in video production, like using AI tool “Video Scoover” to automate the entire pre-editing workflow; “DOPP Studio” to produce cinematic-level AI CG for ads, films, and entertainment; and “AI Dubbing” to automate the entire dubbing process.
Beyond the conference hall, the program includes field visits to major sites across South Korea that highlight both the country’s modern development and its cultural heritage. The itinerary includes the Demilitarised Zone, with stops at Camp Greaves and the Odusan Unification Observatory, as well as the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority and the National Institute of Biological Resources, offering participants a view of security issues, economic innovation, and environmental protection.
Participants also experience traditional and contemporary Korean culture through visits to MBC World and Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, before heading to Gangneung for a tour of Anmok Beach on the east coast.
About the Journalists Association of Korea (JAK)
Established in 1964, the Journalists Association of Korea (JAK) is the largest professional organisation representing journalists across the Republic of Korea. With a membership of more than 10,000 media professionals from print, broadcast, and digital outlets nationwide, JAK plays a central role in promoting press freedom, journalistic integrity, and international cooperation.
The association advocates ethical reporting standards, supports journalists’s professional development, and contributes to media innovation through training programs, research initiatives, and global partnerships. JAK also serves as a platform for dialogue on key issues affecting the media industry, including technological disruption and democratic accountability.
In keeping with its commitment to fostering cross-border understanding and collaboration, JAK organises the annual World Journalists Conference (WJC), which brings together reporters, editors, and thought leaders from around the world to exchange perspectives on the evolving challenges and responsibilities of journalism.
For more details, visit https://www.journalist.or.kr.
=FRESH NEWS
