Fostering cyber diplomats

Misleading information on Korean culture and history provided on various websites, world maps and foreign textbooks including National Geographic, World Atlas, and Dorling Kindersley in addition to promoting Korea worldwide. The organization headed by Park Ki-tae was initially incepted as a pen pal website in 1999, connecting Korean students with foreign students. Since then, it has grown steadily over the years thanks to the dedicated members, and it has fostered a total of 130,000 cyber diplomats and ambassadors of all ages ranging from adolescents to seniors.

The INNERview crew, along with the returning host Jennifer Clyde, went to VANK's office to meet its leader, Park Ki-tae. There, we met the passionate youths who are using their distinct set of talents and skills to help promote Korea on the global stage. Following their leader's footsteps, they are devoted to correcting erroneous and misleading information regarding Korea including the geographical name of the East Sea in foreign sources, and creating promotional materials to help foreigners develop a better and more accurate understanding of Korea.

During the interview, Park Ki-tae shared his thoughts regarding the dark, chilling history of Hashima Island, which was inscribed in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List on July 5 this year. The island, which is also known as Battleship Island, is notorious as the site of forced labor, where hundreds of Korean men were forced to work under harsh conditions and subjected to inhumane treatment. To raise awareness of this issue, Park Ki-tae and the members of VANK have created a video to be distributed via online platforms.

Join us on The INNERview this week to meet Park Ki-tae, the founder of VANK, and learn more about their activities as cyber diplomats and ambassadors!