In an era where digital misinformation can distort national identity, the South Korean government is intensifying its efforts to protect the country’s global image. On Thursday, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially inaugurated the 21st cohort of “Friends of Korea,” a specialized civilian volunteer corps tasked with identifying and rectifying inaccurate historical, linguistic, and cultural narratives about Korea circulating in international media. Held at the KOCIS Center in Seoul’s Korea Press Center, the launch event underscored the critical mission of this group in ensuring that the global public receives authentic information about the nation.
Originally established in 2013 as the “Global Monitoring Group for Error Correction,” the initiative has grown from a domestic outreach effort into a robust international network. Over the past decade, the program has empowered more than 780 volunteers to serve as digital sentinels, scouring global online and offline platforms for factual discrepancies. When members identify errors, they utilize the government-run “Facts About Korea” portal, which facilitates formal communication with international publishers, educational institutions, and digital platforms to secure verified corrections and uphold the integrity of Korean heritage.
The latest induction ceremony welcomed a diverse cohort of 40 members, consisting of 28 Korean citizens and 12 foreign nationals. Notably, this 21st batch marks a significant milestone for the program, as foreign participation has climbed to over 30 percent. With 17 members currently residing in 11 different countries—including the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Turkey—the corps is better positioned than ever to leverage local, on-the-ground perspectives. This geographical spread is essential for catching nuanced cultural misrepresentations that might otherwise escape notice within South Korea’s borders.
The inauguration event served as both a formal introduction and a collaborative workshop, featuring icebreaking sessions and orientation training designed to prepare the volunteers for their five-month tenure. Beyond their geographic diversity, this cohort brings a multidisciplinary edge to the project. Volunteers with professional expertise in media communication, traditional music, and fashion were specifically selected, reflecting the ministry’s intent to move beyond simple fact-checking toward more proactive, sophisticated advocacy that showcases the depth and modern complexity of Korean culture.
This year’s launch carries additional weight as the “Facts About Korea” portal approaches its 10th anniversary in September. To mark the decade-long success of the platform, the ministry plans to roll out a series of commemorative events and promotional content designed to highlight the real-world impact of the volunteers’ work. By showcasing specific instances where international misinformation was successfully addressed, the government hopes to inspire further global engagement and demonstrate the tangible influence of citizen-led diplomacy.
As the new cohort begins their work, officials at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have expressed high expectations for the group’s potential. By bridging the gap between Korea and the rest of the world, these volunteers act as essential conduits of cultural truth. In the words of a ministry representative, the government remains fully dedicated to supporting these advocates as they work to convey the authentic story of Korea, ensuring that the nation’s history and identity remain accurate, resilient, and accessible across all borders and time zones.
