SFCC Executive Board Holds Roundtable with Sungkyunkwan University
-Discussion on strengthening international publicity cooperation and expanding foreign press networks
-Foreign correspondents: “We look forward to collaborating with SKKU faculty and hope to share expert sources.”
-Continued dialogue on international issues such as Korea–China–Japan relations, economy, and energy
▲Group photo of Sungkyunkwan University and the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club (SFCC)
On Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) held a roundtable meeting with the executive board of the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club (SFCC) at Conference House Dalgaebi, near Seoul City Hall. The event was organized as part of SKKU’s strategic communication efforts to expand global networks and strengthen international publicity capabilities.
Founded in 1956, the SFCC is a non-profit organization aimed at fostering cooperation and exchange among foreign correspondents based in Seoul. With members from over 100 media outlets representing nearly 100 countries, the SFCC serves as a central hub for producing international news on Korea through regular briefings, meetings, and on-site coverage with key domestic institutions and figures.
Attending the meeting were six SFCC executive board members: Woong-Bee Lee (UK), President, BBC World Service, Hyung-Bin Kang (China), 1st Vice President, People’s Daily Online, Hee-Soo Lee (USA), Treasurer, Bloomberg News, Norio Sakurai (Japan), Former President, Sankei Shimbun, Yeon-Sook Lim (Singapore), Former President, CNA, Steve Borowick (Japan), Board Director, Nikkei Asia Representing SKKU were President Ji-Beom Yoo, Vice President for External Relations Sung-Woo Ji, Vice President of International Affairs Minhyo Cho, PR Director Chang-Hyung Lee, and Director of International Relations Kyung-Min Park, along with other university officials.
▲ SKKU President Ji-Beom Yoo presents collaboration proposals.
During the discussions, foreign correspondents highlighted past connections with SKKU and expressed hopes for deeper collaboration, particularly in securing expert sources and faculty networks for international reporting.
Woong-Bee Lee (BBC World Service) emphasized: “Many SFCC members have strong ties with SKKU. We are expanding our database of expert sources needed for international reporting and would like to strengthen our relationship with SKKU for mutual benefit.”
▲ Woong-Bee Lee (BBC World Service) is presenting proposals for collaboration with SKKU
Hyung-Bin Kang (People’s Daily Online) expressed interest in SKKU’s traditions and events, stating:“We would be very eager to cover SKKU’s unique traditional events whenever possible.”
Norio Sakurai (Sankei Shimbun) noted past collaborations with SKKU faculty, adding: “For in-depth coverage of Korea–China–Japan relations and cultural issues, we would like to consider joint reporting projects.”
Yeon-Sook Lim (CNA) stressed the importance of rapid access to expert commentary on global issues and requested a list of contactable SKKU professors.
Hee-Soo Lee (Bloomberg) underlined the practical value of faculty networks: “In reporting, speed and credibility are critical. Having access to SKKU’s professor pool would be highly practical. We are also especially interested in interviewing female experts, who remain underrepresented.”
Steve Borowick (Nikkei Asia) expressed support for long-term collaboration to broaden access to diverse international sources.
▲ From left: Norio Sakurai (Sankei Shimbun, former president) and Yeon-Sook Lim (CNA, former president).
Building on this roundtable, SKKU plans to further refine communication channels with the foreign press and actively promote the expertise of its faculty to the international community through tailored publicity strategies.
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