*This is the part 1 of an email interview conducted online with a content writer cum cultural journalist. For more details, please refer to the content below.
A. Background & Journey
1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and your academic/professional background? (optional)
I completed my Masters degree in Communication and Journalism from the University of Mumbai, with a focus on how media shapes cultural identity and public perception. During my studies, I became particularly interested in the influence of Korean media on Indian youth like how K-Drama, K-POP, and other digital content are shaping language learning and cultural outlooks, and began exploring these topics within the Eelam of cultural journalism. I also conducted research on the representation of women in both India and Korean societies, which gave me a comparative perspective on media and culture.
Beyond academia, I’ve been actively involved in Korean media projects and cultural programs in India writing articles, conducting interviews with media professionals, and participating in events that promote India – Korea cultural exchange. Additionally, I had the opportunity to teach Korean students English under the Education Ministry of Korea, which gave me first-hand experience of Korean educational culture and student engagement.
Experiencing this intersection of research, journalism and practice sparked my deeper curiosity and ultimately motivated me to plan for my doctorate in Korea, where I can combine first-hand cultural experience with academic study.
2. What initially sparked your interest in Korea and Korean content writing?
My interest in Korea didn’t come from a sudden decision, but rather a gradual journey. Like many, I was first introduced through dramas and music, but very quickly it stopped being just entertainment for me. I started noticing how people around me were learning Korean, dressing differently, and even changing their outlook on life because of what they saw on screen. That fascinated me.
I wanted to understand how the media could cross borders and have such a strong influence on identity and culture. Content writing became my way of exploring that curiosity. Instead of keeping those thoughts to myself, I began putting them into words, connecting what I was observing with my academic background in communication and journalism. It gave me a chance to analyse Korean media while also connecting with audiences who were experiencing the same excitement. What started as a personal interest soon became a professional path, where writing was not just about Korea but about building a bridge between two cultures.
3. Looking back, what was your very first Korea-related opportunity (writing, internship, or volunteering), and how did you secure it?
My very first Korea-related opportunity came with Decent Times Magazine, where I worked as an editorial writer focusing on India–Korea relations. At that stage, I didn’t have a long list of experiences, but I had a strong interest in how cultural narratives connected the two countries. I pitched my ideas sincerely, backed them with research, and showed that I could bring a fresh perspective. That initial chance gave me confidence and also created a small portfolio that I could later showcase.
From there, my journey unfolded step by step. I joined K-Influencer program, where I got to engage with Korean content in a more interactive way, and soon afterwards, I became an Honorary Reporter for Korea.net under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Their global recruitment opens every year around February–March, and I applied by submitting writing samples and a motivation statement. Being selected there was a turning point that gave me international visibility and credibility as a Korea-focused writer.
As I continued, new opportunities followed: serving as an Honorary Reporter for the Hallyu Archetypal Culture Delegation in South Korea, working as an English teacher for Korean students under the Ministry of Education, and more recently, contributing as an Honorary Reporter for Asia Lab Seoul.
Looking back, what made the difference wasn’t a perfect CV but my willingness to start small, keep learning, and put myself forward whenever I saw a chance. Each role built on the previous one, and gradually, what started as curiosity grew into a consistent journey of writing, teaching, and cultural exchange.
B. Content Writing & Research
4. You’ve written for platforms like Namaste Hallyu, Korea.net, Hallyuism. How did each of these roles differ in terms of work style, expectations, and learning?
Each platform became a new classroom for me, shaping a different aspect of my skills. With Namaste Hallyu, the work felt very grassroots, connecting directly with Indian audiences who were curious and passionate about Hallyu. The writing style there was light, community-oriented, and trend-driven, which taught me how to create content that feels personal and relatable.
Korea.net, on the other hand, introduced me to a more formal space, closely tied to Korea’s cultural diplomacy. The expectations were higher: accuracy, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity were critical, and it trained me to write for a global audience in a polished, fact-checked manner.
With Hallyuism, I found a middle ground where I could write longer, reflective pieces that focused on deeper cultural analysis, blending narrative with interpretation. One of the most valuable opportunities that came along this journey was the chance to interview professional personalities in the education and media sectors. These conversations gave me insights that books and articles could never provide. Learning directly from experts helped me sharpen my questioning skills, adapt my writing to capture authentic voices, and expand my perspective on how Korea and India can collaborate in meaningful ways.
More recently, working as an Honorary Reporter for Asia Lab Seoul has enriched me even further. It allowed me to create content that bridges India and Korea for a truly global readership. Alongside that, my experience as an English teacher for Korean students under the Ministry of Education added a completely different dimension. Teaching wasn’t just about language; it meant engaging with Korean youth, understanding their worldview, and seeing firsthand how they interact with global media.
These roles, combined with my earlier writing experiences, gave me both the professional discipline of a writer and the cultural empathy of an educator, shaping me into someone who doesn’t just write about Korea but lives the cultural exchange in practice.
5. What does the application/selection process look like for such internships or writer positions? (Do they require writing samples, assignments, portfolios, interviews, or social media skills?)
The process usually starts with sharing your CV, a cover note, and writing samples. Most organizations don’t expect you to have a long list of publications, but they do want to see whether you can write clearly, adapt to their style, and bring something new to the table. Sometimes, they may give you a short task, like drafting an article or suggesting story ideas, which helps them see how you handle deadlines and topics you may not be familiar with.
What makes a real difference is preparation. If you understand the platform’s audience and style before applying, your chances are much stronger.
For example, Korea.net expects a formal tone, while a fan-driven blog looks for relatability. Apart from writing skills, they value responsiveness, consistency, and social media awareness. Even in selection, it’s not only about what you’ve done, but how you approach the role and how open you are to feedback.
6. Which of your experiences do you feel shaped you the most as a Korea-focused content writer, and why? (optional)
One of the most defining experiences for me was working closely with research communities like the Korea Research Circle while also continuing editorial writing. On one side, I was doing serious academic research, with structured arguments and peer reviews. On the other, I was writing for audiences who wanted easy-to-read, engaging stories. Moving between these two worlds shaped my style I learned how to explain cultural and academic ideas without making them too heavy, but also without losing depth.
What made it impactful was seeing the response. Readers appreciated when content wasn’t just surface-level but gave them something new to think about. At the same time, academics noticed that I was bringing accessibility to complex topics.
That balance between research depth and public readability is something I carry into every piece of work now. It taught me that being a Korea-focused writer isn’t just about reporting trends, it’s about interpreting them in a way that adds value to both scholarship and everyday readers.
C. Tips & Advice
11. What platforms, communities, or organizations would you recommend for finding Korea-related content writing/research internships (both in India and Korea)?
In India, the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) is the best starting point, they regularly share internship opportunities, events, and cultural programs and Institutions such as IKETS, MGH KOREA Delhi, Jamia Milia Islamia and at Delhi University.
For writing, Korea.net’s Honorary Reporters program is one of the most recognized global platforms where you can contribute articles and gain international visibility.
On the academic side, programs like the Korea Foundation fellowships or the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), Academy of Korean Studies Fellowship (AKS Fellowship), POSCO TJ Park Foundation Fellowship, KOICA Scholarship, and Universities based scholarships are excellent for building a research-focused career in Korean studies.
Apart from official organizations, community-driven outlets like Namaste Hallyu or cultural blogs are also great entry points. They give you experience, a chance to experiment with your voice, and samples for your portfolio. Networking also matters a lot conferences, cultural events, or even online communities can connect you to editors and researchers who may not advertise roles formally but are always looking for contributors.
The key is to stay active, visible, and consistent in these spaces.
* This is the end of the first part of the interview. If you have any questions for the guest, please leave them in the comments. Read part 2 here.
* If you wish to share your story with us, please reach out to us at campus.inb@gmail.com For more information, check our careers page.
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