The ASEAN-Korea Media Forum 2025 convened in Jeju on November 12, marking the revival of the regional media dialogue after a six-year hiatus and underscoring the growing importance of media collaboration in advancing the ASEAN-South Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Held at Constella Hall, Parnas Hotel on South Korea’s Jeju Island, the forum brought together journalists, media experts and representatives from the ASEAN-Korea Centre, the Korea Press Foundation and the Asia News Network (ANN).
The event featured two thematic sessions, which focused on “The Future of the ASEAN-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)” and “The Future of ASEAN-Korea Cultural Ties: K-Culture as a Bridge”.
In his opening remarks, Kim Jae-shin, secretary-general of the ASEAN-Korea Centre, said the gathering was particularly meaningful as it took place in the first full year of implementing the ASEAN-ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, launched in 2024.
“Today’s Forum marks the first in six years since it was last held in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic,” Kim said.
“Through this Forum, the ASEAN-Korea Centre aims to bring together the perspectives and insights of journalists from both regions to reflect on the future of ASEAN-Korea relations and explore new pathways for deeper cultural exchange and cooperation,” he added.
Kim highlighted how ASEAN and Korea have become increasingly interlinked across multiple dimensions — economically, socially and culturally. He noted that ASEAN remains Korea’s second-largest export market after China and a vital partner in tourism and people-to-people ties.
“Last year alone, around 9.6 million Koreans visited ASEAN, while 2.5 million ASEAN nationals travelled to South Korea,” he said.
“At this juncture, the Korean government is fully committed to advancing this partnership even further. President Lee Jae-myung reaffirmed Korea’s dedication to being a ‘contributor to ASEAN’s dreams and aspirations,’ a ‘springboard for growth and innovation,’ and a ‘partner for peace and stability’,” he continued.
Nam Jeong-ho, executive director of the media division at the Korea Press Foundation, emphasised that the relationship between ASEAN and Korea has evolved from a diplomatic formality into an everyday partnership rooted in social and cultural connection.
“ASEAN is no longer seen by Koreans as a distant region,” Nam said.
“Workers from ASEAN play essential roles throughout Korean society, and marriages between citizens of both regions are increasing rapidly. In other words, ASEAN is a close neighbour and a partner deeply rooted in everyday life in Korea,” he added.
Nam, who has reported from almost every ASEAN country during his career except Myanmar, pointed to the need for stronger understanding between journalists to ensure fair and accurate representation across borders.
“Such incidents highlight the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation among media organizations in our regions,” he said, adding “Only with deeper understanding can we ensure accurate reporting and healthy relationships”.
The forum took place against the backdrop of South Korea’s expanding engagement with Southeast Asia under the CSP framework.
Both speakers highlighted the crucial role of the media in sustaining this partnership by fostering mutual trust and amplifying shared narratives between Korea and ASEAN nations.
The one-day event also offered ASEAN journalists the opportunity to experience Jeju’s unique cultural and environmental heritage — a symbol of Korea’s commitment to people-centred diplomacy and cultural exchange.
As the forum concluded, participants reaffirmed their shared goal of using media as a bridge to strengthen ASEAN-Korea relations, promote cultural understanding, and contribute to a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
“Ultimately,” Nam said in closing, “we are partners walking together toward Asia’s shared future.”
