Part of: Korea-United States Journalists Exchange
Program
Theme: Balancing US-Korea Relations in an Election Year
Dates: September 19-28, 2024
US Destinations: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC
Korea Destinations: Seoul, Busan, and the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
The East-West Center is pleased to announce the 2024 Korea-United States Journalists Exchange (KUSJE), scheduled for September 19–28, 2024.
At present, US-ROK relations are exceptionally strong. Despite South Korean President Yoon representing a conservative party and his US counterpart President Biden representing a progressive party, the two governments have compatible approaches toward North Korea. President Yoon is also relatively tough on China and willing to prioritize strategic cooperation with Japan, which pleases Washington. Although President Yoon’s ability to implement his domestic agenda may be at risk due to his coalition falling short of achieving a majority in the April 10, 2024 National Assembly elections, his government still controls foreign policy-making, and from the beginning of his term, he has seemed determined to pursue his vision for ROK foreign relations even without a strong domestic mandate. The US Presidential election in November, however, could dramatically reset Korea-US relations. Candidate and former US president, Donald J. Trump, has a well-known history of being dissatisfied with the US-ROK alliance, and a second term for candidate Trump could present a challenge for Seoul and relations between the US and South Korea.
The 2024 Exchange marks the continued importance of the Korea-US relationship. With a focus on “Balancing US-Korea Relations in an Election Year,” this 16th exchange will look at the current issues related to US-Korea relations, including the strategic Korea-US military alliance, the state of US-Japan-ROK relations and strategic cooperation, US and Korea foreign policy, and the continued threat from North Korea. Coordinated meetings and visits will also provide journalists with an extensive knowledge and understanding of the US and South Korea presidential and parliamentary election process, policy issues, and voter attitudes, thereby enhancing their coverage of each election’s potential impact to US-Korea relations. Six Korean journalists will travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC and six US journalists will travel to Seoul, Busan, and the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea to meet with government and business leaders, academics, non-governmental organizations, media, and other members of the community. Following these study tours, all of the journalists will meet for a final dialogue at the East-West Center in Washington to report on their travel experiences and perspectives, and exchange opinions on how media coverage of US-Korea issues can be improved.
Eligibility
Working US and Korean print, broadcast, and online journalists with a minimum of five years of experience are eligible to apply. Korean journalists should contact the Korea Press Foundation to apply.
Application Deadline for US Journalists: Friday, May 31, 2024
Funding
Funding: The 2024 Korea-United States Journalists Exchange is funded by The East-West Center and the Korea Press Foundation. Sponsors will cover the following programmatic costs:
- All international and domestic airfare
- Ground transportation and airport transfers
- Lodging in each of the study-tour destinations
- Program-related meals
- Cultural activities and networking opportunities
- Interpretation services during the study tour
US participants are responsible for paying a program fee of $650.00 each and covering their health insurance and airline baggage charges.
Required Documents
US journalists must submit all of the following to be considered:
- Complete the online KUSJE application form; and provide
- Current resume or curriculum vitae (no more than 2 pages)
- Cover letter outlining a brief description of your news organization, job duties and experience; what you expect to accomplish and what issues you want to explore during the program, including specific story ideas; and how participation in this Fellowship will benefit your work as journalist.
- Names and contact information for three references
Korean journalists should contact the Korea Press Foundation.
Part of: Korea-United States Journalists Exchange
Program
Theme: Balancing US-Korea Relations in an Election Year
Dates: September 19-28, 2024
US Destinations: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC
Korea Destinations: Seoul, Busan, and the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
The East-West Center is pleased to announce the 2024 Korea-United States Journalists Exchange (KUSJE), scheduled for September 19–28, 2024.
At present, US-ROK relations are exceptionally strong. Despite South Korean President Yoon representing a conservative party and his US counterpart President Biden representing a progressive party, the two governments have compatible approaches toward North Korea. President Yoon is also relatively tough on China and willing to prioritize strategic cooperation with Japan, which pleases Washington. Although President Yoon’s ability to implement his domestic agenda may be at risk due to his coalition falling short of achieving a majority in the April 10, 2024 National Assembly elections, his government still controls foreign policy-making, and from the beginning of his term, he has seemed determined to pursue his vision for ROK foreign relations even without a strong domestic mandate. The US Presidential election in November, however, could dramatically reset Korea-US relations. Candidate and former US president, Donald J. Trump, has a well-known history of being dissatisfied with the US-ROK alliance, and a second term for candidate Trump could present a challenge for Seoul and relations between the US and South Korea.
The 2024 Exchange marks the continued importance of the Korea-US relationship. With a focus on “Balancing US-Korea Relations in an Election Year,” this 16th exchange will look at the current issues related to US-Korea relations, including the strategic Korea-US military alliance, the state of US-Japan-ROK relations and strategic cooperation, US and Korea foreign policy, and the continued threat from North Korea. Coordinated meetings and visits will also provide journalists with an extensive knowledge and understanding of the US and South Korea presidential and parliamentary election process, policy issues, and voter attitudes, thereby enhancing their coverage of each election’s potential impact to US-Korea relations. Six Korean journalists will travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC and six US journalists will travel to Seoul, Busan, and the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea to meet with government and business leaders, academics, non-governmental organizations, media, and other members of the community. Following these study tours, all of the journalists will meet for a final dialogue at the East-West Center in Washington to report on their travel experiences and perspectives, and exchange opinions on how media coverage of US-Korea issues can be improved.
Eligibility
Working US and Korean print, broadcast, and online journalists with a minimum of five years of experience are eligible to apply. Korean journalists should contact the Korea Press Foundation to apply.
Application Deadline for US Journalists: Friday, May 31, 2024
Funding
Funding: The 2024 Korea-United States Journalists Exchange is funded by The East-West Center and the Korea Press Foundation. Sponsors will cover the following programmatic costs:
- All international and domestic airfare
- Ground transportation and airport transfers
- Lodging in each of the study-tour destinations
- Program-related meals
- Cultural activities and networking opportunities
- Interpretation services during the study tour
US participants are responsible for paying a program fee of $650.00 each and covering their health insurance and airline baggage charges.
Required Documents
US journalists must submit all of the following to be considered:
- Complete the online KUSJE application form; and provide
- Current resume or curriculum vitae (no more than 2 pages)
- Cover letter outlining a brief description of your news organization, job duties and experience; what you expect to accomplish and what issues you want to explore during the program, including specific story ideas; and how participation in this Fellowship will benefit your work as journalist.
- Names and contact information for three references
Korean journalists should contact the Korea Press Foundation.