KOREA FOUNDATION

Letters from AKF 

Fond memories of the 4th AKF group and a few words of welcome for the 5th AKF group 

By Kim Na-Eun, Member of the “4 Potential for 10” Team (4th AKF) 

This year, AKF was a gift to me in many ways. I met a lot of good people through AKF and gained a better understanding of ASEAN cultures, which I had not known much about, through various experiences and activities. Through the ASEAN Cooking Challenge (a video mission), I cooked nasi goreng and edited a video—all for the first time. In My Little ASEAN, I learned about what university life is like in Thailand and Indonesia and felt the joy of teaching someone else what I know. 

   The most memorable activity was “My Little ASEAN.” I was worried about whether I’d be able to properly do a live YouTube broadcast (it was my first time), but I gained a lot of satisfaction during the preparation process by working with my teammates. I was especially glad to meet the rest of my team in person, as I had previously only been able to meet them online. By being able to speak to one another face-to-face, we got acquainted much faster, and it was easier to negotiate and come to an agreement on important issues. The live broadcast, which everyone worked very hard to prepare, fortunately turned out successful: we were all satisfied with both the process and outcomes. Due to COVID-19, I was unable to meet people from other teams but still hope we can see each other in person one day after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

   Through my activities in the 4th AKF group, I learned a lot of things about ASEAN that I didn’t know before and have become more interested in this part of the world. Whenever I see media coverage or a newspaper article about ASEAN, I pay more attention to it than I would have before. Thanks to AKF, I was able to avoid feeling lethargic because of COVID-19 and instead spent my time much more economically (while having fun!). Thank you, ASEAN Culture House, for making 2020 a rewarding year! 

   I hope that 2021 has the same value for the members of the 5th AKF group as AKF activities—and the ASEAN Culture House—had for me: a gift. I recommend staying open-minded and cooperating with your teammates to learn not only about ASEAN but the people from those countries. Passion and sincerity are all that you need in order to make your experience worthwhile! 

   To the members of the 5th AKF group, I would like to say: welcome, and enjoy! I hope that 2020 ends on a high note for everyone thanks to the ASEAN Culture House and AKF.