As someone who enjoys food photography and exploring food culture in depth, being selected as the Best Online Supporter for K-Food came as a pleasant surprise — and a meaningful milestone.
It was my first year participating in the Online Supporters program, and such recognition was unexpected. The award has become a strong source of motivation, especially during a new chapter in creative work.
With 17 years of experience in journalism, the transition into digital content creation has presented a steep learning curve. With no filmmaking background, I taught myself how to create YouTube videos and Shorts, as well as Instagram Reels, largely through online tutorials. Later, I even challenged myself to open a RedNote account to produce content in Chinese.
As a result, each topic often required two to three times more effort, from research and shooting to editing and adapting content across platforms and languages. While demanding, the process proved deeply rewarding, allowing my multilingual background to be put to meaningful use.
In today’s content landscape, brands often prioritize numbers, whether follower counts, views, or viral reach. For this reason, recognition that looked beyond metrics and instead acknowledged passion and dedication was especially meaningful.
For once, there was a genuine sense of appreciation for the work — a feeling rarely experienced during a decade-plus career in hard news journalism, where effort often went unseen and unacknowledged.
The award carried added significance as it came during a period of transition. After stepping away from full-time journalism to pursue freelancing, the path forward required redefining how stories are told. This recognition reaffirmed the decision to explore new forms of storytelling through digital platforms as a direction worth pursuing.
Finding the “K” Beyond Korea
Creating Korea-related content while living outside Korea is not always easy, as it requires extra effort to seek out stories, experiences, and perspectives that go beyond the obvious.
In this regard, initiatives organized by the Korean Embassy in Malaysia — such as K-Cultural Days and exclusive events for Online Supporters — played an important role in enabling more meaningful and authentic engagement with Korean culture. These opportunities made it possible to experience Korea beyond digital trends.
The cultural aspect has always been my forte. During my journalism career, I was often assigned to cover Chinese festivals and produce cover stories that delved into the traditions, values, and narratives behind them. While it was a task many were reluctant to take on, it became a blessing in disguise, as the experience shaped how I approach K-Food content — not merely as cuisine, but as a gateway into culture, identity, and everyday life in Korea.
A Year of Recognition
Online Supporters for the Korean Embassy in Malaysia were recognized for their dedication to promoting Korean culture throughout the year at the 2025 Online Supporters Year-End Awards Ceremony, held on December 5 at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.
The ceremony honored 10 outstanding Online Supporters who actively promoted various aspects of Korean culture throughout 2025, including K-Beauty, K-Drama, K-Food, K-Tourism, and K-Pop.
Being named Best Online Supporter for K-Food reaffirmed the purpose behind this journey: to tell thoughtful stories, bridge cultures, and share Korea beyond trends and stereotypes.
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