Ex-Korea Herald editor-in-chief honored

Bak Se-hwan, koreaherald.com

Lee Kyong-hee, The Korea Herald’s editor-in-chief from 1999 to 2004, was announced the sixth winner of the Korea Foundation Award on Monday. 

Koreana managing editor Lee Kyong-hee (left) and the Koreana magazine (photo: The Korea Foundation)

Korea Foundation, a non-profit public diplomacy organization which organizes events to promote citizen diplomacy and enhance international relations, awards the prize biannually to an exceptional person who has made significant contributions in spreading understanding about Korea around the world.

In a press release, Lee said that the country “still lacks information on culture for foreigners,” and that “we need to put much effort into making cultural content more reader-friendly and help them better understand our country.” 

Currently, managing editor of the magazine Koreana, Lee had worked at the Herald for nearly four decades as a culture writer, editor, managing editor and editor in chief. In 2003, she also served as the chairwoman of the Asia News Network, a network of over 20 daily newspapers in Asia. 

Aside from numerous news articles in English about Korea’s culture, tradition and lifestyle as journalist, she authored books on Korea, including “Korean Culture: Legacies and Lore,” which was published in 1993, and “World Heritage in Korea” in 1998. 

Serving as the magazine’s managing editor since 2011, Lee continued to dedicate her time to offering an in-depth look into the country’s lifestyle and regions rich in history, such as the ancient Baekje Kingdom in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula, which was covered in the summer issue this year. 

Published since 1987 by the same foundation, Koreana is a quarterly magazine that offers information on South Korea’s arts and culture in 10 languages. It covers topics spanning traditional artisans, natural attractions and cultural heritage here. 

The sixth Korea Foundation Award ceremony for Lee will be held at Westin Chosun Hotel in central Seoul on Jan. 27, the group said.