by Sihyun Park, Korea Press Foundation, Korea.
As of 2025, public discourse in Korea is intensifying around the importance of media literacy education, in response to rapid developments such as the widespread use of generative AI, the proliferation of disinformation, and excessive exposure to digital information. The Korea Press Foundation (KPF), in collaboration with schools and educators, operates hands-on media literacy programs nationwide covering a wide range of topics—including news, video, advertising, and AI. These programs aim to strengthen the ability of students, teachers, and the general public to critically understand and respond to the digital environment.
Recently, national-level interest in media literacy education has also been rising. In step with this trend, KPF is expanding its dedicated teams and working to establish a more systematic and strategic foundation for implementation across the country
1. School-based, customised media literacy programs
Each year, KPF collaborates with thousands of schools to dispatch professional instructors who run classes using content such as news, video, AI, and advertising. In 2025 in particular, tailored instruction has been strengthened to address the needs of specific groups and learning levels, some of which include AI literacy, customized lessons for multicultural schools, and media education for students with disabilities. Flagship programs include “Ronnie’s Media Explorers” for lower-grade elementary students and the “AI Literacy Classroom” for middle school students. In 2024 alone, more than 46,000 students participated, and over 900 schools are expected to join in 2025.
2. Capacity-building and resource support for educators
Recognizing the key role of teachers, KPF offers KPF offers professional training programs, online lectures, and intensive academies to enhance teacher competency and expand classroom implementation at the same time. The foundation also operates a media educator certification system to train professional media instructors beyond schoolteachers, and also provides training programs for these instructors. Moreover, over 3,000 teaching materials and lesson plans tailored by age group and learner type have been developed and shared with schools and local communities.
3. Public engagement and awareness campaigns
Through initiatives such as the fact-checking competition (Checkathon) for adolescents and a nationwide News Reading, News Diary Contest open to the general public, KPF supports both youth and adults in gaining hands-on experience in independently analyzing and presenting news and information. In addition, the foundation fosters widespread public engagement with media literacy by employing diverse formats—including original music and music videos, citizen participation events, exhibitions, theatrical performances, and broadcast collaborations—to promote a deeper understanding of media literacy and encourage its practical application in everyday life.
Building on its established experience in media literacy education, KPF seeks to actively engage in knowledge exchange, joint projects, and personnel exchange with international educational institutions and media literacy organizations. This includes sharing practical case studies with institutions—particularly across Europe—and collaborating on joint research and educational initiatives.
Author
Sihyun Park is currently serving as Manager of the Media Education Support Team at the Korea Press Foundation. She is primarily responsible for planning and managing nationwide events that promote a culture of practicing media literacy in everyday life.
