Website: www.seoul.co.kr
What website is Seoul News?
Seoul Shinmun (Korean: 서울신문; English: Seoul Shinmun) is one of the oldest newspapers in South Korea. Since its founding on July 18, 1904, it has witnessed the long process of social, political, and cultural changes in South Korea. As a media outlet with a deep historical foundation, Seoul Shinmun not only records important moments in modern Korean history but also played a vital role in many key periods, especially during the Japanese colonial period, where it demonstrated its indomitable national spirit by publishing anti-Japanese articles and exposing Japan's aggressive ambitions.
From its initial name, *Daehan Maeil Shinbo*, to its later name, *Maeil Shinbo*, and now *Seoul News*, this newspaper has undergone several name changes and transformations, but has always upheld its principles of pursuing truth and upholding justice. In modern society, *Seoul News* is no longer limited to traditional print publications, but has developed into a comprehensive media group encompassing multiple platforms. Its official website, www.seoul.co.kr, is one of the important achievements of this transformation.
As a long-established and reputable media organization, Seoul News has earned the trust of its readers through its authority and credibility. Whether providing in-depth coverage of major domestic and international events or focusing on local issues of public concern, the media outlet demonstrates a high level of professionalism and social responsibility. Next, we will further explore Seoul News's historical development, core values, and its digital transformation in the context of globalization.
Historical Development and Mission of Our Time
The history of the *Seoul News* dates back to July 18, 1904, when it first appeared as the *Daehan Maeil Shinbo*. This was during the late Joseon Dynasty, a time of great upheaval and internal and external troubles for the nation. Against this complex historical backdrop, the *Daehan Maeil Shinbo* emerged as one of the few media outlets allowed to freely express its voice. From its inception, the newspaper established the principle of "serving the people," dedicated to delivering truthful information and raising public awareness of the nation's fate.
However, with Japan's formal annexation of the Korean Peninsula in 1910, the entire country was plunged into 35 years of colonial rule. During this period, the *Daehan Maeil Shinbo* was forced to change its name to *Maeil Shinbo*. Despite facing strict censorship and immense pressure to survive, the newspaper persisted in publishing anti-colonial articles in a subtle way, exposing the aggressive nature of Japanese imperialism. For example, in seemingly ordinary social news, editors cleverly embedded statements supporting protests or national independence movements. While these contents superficially complied with censorship requirements, they actually contained profound meanings, inspiring countless patriots to fight for freedom.
After World War II, the Korean Peninsula finally broke free from Japanese colonial rule. On November 23, 1945, the *Maeil Shinbo* was renamed again, officially becoming today's *Seoul News*. The new name symbolized the beginning of a new era—a new chapter of autonomy, democracy, and peace. During this period, the *Seoul News* continued to play its role in guiding public opinion, actively participating in postwar reconstruction efforts, and striving to promote social progress and development. Especially during the Cold War, facing the severe situation of North-South division, the newspaper maintained a rational attitude, calling for resolving disputes through dialogue and promoting national unity.
Looking back at the development of *Seoul News*, we can clearly see a consistent theme: regardless of changes in the external environment, this media outlet has always adhered to its original mission—to write the truth with its pen and defend justice with its voice. It is this unwavering belief that has enabled *Seoul News* to stand strong through a century of trials and tribulations, gradually growing into one of the most influential media brands in South Korea.
Core Values and Social Responsibility
As a media outlet with over a century of history, the core values of *Seoul News* are deeply rooted in the principles established at its inception. These principles include, but are not limited to, the pursuit of truth, respect for human rights, advocacy for democracy, and promotion of social justice. Specifically:
- The pursuit of truth: For any news organization, reporting the facts is the most basic and important responsibility. The *Seoul News* excels in this regard. For many years, the newspaper has consistently adhered to presenting various news events objectively and fairly, remaining uncompromising even when facing pressure from powerful political forces or other interest groups. For example, during South Korea's military dictatorship in the 1950s and 60s, the *Seoul News* repeatedly and bravely exposed government corruption and violations of citizens' rights, earning widespread praise.
- Respect for Human Rights: Human rights have always been a key area of focus for the international community globally. The Seoul News also places great importance on this. From reporting on the refugee crisis to advocating for the rights of vulnerable groups, the Seoul News consistently speaks out on the grounds of upholding human dignity and equality. Particularly when it comes to issues such as gender discrimination and racial prejudice, the newspaper takes proactive steps to promote relevant reforms.
- Advocating for Democracy: Democracy is the cornerstone of modern civilized society, and the media is considered an indispensable part of the normal functioning of a democratic system. The Seoul News has long been committed to promoting the democratization process in South Korea. Whether through in-depth analysis of various issues in the election process or criticism of actions that attempt to undermine democratic rules, the Seoul News strives to ensure that the public has sufficient information to make informed choices.
- Promoting social justice: Social justice is a prerequisite for sustainable development. To this end, the Seoul News places particular emphasis on reporting on economic inequality and its underlying causes, while also calling on all sectors of society to work together to narrow the gap between the rich and poor. In addition, the newspaper frequently organizes charitable activities to help families and individuals in difficult circumstances rediscover hope for the future.
In addition to the points mentioned above, the Seoul News also places great emphasis on developments in emerging fields such as environmental protection and technological innovation. By continuously tracking and reporting on the latest developments in these areas, the newspaper hopes to inspire more people to participate in building a better future.
Digital Transformation and Global Perspective
Since the beginning of the 21st century, with the rapid development of internet technology, traditional media have faced unprecedented challenges and opportunities. To adapt to this new situation, *Seoul News* accelerated its digital transformation. As early as the beginning of 2000, the newspaper established its own official website, www.seoul.co.kr, providing users with a convenient and fast channel to access news and information. Subsequently, with the continuous increase in mobile internet penetration, *Seoul News* launched application versions for smartphones and tablets, allowing readers to stay informed about the latest developments anytime, anywhere.
Meanwhile, Seoul News actively explored operational models on social media platforms. By opening multiple accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms, the newspaper successfully attracted a large following among young users. The content published on these platforms is diverse, ranging from concise news updates to in-depth yet accessible feature articles and engaging short videos. All of this aims to better meet the needs of different audience segments.
It is worth noting that in today's era of globalization, *Seoul News* has not limited itself to the domestic market but has actively expanded its international influence. On the one hand, the newspaper has strengthened its focus on news events in the outside world, especially in other Asian countries and regions, striving to provide Korean readers with a more comprehensive and accurate worldview. On the other hand, it has established connections with other well-known media outlets through participation in transnational cooperation projects, jointly exploring new trends in industry development. For example, in recent years, *Seoul News* has repeatedly collaborated with mainstream media in China, Japan, and other regions to conduct joint interviews and engage in in-depth exchanges on regional hot issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Seoul News is not only a newspaper carrying a rich historical memory, but also a dynamic and progressive modern media group. From a small publication that dared to confront powerful forces a century ago to a comprehensive information platform with wide influence across multiple platforms today, Seoul News has always been at the forefront of the times, writing its own wonderful stories of this era.
Looking to the future, *Seoul News* will continue to uphold its core values, forging ahead on the path of pursuing truth and upholding justice. At the same time, it will further deepen its digital transformation strategy, fully utilizing new technologies to enhance user experience, expand its reach, and ultimately achieve its goal of enabling more people worldwide to understand and accept the voice of Korea. We believe that with the joint efforts of all staff, *Seoul News* will surely usher in an even brighter future!
