대학신문방송국

What’s HERALD?

By Kim Do-eun Editor-in-Chief, Junior of Public Policy

  If you are a student at HBNU, you may have seen English newspapers distributed throughout the school. Writing articles for many people during college is not a common experience. Plus, it is even more special if you write it in the language of English. So, who are the people experiencing this, and why are they doing it? This article tells the story of HBNU’s official English newspaper, ‘The Hanbat Herald,’, which tries to convey useful information to readers at home and abroad.

 Founded in 2008, The Hanbat Herald is an English newspaper company, affiliated with HBNU’s newsroom. Twice a year, they deliver various meaningful news stories to young people, both domestic and foreign. These ‘meaningful news’ stories refer to selecting useful topics for readers, and delivering accurate information - regardless of their timeliness - because the newspapers are published twice a year.

 As of September 2022, they have published a total of 28 newspapers. About 190 copies of the latest issue were delivered to allied universities and public institutions in 16 countries, including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and Vietnam. In addition, about 500 copies were delivered to HBNU, and about 300 copies were delivered to various institutions and universities in Korea. As they have a global readership, the articles are divided into four parts: ‘Campus, National, International, and Cultural’, in order to convey diverse news stories.

-   The way they work

Herald reporters conduct thematic meetings, writing articles in Korean and English, getting feedback from a native speaking professor, and organizing the layout over a semester. They are divided into three departments: article, public relations, and management. The article department aims to improve the quality of the newspapers, as well as articles. Therefore, they are responsible for the final feedback of Korean and English articles, and the layouts. The public relations department is in charge of communication and promotion with readers by uploading card news and event notifications through Instagram and the newsroom website. Finally, the management department is in charge of accounting management within the Herald, and the reservation of places for events. For smooth operation and high-quality newspapers, they have a plenary session, an English study meeting once a week, and the formal reporters receive scholarships. They also promote unity among members through a retreat during vacation.

-   Reporter selection process and English proficiency

   At the beginning of the first semester of each year, they select cub reporters through first document evaluation, a second interview, and a written test. Any student of HBNU under junior can apply for this. In the first document evaluation, they consider the applicants’ experience, effort, and interest in English as important. In the second interview, they evaluate the reliability of the applications. After the interviews, a test, consisting of questions that can confirm reading comprehension and English writing skills, is conducted.

 You may think that there are only students with excellent English skills in English newspaper companies. Of course, if you are good at English, it is much easier to write articles and do other activities. However, outstanding English is not essential.

 Bae So-young, a member of the Herald, said, “I could write in English to some extent. Nevertheless, there were many parts that were revised and supplemented after feedback. By repeating these processes, my English has improved a lot.” She also added that anyone who can speak English can apply, even if they are not fluent. Besides, you do not need to worry about your English since you can get individual feedback directly from a native speaker professor in the Herald.

 The following interview is the story of a student working as a reporter at the Herald.

Choi Ha-ram, Sophomore of Public Policy, Head of the Article Department for the Second Semester of 2022

Q. Why did you apply for the Herald?

When I was a high school student, I dreamed of becoming a sports reporter, because I loved soccer. After entering university, I became interested in the school press, because I wanted to achieve my dream of becoming a reporter. Just in time, I saw the Herald’s recruitment notice, and I applied because I was attracted to the thought of being able to write articles, and also to be able to study English.

Q. What was your most rewarding moment as a reporter for the Herald?

It was the first time I saw my article in the finished newspaper. I was so proud of that finished newspaper that  I had worked on for a semester.

Q. What do you think is the biggest advantage of the Herald?

We write articles in English, unlike ordinary Korean newspaper companies. Therefpre, we study English on our own for the high quality of the articles. In addition to improving our English skills, it is also possible to socialize and share useful information with other members from various departments.

Q. What would you like to say to HBNU students reading this article?

If you would like to write for many people and improve your English, why don’t you apply for the Herald? I am sure you can spend your college life more meaningfully. Lastly, I ask you guys to pay a lot of attention to the Herald.

 As official reporters at HBNU, they are working diligently to be helpful to their readers, with pride and responsibility. Why don’t you think about the reporters’ effort and time for this, at least once, rather than just passing by when you see their newspapers distributed on campus? If you look at it with interest, you will benefit by getting both English skills and useful information.