There is a well-known anchor. He was famous as a special correspondent for MBC in Paris, and currently is a special adviser for MBC. You have probably seen him on television news. His name is Hwang-hun. Did you know that he is alumni of our university? He is one of many successful Donggukians. He entered into Dongguk University majoring English Language and Literature in 1978. I think many students may be curious about what his campus life was like and how he could accomplish his dream and career. The post met him and listened to his story mainly about his campus life, his career and daily life. 
The Post: Why did you decide to take English Language and Literature as your major? Was there any special reason?
Hwang: I had decided to major in English since I was a highschool student because I thought it could be advantageous in getting a job. Also I wanted to study about the humanities in general not simply to improve my English.
I was good at English, compared to my classmates but I did not neglect my other studies. I read English magazines and kept in touch with foreign teachers on campus and practised English. I also participated in English play which was held in English Language and Literature Department. It was really helpful to practice English. I always tried to participate in these programs when I had chances.
The Post: Can you tell us about your campus life? What types of student were you?
Hwang: I was a hard working and passionate student. I studied various fields of studies like business, law and political science to expand my knowledge usually by myself in library. I also joined the scuba-diving club at school because my friends invited me. We went to Cheju Island, Samcheok, Ulleng Island and other places. I really enjoyed the club activities. I could unwind through these activity. I really enjoyed my campus life.
The Post: What made you become a TV reporter and an anchor?Hwang: I've always wanted to work with the whole world as my stage since I was a little kid. I vaguely dreamed of holding an international career. In 1983, just before I left from the army, I considered two directions for my future career. One was to prepare for the Diplomatic Service Examination, and the other was to prepare for testing as a news reporter. Then I thought the latter would be better for me because it won't take so much time to accomplish my dream if I make the best use of my merits. After I made the decision, I studied hard to pass the test. I read many books and studied English, Korean, general subjects systematically in the library. At last, I passed the test and entered into MBC in 1984 as a reporter.
The opportunity to be an anchor is given to TV reporters who are good at writing articles, good at dealing with live telecasts and looking good in camera shots. My first anchor debut was in 2000, when the director of the press office recommended me to take charge of the closing news as a main anchor without any auditions. Since then I started working as an anchor and I'm still enjoying my work.
The Post: You are well-known as a special correspondent for the MBC in Paris. Please tell us about your story.
Hwang: I applied for the position in 2003, when the former special correspondent for Paris ended his contract, because I thought it could be a good opportunity to realize my desire for international work. I studied French before I went to Paris. As a special correspondent in Paris, I went to all over Europe to collect news items. There were not many communication problems when I was collecting news items because I could speak English and there was a staff member with me speaking French well to help with in-depth coverage.
Also, I covered some exclusive news stories and received awards for my work as a special correspondent. There was a big earthquake in Bam City, Iran. Our team tried to cover that news but there was a problem that reporters including us couldn't get a visa to go to Iran. While other special correspondents didn't try and hesitated, we decided to just go to Iran and persuade the authorities saying that we could help Iran if we go there, cover the news and broadcast it to Korea. It worked. We got visas from Iran and covered the news story and sent the story to Seoul successfully. We were faster than even CNN news. Besides this, we also covered news about election of the Pope in Italy and sent it to Korea. Once again we were faster than CNN news.
It was a really great experience and opportunity for me.
The Post: What was the most worthwhile moment for you as a reporter or an anchor?
Hwang: I think it is reporter's job to speak for the alienated class and help them by reporting their difficulties in articles. Therefore the most worthwhile moment as a reporter or an anchor is when I can stand up for them and help them through my articles. For instance, a few years ago I covered the difficulties of workers who were working at a foreign company in Iksan. They were about to lose their job but I could help them by reporting their conditions and after that, they sent me three pairs of socks in appreciation. It was such a worthwhile moment.
Besides this, I feel really good when the audience sympathize with my stories.
The Post: Do you have any advice for juniors?
Hwang: Open your eyes, ears and mind. When you keep this in mind and act accordingly, the creative ideas come out. The creative ideas are not limited to jobs like a producer or a reporter, they are also necessary whatever you do.
Read plenty of books and try to get balanced information when you watch or read news articles by seizing the meaning of the context and background knowledge. Also try to always be passionate and active with whatever you do.
Lee Min-jeong serendipity@dongguk.edu
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