Singer Yoon Hyeong-ju performs at a concert celebrating the launch of Herald Japan, held at Yotsuya Civic Hall in Tokyo on Oct. 8. (Kim Hae-yeon/The Korea Herald)
Singer Yoon Hyeong-ju performs at a concert celebrating the launch of Herald Japan, held at Yotsuya Civic Hall in Tokyo on Oct. 8. (Kim Hae-yeon/The Korea Herald)

The official launch ceremony for Herald Japan, established by Herald Media Group to foster Korea-Japan content exchange and explore new business opportunities, was successfully held on Thursday evening at Yotsuya Civic Hall in Tokyo.

Herald Japan’s debut was marked with the Tokyo Cultural Night event, featuring Korean folk singer Yoon Hyeong-ju, formerly of the iconic Korean music salon C'est Si Bon. The venue was packed to capacity with around 400 guests, including Tokyo-based diplomats, prominent business leaders and the local Korean diaspora.

Yoon recites a stanza from an iconic poem by his second cousin, independence activist and poet Yun Dong-ju, during a concert celebrating the launch of Herald Japan in Tokyo on Oct. 8. (Kim Hae-yeon/The Korea Herald)
Yoon recites a stanza from an iconic poem by his second cousin, independence activist and poet Yun Dong-ju, during a concert celebrating the launch of Herald Japan in Tokyo on Oct. 8. (Kim Hae-yeon/The Korea Herald)

The performance opened with Yoon's classic hit "Gathering Seashells," a defining track of 1960s and ’70s Korean folk music that shaped the youth culture of that era. The program captivated the audience with a rich variety of performances, including stories from his time in the duo Twin Folio with Song Chang-sik and his C'est Si Bon days, alongside a medley of the most popular work he composed over his career.

A particularly poignant moment came when Yoon reflected on his relationship with his second cousin, the revered poet Yun Dong-ju, accompanied by a slideshow of historical photographs. Moved to tears, the audience reflected on the tragic shared history between Korea and Japan while honoring patriotic martyrs and independence activists.

Actor Jeong Hyeon-seok (left on stage) and Yoon answer questions during a Q&A session at a concert celebrating the launch of Herald Japan. (Kim Hae-yeon/The Korea Herald)
Actor Jeong Hyeon-seok (left on stage) and Yoon answer questions during a Q&A session at a concert celebrating the launch of Herald Japan. (Kim Hae-yeon/The Korea Herald)
Kim Se-jin, CEO of Herald Japan and Tokyo bureau chief, shares his ambitions during the launch ceremony of Herald Japan in Tokyo on Oct . 8. (Kim Hae-yeon/The Korea Herald)
Kim Se-jin, CEO of Herald Japan and Tokyo bureau chief, shares his ambitions during the launch ceremony of Herald Japan in Tokyo on Oct . 8. (Kim Hae-yeon/The Korea Herald)

At the reception following the main ceremony, Kim Se-jin, CEO and Tokyo bureau chief of Herald Japan, shared the outlet's vision.

"Having taken our first steps in Japan this past September, Herald Japan aims to build upon the rich history and tradition of The Korea Herald and Herald Business," Kim said. "We are committed to delivering news rapidly between both nations and growing into a platform that bridges people and cultures."

Moving forward, Herald Japan plans to expand its presence through close collaboration with Herald Media Group. Beyond providing online and offline content, the company will broaden its scope into local digital billboard advertising and promotional marketing.

"In addition, through close collaboration with Herald Muse, Herald Media Group's entertainment arm, Herald Japan plans to regularly host cultural events and performances to foster deeper ties between Korea and Japan."


hykim@heraldcorp.com