Inside the Gwangju News: Meet Yousra Feriel – Writer on Societal, Political, Current Events

Each month this column features one of our regular writers for the Gwangju News in order for our readers to get to know them better. These windows on the writers are presented in an interview format. — Editor

Gwangju News (GN): Hello, Yousra. Thank you for setting aside time to do this interview, though I know you must have many other things on your to-do list. To start things off, would you tell us a little about yourself before coming to Korea?

Yousra: Hi! I come from Algeria, and after finishing high school, I was not sure what I wanted to study. I decided to go for biology and toxicology because I had always enjoyed learning about science. I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees while also joining different clubs and international organizations. I also hosted a number of Hallyu and K-pop events in my city!

GN: Was that what brought you to Korea? Did Hallyu and K-pop lure you half a world away from your native Algeria?

Yousra: After working for a while in my field of study, I realized it was not the right fit for me, so I decided to switch my major. I had always been a big admirer of Korean culture and media, ever since I was 15, so I decided to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship to pursue a master’s in media communication. Luckily, I was accepted, and I got to live out a long-held dream of mine while studying, living, and even working in Korea!

GN: What did you do during your time in Gwangju and afterwards?

Yousra: Gwangju is my Korean hometown, and I absolutely loved the time I spent in the city. I always look back on my memories there fondly. While doing my Korean language training at Chonnam National University, I built friendships that have lasted until today. I was also active with the Gwangju International Center, as well as the Gwangju News, and I even hosted a small radio show on a local Gwangju radio station! I later moved to Gangwon-do to pursue my master’s program. Since graduating, I have done a few internships in different locations before moving to Seoul to take up a position there.

GN: How, and why, did you get involved in writing for the Gwangju News?

Yousra: I loved to write when I was in high school, but I never thought I could pursue it because I did not believe I had any talent for writing. So, I stopped writing during my university days. However, after moving to Korea, the desire to write returned. I looked for outlets that would be open to inexperienced writers, and the Gwangju News welcomed me with open arms, for which I am still grateful today. I got to experiment with different topics and writing styles, and hopefully, I have improved since my first article in 2022.

GN: Yes, it’s been about four years since you began writing for the Gwangju News, and in that time, you have penned about two dozen articles for us. What are your favorite topics to write about?

Yousra: I enjoyed experimenting with different topics, but my favorites to write about are sociopolitics and culture. I think my favorite piece from last year would be about the local Roses and Bread bakery and community space in Gwangju. I really enjoy sharing stories that carry a message or a deeper meaning.

GN: What do you see Yousra doing, say, five years from now? And where might she be doing it?

Yousra: Good question! I ask myself this every day nowadays. Perhaps she is writing her first book. Perhaps she is working for a news outlet, reporting on local communities. Or she might even be running a café. The opportunities are endless, and I just hope she has no regrets.

GN: That’s a broad array of interests. What might be on your bucket list?

Yousra: As of now, the number one thing on my bucket list is living on Jeju Island for a month! This wish kind of snuck up on me last year when I was feeling burnt out from work, and it has stayed with me ever since.

GN: Has living in Korea changed the way you see yourself or your identity?

Yousra: Living in Korea has broadened the concept of identity for me. Instead of being a fixed set of characteristics or attributes, I came to see identity as something that’s ever-changing and constantly transforming through the challenges life throws at us, the environments we live in, and the decisions we make. I definitely feel that I have grown up more in Korea, but I also learned to leave space for experimentation in my life instead of placing myself in a box. Of course, there is always a constant tug between doing what is expected and more practical versus doing what one’s heart entails, but this process in itself has been a great learning experience.

GN: What kind of stories might you hope to focus on telling more of in the future?

Yousra: In the future, I want to tell the stories of those fighting for change every day. Communities that stick together, artists who create with purpose, politicians who hold themselves and their colleagues accountable, and individuals with inspiring stories. I believe local and regional stories deserve just as much attention as breaking news, because they reflect the everyday realities that often go unseen.

GN: Well said. I hope you will be able to write in all of these areas. Thank you, Yousra, for allowing our readers to get to know you better!