On April 21, 2018, the Korea Foundation hosted a launch ceremony of the Eighth Group of the Korea Foundation Global Futurist (KFGF), the official supporters of the Foundation. A total of 39 people were selected from stiff competition as KFGF members. Participating in various programs and activities of the Foundation for seven months from May to November, they will experience a diverse array of public diplomacy activities to bridge Korea and the world. They will also help to amplify the Foundation’s online presence by introducing the Foundation and its programs through posts on various social networking sites.

The launch ceremony began with welcoming remarks and an introduction of the Foundation by Director Choi Jae-jin of the Budget and Public Affairs Department. The KFGF members learnt about the Foundation's various international exchange programs, including support for Korean studies abroad, forums and intellectual and cultural exchanges. In their sparkling eyes, one could see their eagerness to take part in the KF’s public diplomacy activities.

Afterwards, an MVP awardee and the head of the Best Team of the Seventh KFGF Group talked about their activities as KFGF members and gave useful advice to the Eighth Group. Listening to the former members, the new ones imagined what activities they would soon undertake.

The new KFGF members were briefed on this year’s activity plan, and then decided on the names and roles of their teams. They were somewhat reserved and shy at first as they met for the first time, but it did not take long before they felt relaxed with each other. They passionately discussed the names and roles of their teams and had a chance to get to know each other and grow closer.

Despite having limited time, the members of the Eighth KFGF Group came up with witty names for their teams and wonderfully introduced themselves. The Korea Foundation looks forward to their future endeavors and activities.