Feature writing must have ‘human interest’ at the heart of it, says Esquire Korea editor
“I started teaching at Kaya School of Magazine, as there was no such institution or programme to foster magazine editors in Korea – only for the press industry, such as newspapers and broadcasting. I am in charge of the ‘feature writing’ module – how to come up with the stories and write a feature story. The main difference between writing in newspapers and in magazines is story-telling. Even though it may be a relatively short article or an advertorial, there must be a story behind it. Story-telling in a magazine is much more complex than what it is usually expected. Elements for the story should be drawn from various areas such as politics, business, movies, and so forth.
I believe that articles should be thoughtful and in-depth, regardless of which field you deal with. There may be a difference in terms of one’s own specialty. However, my perspective and approach to the issue always starts from and is primarily focused on people. The interest in ‘human beings’ is the common factor in every industry. If the field you deal with is different, it is just a matter of different information, not a matter of different interest.
All students obviously have an interest in magazines, though I have noticed that most of the students would prefer to take part in fashion articles, not in feature articles. Therefore, I have to convey that feature writing is a skill – one that they can learn, regardless of which sector they work for. And that they need to be mindful that the article must explain a comprehensive story to the reader.
As a member of Kaya Media Corporation and a lecturer at Kaya School of Magazine, I see the School as a cornerstone for future editors and those who want to be the part of the magazine industry and to learn more about magazines. I believe it is one of the duties as a magazine editor to help training those who dream to be in the magazine field.
Magazines have to go through changes in order to accommodate to the fast-changing world. The format, platform, or channel may be changed, but the intrinsic needs for magazines as a contents creator and provider will continue on.
All the courses are currently lectured in Korean, however, Kaya School of Magazine plans to have English lectures as well in the future for those who are enthusiastic about creating magazines all over Asia and other parts of the world.
A new semester begins in March and September each year. Classes are three-hours long, once a week for fifteen weeks for each semester. For more details about the course go to Kaya Media‘s website or FIPP’s website.”
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