WJC 2026: Global media leaders convene in South Korea to chart the future of journalism and AI

Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the 2026 World Journalists Conference (WJC 2026) concluded successfully in South Korea, marking a significant milestone in international media collaboration. 

Organized by the Journalists Association of Korea (JAK), the summit ran from March 29 to April 3, bringing together 55 influential media professionals from 47 nations, including a prominent delegation from Sri Lanka. 

The event served as a high-level platform to address the urgent challenges facing modern media, centered primarily in the capital city of Seoul. The conference commenced with a powerful keynote address by Park Joung-hyun, President of the Journalists Association of Korea. 

Addressing a world increasingly fractured by misinformation, Park emphasized that the role of the journalist has never been more vital to the survival of global democracy. He remarked that the world today is in a state of confusion, facing rampant disinformation and hate speech that pose serious threats to democratic values. 

He called upon the global press to execute their duties with absolute clarity and precision to safeguard the truth during these turbulent times.

The core of the summit focused on two transformative themes: the role of journalism in strengthening democracy during times of crisis and the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the future of the newsroom. 

Delegates engaged in high-level intellectual discourse regarding the ethical integration of AI in media, exploring how it can be pivoted from a threat into a powerful tool for good. A major highlight of these sessions was the discussion on automating the fact-checking process and using AI to curb the viral spread of misinformation, allowing journalists to share localized challenges and foster a global dialogue on maintaining human integrity in an automated age.

Beyond the plenary sessions, the conference offered participants an immersive look into South Korea’s historical resilience and technological prowess through a series of field trips. 

The journalists visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the UN JSA (Joint Security Area) Museum,the Odusan Unification Observatory, and Camp Greaves, gaining profound insights into the remnants of the Korean War and the ongoing pursuit of peace

The cultural segment of the tour was equally captivating, blending ancient history with modern pop culture. At the National Museum of World Writing Systems, attendees witnessed the evolution of human communication—from ancient cave paintings to modern digital scripts—beautifully illustrated through cutting-edge technology. 

The group also explored the intersection of tradition and entertainment at Yongin Daejanggeum Park, the iconic filming location for world-renowned K-Dramas, and visited the architectural marvel of the massive library within Starfield Suwon, showcasing Korea’s unique aesthetic vision.

South Korea’s status as a global tech leader was on full display during visits to the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) and the Samsung Innovation Museum in Suwon. Journalists were given a front-row seat to the practical application of the ‘Smart City’ concept, where AI and IoT are used to optimize urban living and governance. 

The summit concluded with a focus on sustainability at the Siheung Gaetgol Ecological Park and the Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Station. Observing the world’s largest tidal power plant harness ocean waves for renewable energy provided a fitting finale to a conference dedicated to innovation, responsibility, and the sustainable future of global society.