JBNU students met with students from Nihon University in Jeonju and strengthened the friendship between Korea and Japan.

JBNU's Public Diplomacy Capacity-Building Project Group (Project Director: Professor Shin Bo-ram, The School of International Studies) held the 'Korea–Japan University Student Empathy Diplomacy Program' on August 22, continuing the initiative from last year. The program was supported by the Korea Foundation (KF) and jointly organized by JBNU's The School of International Studies and the Institute for International Convergence Research.

At the event, in which students from both universities participated as 'youth diplomats,' JBNU students in particular led public diplomacy activities to introduce Korean culture to Nihon University students and to broaden mutual understanding through active communication.

The program featured a 'Picture Communication Program,' which used drawings as a medium to share ideas, and a 'Traditional Crafts Program' at the Jeonju Craft Exhibition Hall for hands-on experience of Korean traditional culture. Participating students communicated by expressing the future of Korea–Japan relations and their shared identity as youth through drawings. In the process, students freely exchanged views beyond language and cultural barriers, forming deep bonds.

One Nihon University student who took part said, "Although the time was short, I am happy we became close," adding, "I gained a valuable experience that I couldn't have in the classroom and will long remember." Another student commented, "I was worried communication would be difficult because of different languages, but through the drawing quiz we naturally interacted, and everyone approached us kindly, making it an even more meaningful time."

Project Director Professor Shin Bo-ram said, "At a time when the East Asian order is entering a new phase, I hope this was a meaningful opportunity for university students, the future generation, to envision the future of Korea–Japan relations together."