In this exclusive interview, we introduce you to Laura who has previously served as a Terafty Ambassador. As a content creator, Laura brings a unique perspective infused with her Colombian roots and deep appreciation for Korean culture. Further, she inspired our community with her creativity and passion as a former Terafty Ambassador.
Learn more about her journey, experiences and the rich insights she has gained along the way as a prominent voice in cultural content creation.
- Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Laura, I’m 24 years old and I come from Colombia. In 2021 I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Communication and now I’m doing a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship through the GKS scholarship. My biggest passion has always been filmmaking and web content creation, but a few years ago I also found my love for teaching and Korean language, which is why I started uploading Korean language related content on social media. I love sharing knowledge through media and I always strive to keep learning every single day.
- How did you become interested in Korean culture?
When I was in high school I would always say “I’m never getting into the K-pop trend”, “I’m never watching a K-drama.” However, one day a friend of mine was watching the music video of ‘Like Ohh Ahh’ from TWICE and I was fascinated by the production value, the art, and specially the photography (at the time I was sure that I wanted to major in Audiovisual Communication, I would always pay attention to the details of audiovisual pieces). That same day I went home and started watching different K-pop music videos, after that I started watching dramas and even variety shows. This exploration of Korean media made me fall in love with the culture to the point that I started learning Korean because I wanted to learn from the professionals I admired.
- How did your journey as a Korean content creator begin?
After I returned to Colombia from my exchange year in Korea (2020-2021) I graduated from university. Then I was lost. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, there were so many different paths in my field and I really liked most of them but I felt that I couldn’t find something that really fit me. While contemplating my future I started making Tiktoks teaching basic Korean. I also signed up for the K-Influencer and Honorary Reporters programs where I started creating Korean culture related content. Through these programs I met a friend whose content was very similar to mine, reason why we decided to collaborate by doing Korean classes through livestreams. We created and shared our own guides through Google classroom and would give and correct homework as well. These livestreams helped me build a community and really get into content creation.
- Can you share what challenges arise when creating Korean-themed content? How do you overcome this?
One of the biggest challenges when creating Korea-related content is differentiating yourself from other creators. Since we are all showcasing similar topics, it is very easy to fall into the cliché formats and blend in with everyone else, creating similar vlogs, teaching about culture in the same way, etc. I still face this challenge, but I believe that little by little everyone can find their own style and teach in their own unique way.
- How do you balance combining elements of your identity with creating content centered on Korean topics?
I think the way I express in front of the camera helps a lot. My personality, movements, and enthusiasm while talking to the viewers have always been key to showcasing my identity. Through that I want to transmit my own enthusiasm for Korean language and culture to the viewers and show them that even though learning the language is hard, it is certainly not impossible.
- Can you share your most memorable experience or achievement as a Korean content creator?
When I started my journey as a content creator, I decided to give free Korean classes through TikTok live with a friend. I really loved interacting with the students, correcting their homework, and seeing how excited they were to learn the language. But my favorite moment was when we finished the course, we did a google meet call with all our students (since the classes were taught through TikTok live we haven’t had the chance to see everyone’s faces) where we thanked them for participating. During the call, most of our students said how the course helped them and how happy they were for being able to learn. That day I was really moved to see that I had real impact on a lot of people from different countries and ages.
- How do you stay informed about Korean cultural trends to keep your content relevant and interesting?
The easiest way for me to stay informed is through Instagram and Tiktok. Of course, it is important to remember that we should always take information on social media with a grain of salt, since there are a lot of fake news out there. So usually, when I see a topic that I would like to cover, I research in order to verify or complement the information that I already have. Another great source for me has been the tourism programs that I’ve participated in, they usually provide updated guides with very complete information on the cities and attractions that we visit.
- Have you collaborated with other content creators, and if so, how has that influenced your content and perspective?
It always gets me fired up to work with creative people with whom I share the same goals and passions, from whom I can learn about discipline and how to be even more creative. From the people I’ve collaborated with I’ve learned that there are a lot of ways to achieve one’s goals, but as long as you keep working constantly while striving for innovation you will do well. That is something I’m trying to apply nowadays. Another thing that I love about collaborating is how it helps me dream bigger. When you meet other creators and start getting ideas out it does feel like the sky is the limit, that with the combination of both ideas, and with good planning, you can make a project that will be of help to others and that you will be proud of, that’s one of the best feelings.
- How has your journey as a Korean content creator influenced your understanding and appreciation of Colombian and Korean culture?
Learning and sharing about Korean culture has made me appreciate my culture and its beauty even more, but it has also helped me realize that from the differences between both cultures we can learn and grow even more together.
- What advice do you have for others who aspire to become content creators in cultures outside their own?
My best advice would be to be respectful. There are a lot of things that may be okay in some countries and in others not so much, so researching about etiquette and customs from the other culture is of utmost importance. From this I also suggest changing the use of the word “weird” with “different”. I used to say “Oh this is so weird” when I saw things that would never happen in my country, until one day someone said the same about my country. That day I realized that just changing that one word can also change the tone of what you are saying and how people picture it in their minds. It is also more respectful to say “this is so unique or different” rather than “how weird”. Remember, there are no weird cultures, just unique ones.
- What advice would you give to those who are interested in becoming Terafty Ambassadors?
Don’t be afraid to express your opinion. Being a Terafty content creator is all about how YOU experience Korean cultural contents (film, TV, K-pop, dramas), so your opinion is very valuable. Each one of us brings a unique perspective based on our countries, ideas, and views, so don’t be afraid to show your ideas. This also applies to your filming and editing style, if you have a new idea for creating a video just try it out! It might turn out to be a hit.
- Can you share your experiences during the content creation process? Are there any specific approaches or strategies that you have found effective in completing your tasks?
When it comes to my creative process, I usually start with research and script. I don’t write the entire literal script in order to have room for improvisation and for the video to feel more natural, I just write the main points of what I want to say. After that I film and edit. I usually get creative while editing so I don’t plan the graphics, effects, and texts beforehand, I just let my creativity fly while I’m doing it. This method has been most effective for me, but I suggest you try with different methods until you find what feels right to you.
- Can you describe a particularly challenging task you faced and how you overcame it during your time as an ambassador?
I usually edit and store my projects in my hard drive (since videos are heavy and I don’t have much space on my computer). I believe it was during the second mission that my hard drive stopped working with all of the footage from the mission plus other projects that I was planning on launching soon. That was a very stressful experience for me and I still haven’t been able to recover the footage. Regardless I re-shoot everything and was able to complete the mission at the end. Moral of the story, store your footage in more than one place.
- Can you share your initial thoughts and feelings when you were selected as the winner of the Autumn Ambassador Program?
I was surprised. The program was full of amazing creators so I really couldn’t believe that I was chosen as the winner. I am still so thankful that the Terafty staff saw potential in me since the moment they selected me to participate in the program, and I’m happy that I had the opportunity to see unique and excellent audiovisual products from the platform and from the other ambassadors. This has also motivated me to create better content for my audience and for myself.
- How has your experience as an ambassador influenced your current or future endeavors as a Korean content creator?
I learned a lot in my four weeks as an ambassador. The Terafty staff not only gave us the tasks, but also gave us tips and ideas on how to do our craft better, most of those tips I still apply on my content. On the other hand, I’ve been a lot more interested on independent Korean films and film festivals these days. I come from a background where I participated in a lot of short films and festivals but since my masters in Korea is different and the contents that I upload focus more on education, I got distanced from that world a little. I am honestly very glad that the Terafty experience showed me that world I love so much once again, and in the future I would love to create more content about it. Thank you Terafty!
Laura’s social media accounts
Instagram: @soylaub
TikTok: @soylaub
Terafty 
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