Life
[INTERVIEW] '4 Your Busan' is for you
Laura McLuckie (left) and Gyubi Kim (right) bring their colorful perspectives to `4 Your Busan,' a daily radio show from BeFM.
Explore every facet of Busan with "4 Your Busan," a daily program from Busan English Broadcasting (BeFM). This resourceful radio show covers a wide range of local topics, from the latest news and bustling hotspots to the engaging personal stories of local and international residents. The two-hour broadcast begins at 4:05 p.m. during the week and 4 p.m. on weekends.
"4 Your Busan" is the perfect blend of entertainment and insight delivered with charm and enthusiasm by host Laura McLuckie and a rotating panel of guests. Ms. McLuckie hails from Scotland but has lived in Busan for 15 years; this background gives her a unique perspective on living and working in the city.
One frequent guest on the show is Gyubi Kim, a city official in charge of global communications. She appears every two weeks for a segment called "Busan Times," where she and Ms. McLuckie discuss local news and issues.
The conversations between Ms. McLuckie and Ms. Kim are full of friendly banter and warm laughter, embodying Busan's vision of a global hub city: An inclusive place where people from disparate backgrounds come together in harmony.
Busan is Good spoke with Ms. McLuckie and Ms. Kim about their experiences making the show. The interview has been edited for clarity.
Laura McLuckie (left) and Gyubi Kim (right)
Q. Please tell me something about yourself.
Laura McLuckie: I'm from Scotland, but I have lived in Busan for 15 years, and it has really become my home. I am a Scottish "ajumma" (아줌마) with two kids.
Obviously, I work at BeFM. I'm an English radio presenter, host and content creator. I work a lot in media and media diplomacy.
Gyubi Kim: I work in the Media Division of Busan Metropolitan City Hall, and I have lived in Busan my whole life. I am mainly responsible for Busan City's global communications. I am also a content creator and administrative officer (주무관).
Q. How did you start working in radio?
LM: Actually, I started at BeFM in 2014, so this is my 12th year here. I started my professional media career at a radio station in Scotland called Beat106 a long time ago, so I have always loved radio.
When I got the chance to apply to be a host here, I already had the experience.
My undergraduate studies were in communication, radio, and acting, too, so I was a natural fit for the job.
GK: I got the offer from BeFM a year ago, so it has been a year since I started this radio show. I thought it was a great opportunity to share Busan's stories with a broader audience.
Q. What were your impressions of each other after your first broadcast?
GK: Okay, if I had to describe it in one word, it would be "energetic." From the very first episode, I could feel the energy Laura brought into the studio. It immediately made me feel that the show would be a very fun and exciting project to be part of.
LM: That is so good. I thought you were going to say something like "scary" or "noisy." That is so good to hear. That is my job. I am like a mood maker here. I need to make the atmosphere comfortable. Talking about Busan is fun and exciting, so we should be excited too.
When I first met Gyubi, I thought she was scared of me because she was so quiet, but as time went on, I think it was because of our energy and chemistry, Gyubi's personality really came out. I was thinking she was this very quiet person when all of a sudden she was dancing and saying things like, "All because of me!"
Q. While working together, have you noticed any cultural differences?
LM: I would say no, not really. I mean, we have personality differences, but I don't think working together has exposed any cultural differences.
GK: Laura has been living in Busan for 15 years, and she is a Scottish ajumma of Busan. For me, she is "Laura sister" (로라 언니). She knows almost everything happening in Busan, and I can relate to most of what she says and feels. So, there's no cultural difference other than our mother tongue.
LM: I would agree. I think it is really important not to focus on cultural differences. Busan is a global city, so of course, we'll have cultural differences. We have cultural differences everywhere. I think what we should focus on, what matters more, is what brings us together, the similar points. I guess our love for Busan and our love for sharing news about Busan. It supersedes any cultural divide.
Can you share any memorable or funny moments from the broadcast?
LM: Gyubi is always so quiet when she arrives. But after two minutes, she starts dancing and having a good time. Every day is fun.
GK: I agree. Every time we do this radio show, we end up doing these dance moves together. That is the funniest part. Every day it's like a party. Laura sometimes turns my words into lyrics, and we end up dancing together. It is very spontaneous and very fun.
LM: We just want to have fun, right? If we have fun, then people listening and watching will have fun too.
GK: We genuinely enjoy the moment.
Q. This question is for Laura. While working with Gyubi, was there a moment when you thought, "Wow, that is so Busan"?
LM: I do not know if there was like a moment, but every time we talk about where to find information about Busan City, the policies, or any news you're sharing, Gyubi always says, "Do not forget to follow us @busancity_globe." So, there's always this sales pitch, but it really comes from a deep love of sharing information about Busan. So I always think, "That's Busan Gyubi." It is not just Busan or Gyubi. It is both together.
Q. This question is for you, Gyubi. While working with Laura, did you ever start seeing Busan in a new way?
GK: Working with Laura really made me feel more proud of Busan. I was born and raised in this city, but she chose Busan as her home. So, she has a deep affection for the city, and she's genuinely proud to call herself a Busan citizen. Seeing the city through her eyes makes me more appreciative of my hometown.
LM: And I would add that yes, I chose Busan, but I also feel like Busan chose me.
It is a city that naturally touches people. It is so beautiful and safe.
I think people tend to take their hometowns for granted. When I go home to Scotland, I just know the places I know, but I do not see what a tourist would see. It's a nice thing to do to look at your city with fresh eyes or with travelers' eyes.