Meeting with Oberoi Singh Amandeep,
Grand Prize Winner of the
2024 Korean Speaking Contest

The finals of the 2024 KSI Korean Speaking Contest, which began in May with the participation of 2,874 learners from KSI worldwide, were held on October 7 in Seoul. Ten outstanding learners competed, showcasing their Korean speaking skills honed over time. The prestigious grand prize went to Oberoi Singh Amandeep from the KSI Korean Cultural Center, India. Amandeep dreams of becoming the first TV broadcaster in Korea to wear a turban while speaking Korean. We sat down with him to hear his story.

Hello, Oberoi Singh Amandeep! It's a pleasure to meet you. Congratulations on winning the grand prize at the 2024 KSI Korean Speaking Contest. To start, could you introduce yourself?
 

Hello! I’m Oberoi Singh Amandeep, and I studied Korean at the KSI Korean Cultural Center, India. I attended the KSI from 2017 to 2019, and now I work as a Korean interpreter at Samsung Data Systems (SDS) in India.
 

You mentioned that you’re currently working as a Korean interpreter. What initially motivated you to learn Korean?
 

To be honest, I knew nothing about Korean at first. However, during high school, I was introduced to the language by an acquaintance. After learning about Korean, I wanted to become a Korean tour guide to support my family financially. So, right after graduating high school, I started studying Korean. I practiced daily at home in front of a mirror, figuring out how to explain India’s history, culture, and landmarks to Korean tourists. About a year into learning Korean, I began working as a freelance Korean tour guide whenever opportunities arose. When the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to continue in the tourism industry, I transitioned into interpretation work.
 

Among various ways to learn Korean, why did you choose the KSI Korean Cultural Center, India?
 

I discovered the KSI Korean Cultural Center, India, through the internet. What made me choose it was the fact that all the teachers were native Koreans. Plus, it wasn’t just about studying the language—it was an opportunity to learn about the culture too. While studying at the KSI, I had many chances to participate in speaking contests. There was even a nearby Korean restaurant, so it felt like I was in Korea, not India!
 
 

How did the KSI Korean Cultural Center, India, help you in learning Korean?
 

Honestly, without the KSI Korean Cultural Center, India, I don’t think I could have learned Korean properly. To improve my speaking skills, I made it a point to deliver speeches whenever possible. The teachers would carefully review my drafts, pointing out areas for improvement and providing detailed feedback. Additionally, I practiced speaking with the teachers, which greatly helped me refine my pronunciation, intonation, and overall delivery. Thanks to their support, I was able to prepare my speeches much more effectively.
 

What mindset did you have going into the 2024 KSI Korean Speaking Contest? Also, how do you feel about winning the grand prize?
 

When I learned that being selected as an outstanding learner in the preliminary round would earn me an invitation to Korea from the KSIF, I became determined to participate. I had never been to Korea, so I was eager to go. At the time, I wasn’t thinking about representing India or winning a scholarship—I simply gave my best effort. Winning the grand prize left me deeply moved. I felt incredibly proud and honored to shine a light on my country. Now, with the scholarship allowing me to study in Korea, I feel that my dream of appearing on Korean television could become a reality. Through this opportunity, I hope to share more about Indian culture and create meaningful moments that bring Korea and India closer together, united by a shared passion.
 
 

Were there any challenges you faced while preparing for the speaking contest? If there was a particular area where you put in extra effort, please tell us about it and explain why.
 

One challenge I faced was the limited time to prepare after receiving the final contest topic. I received the topic just a day before flying to Korea, so I had very little time to prepare my speech draft and practice. Given the short time frame, I immediately started writing the speech and practiced speaking whenever I could—while eating, at the airport, and even on the plane. One area where I focused my efforts was quickly memorizing my speech by repeatedly drafting and revising it, all while practicing aloud. The reason I rewrote the draft multiple times was that, during the process, the content became almost automatically stored in my mind like a computer. After memorizing the speech, I concentrated on refining my intonation and pronunciation. I practiced extensively in front of a mirror to check my gestures, expressions, and delivery. Since the speaking contest had a strict 5-minute time limit, I also worked on timing my delivery carefully.
 

You’ve not only become a Korean interpreter but also won the KSI Korean Speaking Contest. What’s your secret to achieving such impressive Korean proficiency?
 

First and foremost, I believe that having the right mindset is just as important as skill. No matter how difficult something may be, if you have passion, there’s nothing you can’t achieve. Once I set my mind on doing something, I strive tirelessly until I reach my goal. This determination has been a driving force in helping me steadily improve my Korean skills.

One specific study method I found especially helpful is practicing aloud in front of a mirror. This allows you to observe your gestures, intonation, and expressions in real-time, helping you identify and correct any odd or problematic areas. When presenting in a contest or in front of an audience, I also believe it’s important not to fixate on just one direction. If there are 500 people in the audience, I try to engage with everyone by making eye contact, ensuring a more dynamic and connected delivery.
 
 

How did you feel about visiting various places in Korea during the 2024 Korean Cultural Experience Program for KSI Learners? Were there any particularly memorable moments?
 

The invitation program was truly enjoyable, and I made so many great memories. Before attending, I didn’t realize how many people around the world are learning Korean. While in Korea, I had the chance to interact with Korean elementary and middle school students. With their permission, I even uploaded videos of our conversations to my social media. When I was filming, many Korean people curiously greeted me and started conversations, which left a lasting impression on me. I especially loved Lotte World amusement park—it was amazing! I hope to visit again when I return to Korea next year. Also, I can’t wait to eat the delicious Sindang-dong tteokbokki and tonkatsu again!
 

In September, you appeared as an interpreter in the India segment of MBC’s travel documentary ❬Massage Road❭, which aired in Korea. We’ve also heard that you hope to work as a broadcaster in Korea someday.
 

Yes, there are many foreign broadcasters in Korea now, but I don’t think there’s anyone who wears a turban and speaks Korean on Korean television yet. My dream is to become the first broadcaster to introduce India in Korean while wearing a turban. A turban is not just a piece of fabric; it symbolizes India’s faith, culture, and deep connections within its communities. I believe it would be especially meaningful to wear a turban while introducing Indian culture, religion, and history in Korean. Plus, when people see me wearing a turban and speaking Korean, they often find it fascinating, which helps spark their interest even further.
 

As the Grand Prize Winner, you will study Korean in Korea next year. What are you most looking forward to? Is there something specific you hope to do while studying in Korea?
 

From the moment I started learning Korean, I’ve always wanted to live in Korea. Next year, with the opportunity to study abroad, I’ll finally be able to experience it, and I’m incredibly excited. I’m an outgoing person who loves meeting new people, so the idea of building good relationships with Korean friends makes me very happy. On the other hand, I’m a bit worried about being far from my parents for six months, but I’ll try to manage it well. While in Korea, I also hope to meet people in the broadcasting industry and showcase my skills. Even if it’s not in broadcasting, I’d like to find opportunities in other fields that would allow me to stay and work in Korea.
 
 

As this year’s grand prize winner, do you have any advice or words of encouragement for KSI learners around the world preparing for the Korean speaking contest?
 

I feel like my life started to change from the moment I began learning Korean. Although I faced many challenges along the way, I resolved to never give up and kept studying diligently. If you set your mind firmly on achieving your goals and continue working hard, I believe you will definitely succeed.

I’m not a genius, but through consistent effort, I was able to win the grand prize at the speaking contest. This proves that anyone can do it. If there’s something you want to achieve, don’t think it’s impossible—focus instead on figuring out how to make it possible. Don’t envy others who have already succeeded; instead, believe in yourself and push forward with the determination that you can do it. Keep going until you achieve your dreams.