World figures to address economic crisis, digital future at Seoul forum

SEOUL, May 27 (Yonhap) -- More than 800 world-renowned opinion leaders,
policymakers, artists and journalists gathered in Seoul Wednesday as a major
international conference kicked off aimed at exploring new digital technology and
the future of storytelling.
Called "Story: A New Chapter," the sixth Seoul Digital Forum is to address a
range of topics, such as the outlook of the world economy, the role of the media,
IT and the digital age, and international relations.
Set to attend the event were influential figures from industry, government,
academia and art, including New York University Professor and Chairman of RGE
Monitor Nouriel Roubini, Marvel Animation President Eric Rollman, "Predictably
Irrational" author Dan Ariely, Maestro Chung Myung-whun of the Seoul Philharmonic
Orchestra, Perceptive Pixel founder Jeff Han and South Korean author Yi Mun-yol.
"Storytelling has become more important in the digital era amid the flood of
content and resources that digital technology has presented us -- all of these
tell us a story," said Ha Kum-loul, chief of the Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS),
which organized the event.
"Joanne Rowling, author of the 'Harry Potter' series earns twice of what Bill
Gates earns a year," Ha added in an opening speech. "This reminds us of the
importance of storytelling, especially considering the fact the world economy is
in a pitfall mainly due to its excessive dependence on the IT industry and
finances."
Established in 2004, the Seoul Digital Forum has been drawing an increasing
number of attendants each year, aimed at enhancing knowledge and understanding of
economic, social, and cultural trends arising from the rapid development of
digital technologies, and seeking ways to optimize new possibilities for the
future.
The forum, split into 20 main programs, will run through Thursday at the Sheraton
Grande Walkerhill Hotel in eastern Seoul.
hayney@yna.co.kr
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