Two Ace Reporters, and a Memory of Summer

This is a story from more than twenty years ago, when I was serving as the City Editor.

There were two reporters assigned to cover crime and breaking news. Whenever an incident occurred, one would rush to the scene to gather facts firsthand, while the other would coordinate with law enforcement, verify details, and piece together the story for publication. It was a time when members of the Korean American community fell victim to robberies several times a week.

Whenever a crime occurred, our first task was to determine whether the victim was Korean. If so, the next challenge was obtaining a photograph. Because the police did not disclose race or names, identifying victims was often difficult. And even after confirming their identity, finding a suitable photograph was another challenge altogether. It was impossible to approach grieving family members and simply ask for a picture of their loved one.

Yet one of our field reporters had an extraordinary gift for accomplishing precisely that. With a warm smile, an approachable demeanor, and a natural ability to put people at ease, he could connect with almost anyone.

One day, while trying to obtain a photograph of a victim, he waited outside the family’s home for hours. As the newspaper deadline drew near and no one arrived, he made a fateful decision. He climbed over the fence, entered the property, and carried away an entire family photo album.

His intentions were good, but his actions were undeniably excessive.

The photograph appeared prominently in the next morning’s paper. Since it had been published without police release or the family’s consent, everyone in the newsroom braced for the consequences.

The next day, carrying the album under his arm, the reporter returned to the house. To our amazement, instead of anger or confrontation, he found himself sharing a meal with the family. Together they reminisced about the victim, and he eventually wrote a thoughtful follow-up story that honored the life that had been lost.

There is an old saying in journalism: “Three years as a city editor leads either to divorce or to an early grave.” The position was demanding, relentless, and often emotionally draining. Yet thanks to those two remarkable reporters, I endured six years in that role and was left with memories that remain precious to this day.

In the soft dawn light of early summer, I suddenly find myself thinking of them again.

     - From Reporting Notes by Ki Jun Kwon

Today's Reflection

★ A journalist is someone who respects human suffering and records the stories of the heart. ★

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