Saying Good-bye…

[성김 대사]

As I approach the end of my tenure in Seoul, I wanted to take a moment to share some final thoughts with you. 

First, it has been a tremendous honor for me to return to the country of my birth as the U.S. Ambassador.  It’s still hard to describe just how special the experience has been for me and my family.  I am deeply grateful to all of you for your support and friendship -- from the moment I arrived here three years ago right up until my departure this week.  Thank you!

Second, together we have accomplished great things for both the U.S. and Korea.  We implemented the historic KORUS FTA.  We had the closest possible cooperation on critical security issues.  We strengthened our people-to-people ties.  And we made our partnership more global.  

Third, for my next assignment I chose to take positions that will keep me engaged in Korean Peninsula issues because the U.S.-ROK alliance is truly one of our most important relationships and our work together on North Korea is critical to peace and stability in this region and beyond.  And I look forward to seeing you when I visit Korea in my new roles. 

Fourth, I am grateful to my family whose support made this amazing experience possible.  My late father who unfortunately passed away too early to see me become Ambassador taught me the value of public service, the importance of honor and decency, and the power of diplomacy.  My mother is a wonderful person who raised her five children with warmth and discipline -- the old fashioned Korean mother’s way.  And, of course, my wife and our two daughters who made sure that this huge Ambassadorship didn’t get to my head.  In fact, I think the toughest part of this transition will be being separated from them for several months as my wife and younger daughter stay on in Seoul through the end of the current school year.  I started my tour as a kirogi and end as a kirogi...

Finally, to all of the Embassy’s friends, thank you for following my blog and the Embassy’s activities over the past three years.  I will never forget your friendship and good wishes.                 

[볼티모어]

Thank you for your efforts. Good luck to your future!

[Roxie Yejin Hwang]

Thank you for your great work. It was a great honor to have you here in Korea. All the best in your future endeavors!