Our Presidential Delegation Congratulates President Park Geun-hye

[성김 대사]

Last week was truly historic for Korea.  President Park Geun-hye was inaugurated as South Korea’s first female president, and I was honored to attend the inauguration ceremony and other events on this special day. 

President Park Geun-hye’s inauguration on February 25, 2013

I was struck by what an exciting day it was for the Republic of Korea, the Korean people, and also for U.S.-Korea relations.  President Park has long been a strong supporter of the alliance, and we very much look forward to working with her administration. 

I was delighted that our National Security Advisor (NSA) Tom Donilon led our Presidential delegation to the inauguration.  Tom Donilon is one of President Obama’s closest advisors and a great friend of Korea.  The President’s decision to send Mr. Donilon reflects the importance the President attaches to the U.S.-ROK alliance and his commitment to building a close working relationship with President Park. 

NSA Donilon had a great meeting with President Park, as well as very productive meetings with Kim Jang-soo, the National Security Office Chief, and Yun Byung-se, the Foreign Minister nominee.  NSA Donilon also spent time with USFK troops and General Thurman.  I am sure 2013 will be a very busy year for us, and we are excited about working very closely with the new Park administration on a number of important issues between our two countries. 

NSA Donilon and President Park at the Blue House

As for the inauguration ceremony itself, I thought it was beautiful.  Even the weather cooperated!  The musical performances were magnificent; I especially liked the new rendition of “Arirang” specifically composed for the occasion and performed by four amazing divas.  The national anthem sung by soprano Sumi Jo and Korean baritone Choi Hyun-soo was particularly moving.  

Amazing performances to celebrate the special day (Photo: www.korea.net)

President Park’s inaugural address, which discussed many of the themes President Obama highlighted in his own inaugural address and his State of the Union speech, was inspiring.   

President Park at Blue House dinner

At the Blue House for dinner, there were about 15 tables of 10 people each.  I was seated between the Presidential Chief of Staff Huh Tae-yeol and a senior Japanese Diet member, and had wonderful conversations with the two them as well as other prominent guests at our table.  It was a traditional Korean meal, and the beautiful presentation matched the quality and flavors of the meal wonderfully.  I loved every dish.  I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the Japanese delegation.  I thought it was positive that so many senior Japanese politicians including three former Prime Ministers attended the inaugural events.

On this very special day, I ran into many Korean friends, colleagues and counterparts at different events.  I have to admit, I was humbled by just how many people seemed to recognize me.  I was grateful that so many of them warmly approached me to say hello, and I very much appreciated their words of encouragement and support.  I was also pleased to run into some old contacts from Tokyo and Beijing.  And I appreciated the opportunity to say goodbye to some senior officials from President Lee Myung-bak’s administration and thank them for their cooperation.

Before I say goodbye this week, I just wanted to share a bit of Embassy news.  Did you know we recently released a new mobile website?  Not only can you find out great information about events happening at the Embassy, but you can also learn all about applying for a visa.  Check it out here, and please tell me what you think in the comments!