Reflecting on 2013 and My New Year’s Resolution

[성김 대사]

First and foremost, I’d like to wish you and your loved ones a Happy New Year.  I hope that 2014 is filled with much joy and good fortune.  I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect briefly on 2013 and look forward to our next year together.

2013 was undoubtedly an amazing year for our two great nations, the United States and Korea, and U.S. Embassy Seoul.  We celebrated 60 Years of Partnership and Shared Prosperity between the U.S. and Korea -- the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, the U.S. - ROK Mutual Defense Treaty, and the establishment of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea.  One of the anniversary events was a beautiful ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended the Korean War.  Remarking on the service of both U.S. and Korean soldiers, President Obama attributed their sacrifice to the victory and success of Korea:

Korea was a victory. When 50 million South Koreans live in freedom -- a vibrant democracy, one of the world’s most dynamic economies, in stark contrast to the repression and poverty of the North -- that’s a victory; that’s your legacy (video link of President Obama’s remarks).

Vice President Biden, Secretary of State Kerry, Secretary of Defense Hagel, and many other important U.S. officials visited us in Korea and helped us celebrate and strengthen our robust partnership.

Vice President Biden, Secretary of State Kerry and Secretary of Defense Hagel in Korea in 2013

Earlier in March, we also celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA).  You might recall my post when I went to Busan to celebrate the occasion.  I’m happy to say that we’ve witnessed even more growth since that time and we can expect that the vibrant relationship between the two countries will continue to grow in 2014.

Costco Busan tour with the President of Costco Korea

Events and ongoing developments with North Korea have also kept all of us busy, and I’m proud of the close coordination between our two countries on this difficult challenge.

2013 was also a great year for public diplomacy initiatives and youth engagement.  I had a chance to meet and speak to students at over a dozen universities all over Korea.  These are always truly enjoyable visits, as I get the opportunity to meet bright Korean students who have tremendous energy and diverse interests. 

 

My town hall with students and faculty at Keimyung University in Daegu

I truly value having meaningful dialogue with Korean students and although large venues like town halls are a wonderful way to engage with a large number of students, it is one of my New Year’s resolutions to interact and meet more students on a personal level in 2014.  This is why I am excited to announce our upcoming contest, “An Evening Out with Ambassador Kim.”  I would like to invite a small group of university students for a friendly dinner and lively conversation at a local restaurant here in Seoul so that I can answer your questions and hear from you about what’s on your mind.  You can find out more and apply for this opportunity here. [Link to the application]

Hope to see some of my blog readers that evening!

2014 is already starting to look like a great year for us.  I look forward to working with all of you and wish you all the best in the New Year!