An Update on the UK-Korea Relationship, 11 May 2017

Written by: Derek Marsh | Posted on: May 19th, 2017

On May 11 the BKS and the SOAS Centre of Korean Studies jointly hosted “An Update on the UK-Korea Relationship”. The evening was introduced by Charlotte Horlyck, Chair of the Centre of Korean Studies and moderated by Warwick Morris, Chairman of the BKS.

H E Charles Hay speaking about the ROK

The British Ambassadors to Seoul and Pyongyang, HE Charles Hay and HE Alastair Morgan, spoke to an audience of over one hundred and forty about recent developments on the Korean peninsula.

H E Alistair Morgan speaking about the DPRK

The event was very timely in view of the ending of the US policy of “strategic patience” with the DPRK, the election of a new President, Moon Jae-in, in the Republic of Korea, and concerns about the testing of nuclear weapons and missiles in the North. The two Ambassadors, speaking under Chatham House rules, talked about regional security, the two Koreas’ relations with their neighbours, economic issues and the UK’s bilateral relationship with the two Koreas. The Ambassadors answered a number of questions in the subsequent discussion period which was followed by refreshments and further networking.

The event was part sponsored by Michael Breen, Founder and CEO of Insight Communications Consultants, Seoul. Mr Breen will be presenting his latest book “The New Koreans: the Business, History and People of South Korea” to the BKS and their guests at the Korean Cultural Centre on June 12. (See upcoming events).