British Korea Society Annual Reception at the Inner Temple, 13 November 2024
Written by: Douglas Barrett | Posted on: January 6th, 2025
The British Korea Society’s Annual Reception was held at the prestigious Parliament Chamber at the Inner Temple on 13 November. The surroundings were fitting for such a glamorous occasion. The Inner Temple is a spectacular building set in the heart of London’s legal district. Over 75 members and guests including a number of Ambassadors were in attendance to network, mingle and hear from our guest speakers.
Our Executive Chairman Simon Smith thanked everyone for coming, especially our dear friend Ambassador Yoon Yeocheol. Simon noted that he wanted the BKS to reach out to other parts of the country – and that will start with a visit to the Bodleian Library in Oxford on 7 February to see the Korean Collection at the Library. He thanked our sponsor Samsung and our colleagues at the Korean Embassy in London. He also paid tribute to the work of the Korean community in New Malden.
Ambassador Yoon thanked Sir Ed Davey for his genuine commitment to UK-Korean relations. They first met at the Kimjang Festival in New Malden. He also congratulated him on his leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party. The Korean War started 74 years ago – he thanked the UK and our troops for the decisive part they played in the war. Our Foreign Ministers met only two weeks ago furthering our commitment to shared values. Our cultures are enjoyed by all. British readers are now reading Korea novels enriching our relationship. He noted that our vision and values align. The UK-Korea partnership is even more important. We should work towards the goal of a joint Korea.
Ed Davey thanked the BKS Committee and especially Sylvia Park for their work. He met President Yoon during last year’s State Visit and presented him with a Tottenham Hotspur shirt embroidered with Son Heung-min’s name. He paid tribute to Korean culture and was looking forward to the next series of Squid Games. Our work in trade, defence and cyber are all important. He reminded us that next year is the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War. It is important in a changing world that we continue to search for peace. The BKS has an important part to play in all of that.
Following the speeches we were treated to great food and wine. It was a fitting end to a wonderful evening.
