Written by: Douglas Barrett  |  Posted on: August 19th, 2026

Dr Owen Miller introducing speakers

We held the latest in our Two Ambassadors series at SOAS on 2 July. Our distinguished speakers were Karen Maddocks who is Head of North-East Asia Department in the FCDO, and Simon Wood who is presently the UK Ambassador to Pyongyang, North Korea. Karen spoke on Republic of Korea issues and took the place of Ambassador Colin Crooks who was unable to join the event. The session was expertly moderated by Professor Hazel Smith who is a research associate with SOAS. Dr Owen Miller, Head of Korean Studies at SOAS introduced our speakers and the work of SOAS.

Korea Update at SOAS

Simon noted that he had still not been allowed to take up his post in Pyongyang so is working from London. Following Covid restrictions some embassies had now been allowed to open in Pyongyang although they have very little contact with the DPRK Government. Kim Jong Un appeared to be more confident, assertive and developing ties in South-East Asia. He totally rejects reunification. He would appear to be grooming his daughter Kim Ju-Ae for succession. On the surface Pyongyang appears a more prosperous city – there are now new roads, buildings and new cars. Many had mobile phones – but it was still difficult to understand what life is like for ordinary citizens.

The DPRK sends workers, soldiers and weapons to Russia. In return Russia supplies the DPRK with oil – but the relationship, although warm, is mainly transactional. The DPRK’s main ally remains China with President Xi recently visiting Pyongyang. The DPRK continues to develop sources of income through cybercrime and crypto.

Karen noted that the Republic of Korea is the 12^th largest economy in the world and a cultural super power. The ROK and UK have a global strategic partnership underpinned by the Downing St Accords and an updated Free Trade Agreement.  President Lee Jae Myung is open and pragmatic. He would like to invest in green technologies, digital, defence and renewables. All of this is underpinned by strong democratic values.

BKS Chairman thanking the speakers

Following the presentations our chairman Simon Smith spoke about the work of the BKS and our upcoming events. We then held a networking reception for the forty or so attendees. We are grateful to Owen, Hazel, Karen and Simon for their time and look forward to next year’s meeting.

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