British Korean Society Annual General Meeting
Written by: Douglas Barrett | Posted on: March 31st, 2023
British Korea Society Annual General Meeting
21 March 2023 at Samsung Kings Cross
The British Korea Society held its AGM at Samsung’s wonderful Kings Cross facility on 21 March.
Our Co-President Ambassador Yoon Yeocheol noted that the there is a mutual understanding between the UK and Korea built on friendship and passion. President Yoon Suk Yeol attended H.M. Queen Elizabeth’s funeral. Our Foreign Ministers James Cleverly and Park Jin recently met in Seoul. This year marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The Hallyu exhibition at the V&A Museum showcased Korea to the world. There is much to admire.
Chairman Martin Uden said that the Society’s finances are robust; we would look to subsidise more events in the future. Membership is stable. Our National Army Museum event with the Korean War Veterans had been a success. The NAM had asked that we partner with them for a similar event in July this year. We will also partner with the Korean Embassy to mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations at our annual dinner to be held at the House of Lords on 21 November. Martin paid tribute to Dr Shin who is standing down from the BKS Committee.You can read Martin’s full report here
Hee Yu Lee produced a video to take us through our finances. Income is strong and we are in good shape.
Claire Moon gave the membership report. There are 236 members in total including 37 new members. New members had been asked how we could make the BKS better. Membership rates are the same. Cathy Kim received life membership for her dedicated service to the BKS.
Ian Simm noted that grants were now returning to pre covid levels. Eight new grants were offered this year. There had been 24 applications in total. Ian thanked Judith Cherry for her hard work on the grants sub-committee.
Sylvia Park updated on events coming up including a trip to the Hallyu Exhibition, a Chuseok event hosted by the Korean Embassy and The House of Lords event.
Following a vote, the new committee was elected.
Our new committee member Robert Kim spoke about living in New Malden. He is a Councillor for New Malden Village ward, home to the largest Korean community in Europe. He has lived in New Malden for 28 years. His dream is for New Malden to become the Gangnam of Europe and for Samsung to relocate back to New Malden. His dream is that we would all meet one day in a Jjimjilbang. We are grateful to Robert for a highly entertaining presentation.
Our Co-President Sir Stephen Brown thanked Martin and the rest of the committee for their hard work over the year.
Finally the 30 or so attendees enjoyed some lovely drinks and wonderful Korean food.
