KF뉴스레터-The Korea Foundation to Play a Pivotal Role in Building National Consensus Based on ‘Public Diplomacy'

The Korea Foundation to Play a Pivotal Role in Building National Consensus Based on ‘Public Diplomacy'

Importance of 'Public Diplomacy'
Korea not only has a lengthy history and cultural tradition, but also has achieved rapid economic development and democratization of an unprecedented extent over the past three decades. Nevertheless, the status and awareness of Korea, among the international community, are not as high as might be expected. To attain a standing commensurate with our national strength in the global arena, we need to greatly reinforce our 'Public diplomacy'capability, which today is of vital importance. The reason for implementing such a diplomatic approach can be easily understood by observing its growing significance in such advanced countries as the U.S., the U.K., France, and Germany, where considerable financial and human resources are being allocated to its promotion.
The reality in Korea, however, is that even the government maintains a low level of understanding about the importance of public diplomacy. Under such circumstances, it would be unfair to criticize the general public for its lack of appreciation for public diplomacy. Therefore, it is urgent for us to make efforts to build a broad-based consensus on the importance of supporting public diplomacy, so as to reveal the true face of Korea to the world and enhance Korea's brand image in the international community.

Status and Role of the Korea Foundation
In fact, the Korea Foundation stands at the center of efforts to realize a national consensus on the importance of public diplomacy. Thus far, the Foundation has been effective in promoting the 'Korea brand,' through various international exchange programs, in spite of its limited funds and human resources. In my opinion, the fundamental task, to build on this positive momentum, is to strengthen the capability and status of the Foundation, as a vital pivot of public diplomacy in Korea, based on the mutual respect and support of the Korean public as well as its customers in the international community. For this purpose, I intend to enhance what the Foundation has been doing well, and will resolutely reform what needs to be improved.
First of all, the Foundation needs to notably heighten its domestic profile to assure further development. In this regard, intensified efforts are necessary to broaden awareness of the Foundation's activities among the general public. As part of such efforts, we might consider the declaration of an "International Cultural Exchange Day" or creation of an "International Cultural Exchange Award." In addition, we need to enhance understanding and secure adequate funding so that the Foundation can expand and distinguish itself as a pivotal organization in the international exchange sector. For this, the Foundation will have to firmly establish its raison d'êre by having the public, as well as the government and the National Assembly, fully understand the importance of public diplomacy. In this way, the Foundation will be well positioned to garner financial support from the government and the private sector.
For such a dramatic change in attitude and operation, there is an urgent need to strengthen the infrastructure of the Foundation through organizational reform and enhancement of the professional capability of personnel, and to develop more creative programs. While carefully weighing the cost-benefit impacts on the operation and activity of the Foundation, I plan to restructure the Foundation, with a focus on its strategic programs, based on a principle of "selection and concentration." Above all, I intend to devise a mid- and long-term vision to guide the Foundation's development into a world-class international exchange organization, which can play a key role in realizing Korea's goal of becoming a cultural power in the 21st century.

Personal Vision
Based on the knowledge about international exchange and personal networking, at home and abroad, that I have accumulated thus far from my diplomacy experiences, I will seek to innovate the operation and activity of the Foundation, and lay a groundwork for the Foundation to become a globally recognized international exchange organization, like the British Council. In addition, as an advocate of cultural diplomacy, I will exert my utmost efforts and be available wherever any need or demand might arise, whether at home or abroad, to meet our customers in person and conduct "cultural sales" activities.
I thus pledge to do my best to have such plans and ambitions reach fruition. And for this, I sincerely ask for your continued participation and cooperation in our endeavors, as well as your unwavering loyalty and encouragement.

Yim Sung-joon sjyim@kf.or.kr President, Korea Foundation
President Yim served as :
• Director of Northeast Asia Division I, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1988) • Political Councilor of the Korean Embassy in the U.S. (1990) • Secretary to the President for Foreign Affairs and National Security (1993) • Director-General of the American Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1995) • Korean Ambassador to Egypt (1996) • Executive Director-General of the Headquarters of Summit Preparation for Asia-Europe Meeting (1999) • Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2001) • Senior Secretary to the President for Foreign Policy and National Security (2002) • Korean Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Canada since March 2004

New Appointments

Yim Sung-joon took office as the 8th President of the Korea Foundation
Korean Ambassador to Canada Yim Sung-joon took office as the 8th President of the Korea Foundation on February 27, 2007. President Yim started his career as a diplomat in 1974, after graduating from the Department of International Relations, Seoul National University, and has been at the forefront of Korean diplomacy for 33 years.

Executive Vice President Park Joon K. Newly Appointed
Former chairman of the New York Council of the National Unification Advisory Council Park Joon K. assumed the executive vice presidency of the Foundation on March 30. Graduating from the Department of English Literature of Seoul National University, Executive Vice President Park immigrated to the U.S. in 1975 and graduated from the Graduate School of Public Administration of the State University of New York. He served as chairman of the Preparatory Committee of the Korea-U.S. Political Development Council and Chairman of the Korean-American Voters' Council in New York.

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The Korea Foundation to Play a Pivotal Role in Building National Consensus Based on ‘Public Diplomacy'

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