In honor of the Diamond Jubilee of the formal ties between the Republic of Korea and Philippines, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, the School of Diplomacy and Governance (SDG) invited His Excellency Lee Sang-Hwa to grace the inaugural SDG Ambassador’s Lecture Series on June 5 at the Ideation Room of the Atrium @ Benilde Campus.
The SDG’s Ambassador's Lecture Series is a series designed to monument significant milestones and have engaging discussions between the audience and invited foreign diplomats through their stories and knowledge. They commenced it this month with a theme of “PH-South Korea Relations: Celebrating Its Diamond Jubilee and Trailblazing the Path to Deeper Ties.”
The event transpired with the opening remarks by SDG Dean, Mr. Gary Ador Dionisio. Mr. Ador Dionisio recognized the significant milestone being achieved. In his speech, he highlighted several key takeaways such as the significance of understanding current global trends and developments happening in the world.
“It is important to underscore the value of examining the current global trends and developments.” He shared how one trend, such as geopolitics, can lead to the change in the global economy.
This is followed by the introduction of the speaker headed by Mr. Josue Raph Cortez, SDG Junior Faculty.
As a part of the Ambassador's Lecture Series, H.E. Lee Sang-Hwa was invited to the stage to tackle the deep formal relations of South Korea and the Philippines. From its rich history to the present, the event delved more into its roots even dating back to the Korean War of 1950-1953.
A reflection of the past
The lecture underscored the pivotal historical events between both countries that paved the way for their relationship to flourish.
To begin, H.E. Lee expressed his gratitude towards the institution’s invitation, stating, “I am very delighted to have this opportunity to meet and interact with young and bright and talented students.” The discussion began from the past wherein he tackled the valiant efforts of the Filipinos in the Korean War and received the first recognition from the Philippines in 1949.
Every June 6, South Korea commemorates Memorial Day, in honor and recognition of the individuals who sacrificed their lives to defend the Republic of Korea.
From the historical ties to the present, H.E. Lee also tackled the massive influence of the formal ties, not only economically but also through tourism and culture. He involved the topics of K-Culture and current statistics of tourists visiting South Korea and likewise for the Philippines.
Continuing on, the conversation transitioned from the past to present time of the current international state of South Korea and the Philippines. “We have seen [a] growing number in solidarity in support of the Philippines,” he shared to the audience. This support became more evident as he discussed the bond between the countries, especially during times when issues arise.
In his concluding note, H.E. Lee encouraged the audience to become global citizens, stating, “I want you to become passionate and compassionate about what you dream and to those who are on the other side of this planet.”
