KOREA BULLETIN The official publication of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
FROM
THE
APRIL 2015
AMBASSADOR‘S
DESK
KIM Jae-shin, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary
Mabuhay!
When I arrived in Manila last April 16, 2015, I realized that Mabuhay is a common greeting in the Philippines. So I looked it up, and learned that it is the Tagalog equivalent of “Long live!” that signifies a salutation as well as a wish. In my case, it could also mean “live happy,” which is how I feel about my posting as Ambassador of Korea to the Philippines. I am most delighted to be here because of a few factors, foremost of which is the country itself, with its natural beauty and its people who are always ready with a smile. Some folks have observed that the summer heat of Manila can only be beaten by the warmth of Filipinos. After visiting this tropical paradise a few times in the past, and being assigned here now, I could not agree more with this observation. Yet, it is not just the warmth or the mabuhay spirit that fills me with a sense of instant affinity with the Philippines. Like most Koreans, I know too well the role that Filipinos played in our history. Sixty-five years ago, barely two months after the Korean War broke out, 7,500 members of the Philippine Army arrived in Korea as part of a United Nations contingent to help repel the incursion from the north. The Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea or PEFTOK fought bravely side-by-side with their Korean allies. It is the kind of valor that is worth remembering. The Battle of Yultong, for
example, is celebrated on April 23 of each year both in Korea and in the Philippines. Needless to say, the “Fighting Filipinos,” as they came to be called, suffered 112 casualties, but it was a sacrifice that was instrumental in the eventual development of South Korea as a strong and independent nation. It is not surprising, therefore, that through the years our partnership has become deeper in such diverse areas as foreign relations, bilateral trade, investment, development cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. I am, indeed, honored and privileged to be a part of this most auspicious phase in our nations’ common history. As Ambassador, I will do my best in order to enhance this relationship, and pursue important activities toward this end. First, although bilateral relations between our nations are already ideal, I intend to improve it further in all ways and in all areas possible. Next, ours is a relationship that is recognized by our governments at the highest level. President Aquino has visited Korea twice since President Park Geun-Hye took office. This year, the two leaders will get the chance to meet again when President Park attends the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) meeting in November in Manila. In the aspect of economic cooperation, Korea is proud to be riding on the crest of unprecedented growth in the Philip-
KOREA BULLETIN
pine economy. Korean investors will have a key role in this development, especially considering the continuing influx of Korean tourists and immigrants to the country. With an increasing trade volume between our countries, I will continue to encourage Korean businessmen to set up or expand their operations in the Philippine market, an arrangement that should prove to be mutually beneficial to us. On a final note, since the Korean Wave or Hallyu has made serious inroads into the Philippine psyche, I intend to invite as many K-Pop stars to perform before their evergrowing Filipino fans. This, of course, will be just one of many cultural exchanges that I am expecting to see with the active participation of the Korean Cultural Center. As we celebrate life and friendship, I believe that the cultural ties between our people will become even stronger in the years to come. I am delighted to be an active participant in this period of mutual understanding, and I hope that, during my tenure as Ambassador of Korea to the Philippines, the relationship between our nations will become even deeper and stronger. Allow me to end this message with the familiar Filipino expression for gratitude, with the addition of a single word – “po” – which, I think, is a very nice and simple way of showing respect: Maraming salamat po.
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