Building Trust: An Ambassador’s Lasting Pledge and the Bridge to Diplomacy
On October 19, 2023, the Tehran Times had the honor of hosting a high-level delegation from the South Korean Embassy, led by His Excellency Ambassador Kim Junpyo. During this visit, extensive discussions took place involving the newspaper’s directors and editors, culminating in an exclusive interview with the Ambassador.
The decision for the Korean embassy to maintain its presence in Tehran amidst recent tensions was acknowledged by many Iranians. This diplomatic steadfastness is seen as a crucial factor in enhancing mutual trust and potentially opening a new chapter in Korea-Iran relations. Ambassador Kim Junpyo elaborated on this decision, stating:
“Our decision to remain in Tehran was not an easy one. We took many factors into account, but two reasons were particularly decisive. First, as diplomats, our role is to uphold trust and respect toward the host country and its people. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea has always stood with the Iranian people, and we deeply value our long-standing friendship with Iran. We believed that staying, rather than leaving, was a sincere way to express our respect and trust.
Second, as an Ambassador, my most important responsibility is to protect Korean nationals in Iran. I wanted Koreans in Iran to feel that their embassy would stay with them until the very last moment. That was why we opened the Ambassador’s Residence and used it as a refuge. I told myself that if evacuation ever became inevitable, I should be the last Korean to leave Iran.
To me, diplomatic steadiness does not mean just standing still; it means standing firm with empathy and commitment. By staying in Tehran, we wanted to demonstrate our dedication to the relationship between Korea and Iran. My hope is that this decision will be remembered not merely as an act of endurance, but as a moment that further strengthened the bridge of trust between our two countries.”
Shared Values: A Foundation for Cultural Exchange
The ambassador expressed appreciation for the Korean Embassy’s vibrant cultural presence, particularly its engagement with Iranian youth. He stated:
“This question touches on a subject that I feel deeply passionate about: the role of youth and culture in shaping the future of friendship between Korea and Iran. During my time in Iran, I have been inspired by the grace, intelligence, and cultural depth of Iranian youth. Their interest in Korea goes beyond trends or entertainment; it reflects a genuine eagerness to explore, in depth, another culture that shares many familiar values and emotions.”
Ambassador Kim emphasized the shared values between Korean and Iranian cultures, including:
- Respect for elders
- Honoring family bonds
- Strong sense of community
These similarities create a natural basis for mutual understanding. During a meeting with Mr. Mohammad-Mahdi Rahmati, CEO of Mehr Media Group, the Ambassador noted:
“These occasions are more than opportunities to showcase Korean culture; they are moments when both Koreans and Iranians rediscover their shared values. These moments allow both sides to recognize that our cultures, though distinct, often echo the same human spirit.”
Opportunities for Iranian Youth
The Ambassador highlighted two significant opportunities available to Iranian youth:
- Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): Supports higher education in Korea.
- Cooperation with Iranian Vocational Training Organization (TVTO): Helps young people develop skills for their future.
These initiatives are designed not just for academic advancement but also for fostering cultural interaction, professional development, and building long-term networks. “I believe that culture is not a competition but a conversation,” he added.
A Song of Gratitude: Cultural Connections Through Music
In a heartfelt moment, Ambassador Kim recounted his experience with Iranian music:
“I cannot thank the Iranian people enough for the warm hospitality and kindness they have shown me since the day I began my mission here. When people ask what inspired me to sing an Iranian song, I always say it was the Iranian people themselves, especially the younger generation. Their passion inspired me to respond in kind: to learn more about Iran, its language, and Persian spirit.”
His journey into Iranian music led him to appreciate the profound emotions expressed in Persian poetry and traditional music. “Singing an Iranian song was a way to say ‘thank you’ for their kindness, friendship, and warm hospitality they have extended to me and my country,” he reflected.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Future Cooperation
As Korea and Iran look to the future, Ambassador Kim shared his vision for their relationship:
“My vision for the future of Korea-Iran relations is simple yet steadfast: to turn the strong human and cultural connections between our peoples into practical and lasting cooperation across a wide range of fields, step by step, with patience and consistency.”
He outlined the five main priorities for progress (PACTS):
- Political Dialogue
- Academic Exchange
- Cultural Exchange
- Training and Education
- Sharing Knowledge
Despite recent challenges, the Embassy has focused on maintaining communication and promoting people-to-people programs. The Ambassador concluded with a message to Iranian youth:
“We see your talent, we admire your spirit, and we believe in your potential. You are the bridge to the next chapter of our partnership, the living connection between our nations.”
With this commitment, both Korea and Iran can look forward to a future that embraces their shared values and cultural richness, paving the way for enduring cooperation.
