Meeting with Republic of Korea Ambassador Kim Heung-chong

As a member of the APPG on the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Ambassador Kim Heung-chong’s and his wife graciously hosted a dinner on 8 July 2026 to discuss relations with the UK and Korea. The Chair of the APPG Sir Ed Davey chaired the discussion.

At the AGM of the APPG on Monday 13 July HE the Ambassador gave the following address: 

“… Thirty-three years ago, in the very year I first travelled abroad, I formed my first connection with the United Kingdom. Since then, through many visits and in many different capacities, that connection has deepened into a lasting personal affection for this country. It is therefore particularly meaningful for me to return to the United Kingdom now, in the capacity of Ambassador of the Republic of Korea.
I have arrived at an especially auspicious moment for our bilateral partnership, as Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is visiting Korea from the 13th to the 15th of July. Her visit is a great honour for my country, and underscores the mutual respect and shared values that have united the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom for many decades. During her visit, Her Royal Highness will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Imjin River. Since taking up my post, I have had the profound honour of meeting veterans whose courage, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment helped defend the Republic of Korea during its darkest hour. Their contributions laid the foundations for the thriving democracy that Korea has become today, and for the enduring friendship between our two nations. 

In today’s increasingly complex geopolitical environment, the United Kingdom has become an ever more important partner for the Republic of Korea. Building upon our Global Strategic Partnership, we have the opportunity to generate new momentum across a wide range of strategic sectors — from security and defence to trade, clean energy, and advanced technologies.

Over the past year, the Republic of Korea has faced three profound challenges: a crisis of democracy, triggered by the declaration of martial law; a crisis in trade and security arising from growing instability in the international order; and a crisis in people’s livelihoods linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.  Yet despite these unprecedented challenges, Korea has demonstrated remarkable resilience. We have restored our  constitutional order and democratic institutions, reaffirmed the  strength of our democracy to the international community,  and laid the foundations for renewed economic growth.

In the first quarter of 2026, Korea recorded a growth rate of 1.8 percent quarter-on-quarter — a pace comparable to, or even exceeding, that of some emerging economies such as  Indonesia and China. Excluding the post-pandemic rebound, this represents one of the strongest growth performances in decades.  At the same time, Korea’s active engagement with the international community, combined with a pragmatic, national-interest-driven diplomacy, has opened new horizons for growth and created opportunities for our country’s next leap forward. At a time of strategic uncertainty, our foremost priority is to ensure that the Korean Peninsula does not become another fault line of global conflict. While maintaining the unwavering strength of the ROK–US Alliance, we are committed to playing a more proactive role in our own defence, supported by enhanced national capabilities.

At the heart of our approach lies a simple but firm belief: that peace is the most fundamental foundation of security.
To this end, the Republic of Korea is pursuing a Policy for  Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula — a policy
aimed at replacing confrontation with dialogue, and hostility with cooperation. We remain ready to reopen inter-Korean dialogue and continue to convey to North Korea our sincere  hope for renewed communication, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence. As we pursue peace on the Peninsula, we know we can count on our trusted partners — not least the United Kingdom.

Just last week, President Lee Jae-Myung attended the NATO Summit, where he sought to elevate defence industrial
cooperation with NATO to a new level — moving beyond simple transactions towards joint research, co-production, and integrated operation of defence systems. He also reaffirmed Korea’s role as a responsible member of the international community by announcing a comprehensive support package of 100 million US dollars for Ukraine.

In the economic sphere, negotiations to upgrade the Korea UK Free Trade Agreement were successfully concluded last year, and we look forward to its formal signature in the near future. We expect the upgraded agreement to unlock new opportunities for businesses in both countries. As part of our efforts to diversify export markets and enhance economic resilience, the Korean Government is also reviewing accession to the CPTPP, taking into account its economic and strategic value. As this process requires the support of all members, I would like to take this opportunity to express our hope that the United Kingdom will lend its support to Korea’s future application.

We are also working to identify new engines of growth. As a country heavily dependent on imports of critical minerals essential for industries such as semiconductors and batteries, international cooperation is not merely desirable — it is indispensable. Korea is therefore actively participating in initiatives such as the Agreement on Trade in Critical Minerals and G7 discussions. As an economist by training, specialising in trade and economic security, I have a particular interest in advancing
Korea–UK cooperation in these areas, and I intend to make this a key priority during my tenure.

Let me now turn, briefly, to what I might call Korea’s most effective ambassadors — BTS. I recently had the opportunity to attend a BTS concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — home to Son Heung-min, one of Korea’s most admired athletes here in the UK. It was a truly remarkable experience, and it allowed me to witness first-hand
the extraordinary enthusiasm and affection that the British public holds for Korean culture. Our countries are connected not only through governments and businesses, but increasingly through our people. Korean culture — from music and film to literature, cuisine, and fashion — has become an integral part of the UK’s cultural landscape. This growing cultural exchange is fostering deeper mutual understanding, particularly among younger generations, and is laying a strong foundation for the future of our partnership, one thing remains constant: it can always count on the Republic of Korea as a trusted friend and partner. 

The bond between our nations rests on enduring values —democracy, the rule of law, and a shared commitment to
security, prosperity, and a rules-based international order.  President Lee Jae-Myung is keen to engage closely with the new British leadership, and we are determined to advance our partnership in a way that is both meaningful and forward looking.”

I look forward to working with the Ambassador and his team to further relations between our countries.