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| Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, left, and former Ambassador to Kazakhstan Koo Hong-seok pose at Seoul City Hall, Friday. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government |
By Kim Hyun-bin
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has appointed Koo Hong-seok, the former ambassador to Kazakhstan, as its chief international relations officer.
Koo has 31 years of diplomatic experience and is renowned as an international relations specialist with expertise in the Northeast and Southeast Asian regions.
He graduated from Yonsei University's Department of Political Science and Diplomacy and joined the foreign ministry in 1993, serving in various roles, including as minister-counselor in Japan and China, director-general for planning, director-general for South Asia and the Pacific, director-general for ASEAN and ambassador to Kazakhstan.
Notably, during his tenure as the ambassador to Kazakhstan, he facilitated the repatriation of Korean nationals stranded at Almaty International Airport during a major crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he ensured timely delivery of humanitarian aid, contributing to enhancing national interests and international cooperation.
The incoming ambassador is expected to provide counsel on various aspects of Seoul's international exchanges and cooperation, including interactions with overseas cities, hosting international conferences and official development assistance (ODA), drawing on his insights, experience and expertise in diplomacy.
Moreover, he plans to present Seoul's vision and policies to the international community as a global city, showcasing a diverse range of policies, from economic, culture and tourism to climate change adaptation and urban planning, among others.
"I will do my utmost to elevate Seoul's capacity for city diplomacy and ensure that Seoul's policies and visions bear fruit through strategic cooperation with overseas cities," Koo said.
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