By UN Journal Lee Jon-young

President Yoon Suk-yeol received Caroline Kennedy, President Emeritus of the John F. Kennedy Foundation (JFK Foundation) and current U.S. Ambassador to Australia on March 27.

The meeting was held at the special request of Mrs. Kennedy, who wanted to personally deliver the trophy (lantern) of the Profile in Courage Award to the President. 

The JFK Foundation honored President Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida last year with the 2023 Profile in Courage Award, recognizing their contributions to improving relations between South Korea and Japan. "Both leaders have done the right thing for their countries in the face of political opposition at home," Kennedy said at the time.

The President said he was deeply honored to receive the award from his family, which symbolizes the "New Frontier" spirit of former President John F. Kennedy, and vowed to continue to contribute to peace and prosperity in the region, building on the dramatic improvement in bilateral relations and trilateral cooperation since his administration took office.

Kennedy paid tribute to President Yoon's leadership in taking the relationship to new heights, despite the many challenges, and said it was an honor to present the trophy to him in person. 

Honorary President Kennedy said that politicians in any country in the world often follow their immediate interests, and few people work for the good of their people, country, and the world at the risk of political disadvantage, and that the purpose of the Courageous People Award is to find such people and honor their courage. 

She also praised President Yoon's courage and determination to improve bilateral relations with Japan and contribute to Korea's national interests and regional and global peace and prosperity in the face of many difficulties, which is precisely the purpose of the award.

Kennedy also introduced that the trophy for the award was created by her spouse, designer Edwin Schlossberg, who was also present, and explained that the bronze trophy, modeled after the lanterns actually used on the “USS Constitution” warship, symbolizes a true and courageous person who walks his or her own path without succumbing to external pressure.