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The 2025 “Diplomacy and Reunification K-Folk Painting Exhibition” to be held
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"Kenya is famous for its stunning landscapes, magnificent wildlife"
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Uzbekistan - UAE: Partnership for a green future
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“Moon Jars” by Artist Kim Ki-jong, a master of this era
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Acting President Choi meets with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya
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“Moon Jars” by Artist Kim Ki-jong, a master of this era
Studying in France and being active on the international stage
UNJournal Jon Lee | Kim Ki-jong is an artist who has gained attention in the Korean art world for his contemporary interpretation of the moon jar, a symbol of traditional Korean ceramics. His works are considered to have a mesmerizing power to stimulate the inner feelings and emotions of Koreans beyond the mere shape of the pottery. As a specially selected artist for the National Exhibition, his skills are widely recognized. Kim has developed his own unique style of painting that harmoniously fuses tradition and modernity, using a variety of materials and techniques to maximize the beauty of his paintings. He incorporates his own philosophy into his works, bringing deep emotion and comfort to viewers. Kim Ki-jong spent 20 years as an entrepreneur and achieved financial success, but he never lost his artistic passion and chose to become a full-time painter in 2008. He learned ceramic pigments and formulation proportions at Haengnam Pottery and further developed his artistic sense based on his experience as the CEO of Goryeo Decal. He said, “Life is so futile. Over the years, my desires and greed have been scattered in the wind like a grass flower and disappeared quickly. Now, rather than dwelling on the futility of life, I want to look back on the path I have traveled and the path I will travel, collecting only good grains and putting them in my heart.” He incorporates philosophical messages into his works. In 2013, Kim spent two years studying at the Maison des Arts in Paris, France, where he experienced the depth of European art. During his time abroad, he was inducted into Who's Who International, a European cultural organization, and was honored to participate in an invitational exhibition at the Louvre. His lyrical works based on Korean sentiments were well-received by local audiences and made his name known on the international stage. Studying abroad in France was a turning point in his work. Experiencing the traditions of European art deepened his understanding of how to harmoniously express the beauty of nature and Korean sentiment. His works are characterized by folk games and modern designs using the five colors of the Korean palette, and his attempts to reinterpret traditional Korean culture in a modern way. “I want my paintings to be pretty, easy on the eyes, and make you smile a little when you look at them,” said Kim, who hopes his work will bring joy and comfort to people. His moon jar series is more than just a form of pottery, it symbolizes the peace and harmony within us. Viewers are naturally immersed in Korean sentiment and feel a deep resonance. He emphasized that he hopes his works will bring excitement and joy to people, just like folk games. Kim has been exhibiting his works through solo and group exhibitions. In particular, he has been active in many group exhibitions, including a solo exhibition at the Ambassador Hotel, leaving a deep impression on art lovers. His works are in the collections of various institutions, including the Ansan Sangrok Police Station, Korea Environment Development, Busan National Defense Center, Jeonmin Ilbo, Air Force 16th Fighter Wing, and Gwangju 31st Division. He serves as an advisor to the organizing committee of the World Peace Art Exhibition and as an editorial board member of the Diplomacy Journal, contributing to the development of Korean art and international exchange. In 2023, he was appointed as a jury member of the Korea Art Association to help younger artists grow. Key profile Name: Kim Ki-jong Education: Mokpo University of Science and Technology / Hanyang University Graduate School of Business / Study at Maison d'Art Institute, France Career Solo Exhibition: 20 solo exhibitions, including one at Ambassador Hotel, etc. Group exhibitions: Invitation to the National Exhibition of Artists, etc. Works in collections: Ansan Sangrok Police Station, Korea Environment Development, Busan National Defense Center, Jeonmin Ilbo, Air Force 16th Fighter Wing, Gwangju 31st Division, etc. Awards and Honors 2 Special Selections at Korea Art Exhibition Special Selection in Mokwoohoe Competition Special Selection in Danwon Art Competition Special Prize in Painting Competition Served as an organizer of the Artists' Day Jury Member, Korea Art Association (2008) Chairman of the Jury of the Korea Art Association (2023) Invited artist at the World Peace Art Exhibition Kim Ki-jong's works harmonize traditional Korean culture with modern sensibilities. He hopes to bring joy and comfort to people through his works and continue to promote the essence of Korean art.
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"Kenya is famous for its stunning landscapes, magnificent wildlife"
Says Amb. Emmy Jerono Kipsoi of Kenya in Seoul
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo "Kenya is one of the premier tourist destinations in Africa, famous for its stunning landscapes, magnificent wildlife and pleasant climate," said Amb. Emmy Jerono Kipsoi of Kenya to South Korea said. In an exclusive interview with Diplomacy Journal on Jan. 15, Amb. Kipsoi said, "I recommend foreign tourists, including South Korean travelers, to Visit maasai mara for the wildebeest migration, Nairobi National park ,climb mount Kenya (the 2nd highest mountain in Africa),tour the Great Rift Valley lakes ,Giraffe Centre (eat with giraffes), Bomas of Kenya, Fort Jesus Museum and the top class beaches in Mombasa among others." Asked about the Kenyan government's programs to attract Korean tourists, she said, "Foreign nationals are now getting into the country visa free, and those seeking entry use an electronic travel authorization system (ETA), which is used to facilitate the pre-screening of travelers who are required to seek authorization through the electronic portal." Noting that there are many international hotel chains in Kenya, the ambassador said, "Major international hotel brands have set up in Kenya to tap into the growing business tourism market." On the kind of industial sectors attractive to Korean investors, Amb. Kipsoi replied, "Korean investors can invest in agriculture, ICT, health, energy and labor from semi-skilled to skilled." Following the interview, Cultural Editor Lee Mi-hyung of Diplomacy Journal who is also professor of the Department of Cultural Content, the Institute for Adult & Continuing Education of Myongji University, presented a folk painting to Amb. Emmy Jerono Kipsoi of Kenya as a gift. The following is the excerpts of the Diplomacy Journal's interview with Amb. Emmy Jerono Kipsoi of Kenya to South Korea. --Ed. Question: Diplomatic relations between Kenya and South Korea were officially formed in 1964. Would you introduce its development of through the years? Answer: Kenya and Korea enjoy cordial relations based on mutual trust and benefit. Both countries maintain resident diplomatic missions in each other’s respective capital. Korea opened its mission in Kenya on 7th February, 1994, while Kenya opened its Embassy in Korea on 31st July, 2007. There are Kenyans living in the Republic of Korea as either students or workers also few Koreans are living in Kenya. Education : Kenyans have benefited from Korean Government scholarships provided through Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA); Technology : Partnership in the Konza Technopolis (ICT) and the establishment of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) ; Agriculture Cooperation: Kenya and Korea developed a concept paper on the development of Africa cultivation complex on the K-RiceProject in Kirinyaga, Kwale and Lamu Counties on 1st January, 2024 to explore ways of cooperation; Multilateral Cooperation: Both countries maintain close cooperation at the multilateral level, including the United Nations, and the G77 and China among others; High Level events : During the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit: H.E. the President led the Kenyan delegation to the Korea-Africa Summit held from 2nd to 5th June, 2024 in Seoul, Korea in which key outcomes included Kenya’s accession to the International Vaccine Institute (IVI)Treaty, with IVI agreeing to establish their African regional office in Nairobi also Signing of the MoU on Cooperation on Maritime Affairs among others; Humanitarian Aid: Korea has committed to provide a donation to the victims of flooding in Kenya through Kenya Red Cross, and further financial support of another donation through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) humanitarian projects for migrant response plan in Kenya; The two countries have also agreed to partner in green energy, security and the development of the Nairobi Intelligent Transport System and Bus Rapid Transit network to decongest the city. Q: Please introduce the National Day (12th December) of Kenya. A: Jamhuri Day, or Kenya's Independence Day, is a significant national holiday that commemorates Kenya's independence from British colonial rule in 1963.It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and soldiers who fought for Kenya's independence; On this auspicious occasion, we celebrate the many men and women who made Kenya’s independence a reality through their vision, struggles and self-sacrifices, firmly believing that the generations after them would live in a peaceful, united and prosperous country. Q: What is the present balance of trade between Kenya and South Korea? Would you comment on the kind of industrial sectors attractive to Korean investors? A: The balance of trade is largely in favor of Korea. (FY 2023/2024). Kenya’s exports to Korea include; tea, coffee, tobacco, titanium ore and scrap copper. Kenya’s main imports from Korea include; manufactured goods such as boilers, tires, tubes, textiles, steel products, electronic goods, vehicles, chemicals, fertilizers, and synthetic fibers. Korean investors can invest in Agriculture, ICT, Health, Energy and labor (from semi-skilled to skilled.) Q: What tourist attractions in Kenya do you want to recommend to Korea torurists? Would you introduce the govenment's programs to attract Korean tourists? A: Kenya is one of the premier tourist destinations in Africa, famous for its stunning landscapes, magnificent wildlife and pleasant climate. Visit maasai mara for the wildebeest migration, Nairobi National park ,climb mount Kenya (the 2nd highest mountain in Africa),tour the Great Rift Valley lakes ,Giraffe Centre (eat with giraffes),Bomas of Kenya, Fort Jesus Museum and the top class beaches in Mombasa among others. Foreign nationals are now getting into the country visa free, and those seeking entry use an electronic travel authorization system (ETA), which is used to facilitate the pre-screening of travelers who are required to seek authorization through the electronic portal. There are famous international hotel chains. Major international hotel brands have set up in Kenya to tap into the growing business tourism market. Health spas at Geothermal sites Health spas are tailored-made to provide relaxation and curative benefits to user. Development of World heritage sites as tourist destinations (Lamu, Mt. Kenya and Sibiloi.), Amusement Park at Bomas of Kenya, Building new exhibitions galleries for the Nairobi National Museums.
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Acting President Choi holds luncheon with G7, EU ambassadors
Choi says, “Korean economic system is strong”
UNJournal Jon Lee | Choi Sang-mok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister, met with ambassadors from the Group of Seven (G7) and the European Union (EU) on Jan. 15, saying that “the Korean economic system is operating stably.” “Under the acting presidential system, our government is carrying out its work in various fields, including the economy and security, without any wavering,” Choi said during a luncheon meeting with the ambassadors. In particular, Choi emphasized the maintenance of the government's foreign policy stance and reaffirmed its cooperative relations with major countries. The ambassadors at the luncheon expressed their deepest condolences for the tragedy of the Jeju Air passenger plane. They “reaffirmed the strength and resilience of South Korea's democracy in the face of recent political developments, including martial law and impeachment,” the ministry said. Choi thanked them for expressing their deepest condolences to the victims and bereaved families of the Jeju Air passenger plane crash. He also expressed his appreciation for their unwavering trust and support for South Korea's democracy. The luncheon was attended by eight members of the diplomatic corps of G7 member countries, including EU Ambassador Maria Castillo Fernandez, UK Ambassador Colin Crooks, Canadian Ambassador Tamara Mawhinney, French Ambassador Philippe Bertoux, Japanese Ambassador Koichi Mizushima and the acting ambassadors of the German, Italian, and U.S. missions to Korea.
- Armed forces are a reliable guarantor of stability in New Uzbekistan
- Acting President Choi meets with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya
- The role of cultural diplomacy on the international stage
- Uzbekistan - UAE: Partnership for a green future
- The 2025 “Diplomacy and Reunification K-Folk Painting Exhibition” to be held
