By UN Journal Lee Jon-young

 

In the spring of 2025, Diplomacy Journal, a diplomacy-specialized publication that has been at the center of Korea's diplomatic history, celebrated its 28th anniversary.

 

In 1997, when diplomacy was still an unfamiliar and distant concept to many Koreans, Diplomacy Journal took its first steps with a single mission: to “record the scene of diplomacy.” From scenes of establishing diplomatic relations to embassy openings, international conferences, diplomats' on-the-ground essays, and the stories of consular officers who work behind the scenes, Diplomacy Journal has faithfully documented it all.

 

 

Recording the hearts and minds behind the scenes

 

Diplomacy is often referred to as a 'silent war'. On the front lines of defending national interests are not only diplomats, but also administrative staff, interpreters, intelligence analysts, and countless other helpers on the ground. They may not be in the spotlight, but their beads of sweat have shaped South Korea's diplomatic standing today.

 

Diplomacy Journal has been the only publication to shine a light on this “unsung dedication.” In its 28 years of publication, it has told the stories of consuls' early morning trips, humanitarian rescue efforts, and young diplomats practicing borderless diplomacy that will stay with you longer than an ambassador's interview. It's not just news, it's diplomatic history, and it belongs to the people.

 

“History is truth, and truth builds diplomacy”

 

Mr. Lee Jon-young, the publisher and chairman of Diplomacy Journal, said in his speech at the 28th anniversary of the publication, “Recording the truth is the first step in setting history straight. To make sure that even one diplomat's story is not forgotten, that's why we exist.”

 

Chairman Lee defined Diplomacy Journal as a “temple of records” that records the human side of diplomacy, not just a professional or information magazine. The essence of Diplomacy Journal is to record the conflicts and emotions of the diplomatic field and the hearts of those who work for the country.

 

 

Special series that lead to 'memories and insights'

 

Diplomacy Journal is celebrating its 28th anniversary with special series, “30 Years of Korean Diplomacy, Memories and Insights,” to revisit the past 30 years of Korean diplomatic history and suggest future directions.

 

The series will cover issues such as the history of diplomatic ties and diplomatic breaks, major diplomatic disputes and reconciliation processes, cases of protecting overseas Koreans, unification diplomacy, and climate diplomacy, and will deliver diverse perspectives through the voices of domestic and foreign diplomatic experts, former and current diplomats, and scholars.

 

In addition, in line with the digital transformation era, Diplomacy Journal is building all of its archives on a digital platform. Articles from the first issue to the latest issue will be made freely available, and academic information services for the next generation of diplomatic talent will also be operated.

 

Documenting diplomacy's yesterdays, illuminating tomorrow's paths

 

Diplomacy Journal that began 28 years ago with a few articles and the voice of a single diplomat has grown into a specialized diplomatic journal with thousands of diplomatic records and tens of thousands of readers. The journey continues today.

 

Diplomacy Journal will continue to quietly but clearly document the small truths of the diplomatic scene without neglecting any of them. We believe that.

 

That record is history, and that a better diplomacy will be built on history.