By UN Journal Lee Jon-young 湖月撈影 湖月撈影 "Trying to catch the moon in the lake." 湖水無塵映月明 "The lake is clear without dust, shining brightly in the moonlight" 輕波一掬碎光生 ""When the calm waves rise, a shattered light is seen." 虛浮難取縈手裏 "A floating shadow is hard to catch, and it drifts in my hand." 空勞夢影滿江聲 "Empty labor is all that remains, and the river is filled with the shadows of dreams." This poem expresses a sense of vain desire and futility through the contents, "I try to catch the moon reflected in the lake, but I can't." The lake is clear, and the moonlight is clear. But the object of desire is
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo The following article was contributed by Odil Temirov, Chairman of the Board, Uzkimyosanoat JSC, to UN Journal for publication through the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul. --Ed. Trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and Malaysia are strengthening and expanding into new fields year by year, with the chemical industry emerging as a key strategic and promising sector. Given the prospects of both countries in developing the chemical industry and their expertise in modern technologies and ecological sustainability, cooperation in this field holds significant econo
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo The following article was contributed by Madina Aripova, Сhief research fellow of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to UN Journal for publication through the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul. --Ed. Strengthening friendly relations and developing a multifaceted partnership with Malaysia is one of the important priorities of Uzbekistan's foreign policy in Asian direction. This year marks the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. Over this period, Uzbek-Malaysia
UNJournal Jon Lee | The following article was contributed by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul to Diplomacy Journal for publication. --Ed. Uzbekistan’s foreign economic activity, focused on a proactive and practical approach emphasizing mutual respect and consideration of interests, comprehensively contributes to strengthening multifaceted and mutually beneficial ties with various countries worldwide. The diversification of investment and trade cooperation, the desire to open new markets and establish mutually beneficial cooperation beyond the nearest regions, is bearing fruit, and one of the
UNJournal Jon Lee | The Global Impact Coalition (GIC), a CEO-led collaborative platform for a net-zero chemicals future, is proud to announce LG Chem as its newest member. As one of the world’s largest chemical companies and a leader in sustainable materials, LG Chem’s membership sends a strong signal to Asia and the broader industry that global collaboration is essential to developing sustainable and commercially viable solutions. This milestone reinforces GIC’s growing global impact and highlights the importance of international partnerships in scaling up solutions to reduce emissions. Notab
UNJournal Jon Lee | The following article was contributed by Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee, to Diplomacy Journal for publication through the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul. -- Ed. Uzbekistan and Malaysia may be located in different parts of the world, in Central Asia and Southeast Asia, but we actively cooperate to develop in mutually beneficial ways. Tourism is a key area of our partnership. Despite the significant geographical distance between us, there is enormous potential for expanding ties in the tourism sector, which, in turn, will bring economic benefits and promote c
By UN Journal Kayla Lee The Jongno-gu Saemaul Association (Chairman Park Nae-chun) successfully held its 2025 General Assembly on the afternoon of Jan. 23 at the 4th floor of the Ewha-dong Community Center. The general meeting was attended by about 70 delegates, including Chairman Park Nae-chun, Jongno-gu Mayor Chung Moon-heon, Jongno-gu Council Chairman Ra Do-gyun, and Jongno-gu Council members, as well as about 100 local residents and officials of the Saemaul movement. The general assembly received reports on the main business performance and revenue and expenditure settlement for 2024, and
By UN Journal Kayla Lee The Los Angeles Korean Festival Foundation held its regular board meeting at the Oxford Palace Hotel on Dec. 17, 2024, electing director Kim Jun-bae as the new chairman of the board and beginning discussions to normalize the foundation. The board meeting was presided over by Vice Chairman Choi Il-soon, and was attended by directors Kim Jun-bae and Park Yun-sook, fulfilling the quorum requirement. Despite the absence of Chairman Bae Mu-han and his non-cooperation with the request to convene the board, the board meeting was convened in accordance with the articles of foun
By UN Journal Kayla Lee UN agencies responded on Jan. 21 to President Trump's executive orders ending US membership of the World Health Organization (WHO) and its adherence to the Paris Climate Agreement, highlighting the massive potential negative impact on public health and efforts to curb global warming, the UN News reported. “The WHO regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization…We hope the United States will reconsider,” said WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic, hours after the new President signed an executive order at the White House,
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo The UN Secretary-General has welcomed the Jan. 15 announcement of a deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza following 15 months of war, the UN News reported. Speaking to reporters at UN Headquarters, António Guterres commended mediators Egypt, Qatar and the United States for their dedicated efforts in brokering the agreement. “Their unwavering commitment to finding a diplomatic solution has been critical in achieving this breakthrough,” he said. He called on all relevant parties to uphold their commitments to ensure that the deal is fully implemented. M
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo Donald Trump has been sworn in for a second term as president of the United States at noon local time (17:00 GMT) in Washington, DC. Donald Trump took office as the United States' 47th president on Jan. 20, renewing his vow to "put America first" and tariff foreign countries to enrich Americans, while signaling an intent to refrain from military involvement in conflicts overseas. During his swearing-in ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, Trump, 78, underscored his America First credo as his second four-year term is expected to see a major shift in the U.S.'
UNJournal Jon Lee | History is the root of an individual's roots and the core of a nation's and people's identity. So when history is lost or distorted, it's not just about losing the past, it's about losing the present and the future. While the occupation of territory cannot transcend physical boundaries, the occupation of history shakes a people's memory, culture, and spirit to the core. It results in mental colonization and leaves lasting damage that transcends generations. When history is occupied, it destroys a nation's sense of identity and pride. For example, during Japan's colonization
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 h
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 Muse
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. Th