외교단과 함께 하는 송년자선음악회 축사(영문)

Ambassador Valdez,Excellencies,Members of the Diplomatic Corps,Friends and families of Foreign Ministry,

Good evening! Welcome to the Foreign Ministry’s 2013 Charity Concert.

Even though we are nearing the holiday season, this year, we are not allowed to just relax and enjoy, given the worrisome development in Pyongyang.

For this reason, I am very grateful for all the participants for their time and efforts despite their busy schedules that made this concert possible.

Henry Longfellow, one of the greatest American poet of the 19th century, defined music as “the universal language of the humanity.”

In this regard, I think it is quite timely that we have gathered together this evening to get away from our stress and deepen our skinships through music.

This concert is also very meaningful that the proceeds will go to help those in need around us.

Personally, I am very much looking forward to the performances by my good friends, Ambassador Fujita of Brazil, Ambassador Chua of Singapore, and Ambassador Rata of New Zeland.

At the same time, I am also looking forward to seeing the Korean performers – composed of officers of my ministry – outperforming my diplomat friends. Am I right?

Even though this concert has not been staged for some years, starting with tonight’s performance I hope it will become a proud tradition of the diplomatic corps in Korea.

I also hope that it will come to be known in diplomatic communities worldwide as one of many privileges of being posted in Seoul.

Being the first year of the Park Geun-hye Government, we have had a series of high-profile summits and strategic dialogues with most of you this year.

Through it all, Korea strengthened its relationship with partners and broadened its diplomatic horizon.

Needless to say, it’s been a life of never ending “Sleepless in Seoul” for me, the Foreign Ministry, and the diplomatic corps in Korea. I thank you for all of your contributions.

I hope you will enjoy tonight’s program. Let me conclude with wishing you happy holidays and all the best in the coming new year – the year of the horse!

Thank you very much.