Farewell to Korean Ambassador Chang Jae-bok: A moment of Service and Legacy

NEW DELHI: On August 15, the Korean community in India came together to bid an emotional farewell to Ambassador Chang Jae-bok at the Korean Cultural Centre in New Delhi. The event, which coincided with the 79th Liberation Day of Korea, was not just a celebration of the historic occasion but also a heartfelt tribute to the ambassador’s three-year tenure in India.

Having completed three years in India on 20^th July, the Ambassador will be leaving India soon for Korea. He will be succeeded by the former the deputy minister for economic affairs Lee Seong-ho who is currently posted as Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Italy.

The ceremonial send-off was also accorded to Consul General Song Jin-hwa who is transferred to Sweden, and to Consul Ms. Lee Cho-hee, who is going to Singapore. Consul Ahn Chang-ik too has completed his term in India and heading back to Korea.

The gathering, attended by over 80 Korean expatriates, community leaders, and business representatives, highlighted the deep connection between Korea and India, as both nations share their independence anniversaries on the same day. All regional Korean community associations from across India – Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and others under the umbrella of Federation of Korean Associations in India. The office-bearers of the newly former Korean Sports Association in India were also present on this occasion.

Other organizations included Korean Youth Commerce Association in India led by Kim Jin Bum, and Overseas Korea Traders association (OKTA) by Tae Hwan Lim.

In his farewell address, Ambassador Chang Jae-bok spoke of the special bond formed between the two countries and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate such a meaningful day with the Korean community in India.

Ambassador Chang Jae-bok, who took charge as the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India in July 2021, has been instrumental in strengthening the ties between the two nations. With 32 years of experience as a seasoned diplomat, he previously served as the Ambassador for Public Diplomacy and Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. During his tenure, he also played a significant role in the Korean Permanent Mission to the United Nations and held key diplomatic positions in Ghana, Switzerland, France, and Italy.

As a diplomat known for his dedication to public service and fostering international relationships, Ambassador Chang Jae-bok provided unwavering support to the Korean community in India, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. His efforts were recognized during the event with the presentation of multiple plaques of appreciation.

First, there was an appreciation plaque presented by the president of Korean Association in Delhi Kang Ho-bong.

Following this, Park Euy-don, Chairman of the Federation of Korean Associations in India, presented the plaque to the ambassador, acknowledging his spiritual and formal support for the development of the Korean community and Korean businesses in India.

Next, Gwang-il Lee, Chairman of the Southwest Asia Council of the Advisory Council for Democratic and Peaceful Unification, presented another plaque of appreciation. In his heartfelt letter read out on the occasion, Chairman Lee expressed both admiration and a sense of loss as Ambassador Chang Jae-bok prepared to return to Korea.

“I would like to congratulate you on the fact that you are returning home after completing your term of office, but at the same time, I am even more disappointed.

Since taking office at the Embassy in India, you have given special attention and support to the Korean community with a strong sense of public service and a unique sense of duty. In the midst of the great crisis triggered by the unprecedented spread of COVID-19, you have been in close contact with our Democratic and Peaceful Unification Advisory Committee as well as the Korean Association in each region. By establishing a collaborative system, you actively supported Korean-Americans in difficulties and further developed the quality of the Korean-American community.

In addition, from a diplomatic perspective, you played a major role in further developing the relationship between the two countries and enhancing mutual understanding through your interest and efforts in various fields, such as holding a grand commemorative ceremony and cultural events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Korea-India relations.

Ambassador Jang Jae-bok, we, all members of the Indian Regional Advisory Committee for Democratic and Peaceful Unification, remember you as the greatest diplomat of our time. We write this letter of gratitude with the respect and love of all members and the Korean community.”

Ambassador Chang Jae-bok, in his final remarks, expressed his deep appreciation for the support and love he received from the Korean community and Indian friends during his tenure. He also emphasized his hopes for continued growth and prosperity for both Korea and India, leaving behind a legacy of strengthened bilateral relations and a closely-knit Korean community in India.

As Ambassador Chang Jae-bok prepares to return to Korea, the Korean and Indian community in India bids him farewell with fond memories and immense respect, recognizing him as one of the most impactful diplomats of his time.

On 13th August, the India – Korea Friendship Society (IKFS) thanked Ambassador Chang Jae-bok for his hard work in strengthening Korea – India relations. Ambassador Chang said that he trust IKFS will continue to play a vital role in supporting our bilateral relations.