[Lecture] 'Wars in the Middle East and Korea'

LECTURE TITLE:
'Wars in the Middle East and Korea'

SPEAKER: Kim Hyun-Myung, Former Korean Ambassador to Iraq

DATE: Tuesday, April 21, 2026. 7:20PM (Seoul)

VENUE: Seoul Public Activities Center (SPAC, 서울시공익활동지원센터). ‘다목적홀’

(ADDRESS: Basement Floor, 40 Baekbeomro 99-gil, Yongsan Verdium Friends(용산베르디움프렌즈) #101, Yongsan-gu, Seoul), 2-3 minutes walking from Exit 8 of Samgakji-Station (Line 6 & Line 4)

ADMISSION (Online & In-person): Free for RAS Korea Lifetime and Annual Members; W10,000 for Non-members; W5,000 for Non-member students (Student ID requested)

If you would like to attend online Zoom,
RSVP by April 20 (Monday).
Zoom Link Request ☞ https://forms.gle/v4kTySo4qdW1zaxTA
We will email you the link on the morning of the lecture day.

For Non-member, payment to be remitted to the following account:
SHINHAN BANK ACCOUNT # 100-026-383501 (RAS-KB)

To attend in-person, RSVP is not required.

The lecture will be conducted in English & Korean.

DESCRIPTION:

The Royal Asiatic Society Korea Lecture titled “Wars in the Middle East & Korea” explores the parallels and contrasts between two regions shaped by conflict, diplomacy, and reconstruction. Presented by Kim Hyun-Myung, former Korean Ambassador to Iraq, the talk examines how historical, cultural, and geopolitical forces have influenced warfare and peacebuilding efforts in both areas. Through firsthand diplomatic insight, the lecture offers a nuanced look at Korea’s experiences in relation to the Middle East’s ongoing struggles, encouraging reflection on global security and international cooperation.

It’s the kind of event that blends history, politics, and personal perspective — ideal for anyone interested in how nations navigate war and reconciliation.

BIO:

Kim Hyun-Myung is a seasoned South Korean diplomat best known for serving as the country’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Iraq, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations during a period of regional instability. His distinguished career spans postings in Japan, Vietnam, the Netherlands, and the United States, reflecting his broad international experience.

Within Korea’s government, he has held senior positions including Director of the Intelligence Analysis Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director-General of the Office of International Training and Cooperation at the Ministry of Public Administration & Security.

Ambassador Kim is recognized for his ability to navigate complex diplomatic environments and maintain constructive dialogue with counterparts in challenging contexts. His tenure in Iraq highlighted Korea’s broader commitment to contributing to global stability and development beyond East Asia. He holds a BA in French Education from Seoul National University.

VENUE:

The Seoul Public Activities Center(SPAC, 서울시공익활동지원센터) is located at Yongsan Verdium Friends #101 (용산베르디움프렌즈 101동) B1, 40 Baekbeomro 99-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Walk 2-3 minutes from ‘Exit 8’ of Samgakji Station (LINE 6 & 4) and take the elevator down to the B1 Floor.