By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Han Dong-hoon, chairman of the ruling People Power Party, met with British Ambassador to Korea Colin Crooks at the National Assembly on Sept. 2.
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Chairman Han welcomed Ambassador Crooks, saying, “I met you when I was Minister of Justice and we talked a lot, but it's a new feeling to see you here, and I'm glad to see you. Thank you for coming.” 

When Ambassador Crooks said, “Congratulations on your election as the leader of the ruling party in South Korea,” Han joked that it was “tough.”

Han had met Amb. Crooks in 2022 when he was Minister of Justice and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the legal sector.

“The relationship between the UK and South Korea has been strong lately,” said Ambassador Crooks, referring to President Yoon Suk-yeol’s state visit to the UK and the Downing Street agreement, and I'm pleased that the UK and South Korea are on the same side in facing challenges, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine.”

The ambassador said, “The Korean Wave is very strong in the UK these days. We have K-pop, K-dramas, and many young people are learning Korean. It is an honor to come to Parliament today and meet with a K-political idol.”

“You have a great love for Korea, and you give a lot of advice on Korea's development, Korea's problems,” Han said, adding, I want to tell you that the Korean people love you.”