SEAToday.com, Jakarta-South Korean actor Ji Chang Wook received a diplomatic award named “Friends of Indonesia” at the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, Friday (11/1). He was seen wearing a suit and black-rimmed glasses when attending the special diplomatic reception.

The agency that oversees him, Spring Company, also shared this celebratory moment through its official Instagram account (@spring.company_official), with the caption “Diplomatic Reception 2024.”

The “Friends of Indonesia” symposium with the theme “Beyond 50 Years of Indonesia-ROK Bilateral Relationship: How do Friends of Indonesia or Indonesianists in Korea Play an important Role in Fostering Indonesia-Korea Bilateral Relationship” was organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul on October 30 at the Indonesian Ambassador’s house in Seoul.

According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s website, Indonesian Embassy in Seoul’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Zelda Wulan Kartika explained in her remarks, “Friends of Indonesia is an important partner of the Indonesian government in strengthening Indonesia’s relations with friendly countries. Therefore, it is time for a forum to be formed to oversee the existence of Friends of Indonesia in South Korea”

Zelda further explained that Friends of Indonesia in South Korea holds two important roles; as an ambassador that voices Indonesia in South Korea and a contributor of ideas and thoughts in the process of formulating the Indonesian government’s foreign policy.

The symposium was attended by around 40 South Koreans who share expertise, interests, and special relationships with Indonesia. They came from various backgrounds, ranging from academics, artists, influencers, businesspersons, cultural foundations, NGOs, and media.

Along with the increasing interest of South Koreans towards Indonesia, the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul initiated to form a forum that can embrace and strengthen the presence of South Koreans who express special attention to Indonesia.

The Friends of Indonesia network is expected to synergize with the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul and the Indonesian government to strengthen friendship and fill the special strategic partnership between the two countries.

Writer: Adilah Izzatuddiny