In 2025, the Republic of Korea and Japan will celebrate the 60th anniversary of their normalization of diplomatic relations in 1965. Amidst changes in the strategic environment in Northeast Asia, the two countries have expanded the scope of bilateral cooperation and are committed to cooperating in solidarity for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Exchanges at the people-to-people level have expanded, and mutual perception has become positive.

At the same time, domestic politics in both countries are in the midst of a significant transition. The leadership of our common ally, the United States, seems less certain. Given these challenges, how can Korea and Japan build upon the positive momentum to work together and navigate the challenging world?

At this critical juncture, we are honored to welcome Ambassador Cheol-Hee Park as a speaker at the Ambassadors' Circle.

Event and Registration Details

May 20, 2025, 8:00 – 9:15 a.m. (JST)

• This event will be conducted in in-person and online, and registration is required.
• In-person participation is for members and guests only. Please pay your fee by credit card (Visa or Mastercard only) or at the door.
• Online participation is for members and guests only and is free.

Speaker Bio

H.E. Cheol-Hee Park
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Japan

H.E. Dr. Cheol-Hee Park has served as Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Japan since August 2024. A leading expert in South Korea-Japan relations, Dr. Park has played a key role in shaping President Yoon Suk-Yeol’s diplomatic policies.

Prior to his appointment, Dr. Park served as Chancellor of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA). He has been a professor at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) since 2004 and has held various leadership roles including Director of the Institute for Japanese Studies, Dean of GSIS, and Director of the Institute of International Affairs.

Beyond academia, Dr. Park has served as a board member for several think tanks, including the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, the East Asia Foundation, and the Maureen & Mike Mansfield Foundation. He was also a non-resident senior research fellow at the Atlantic Council and a long-time columnist for Tokyo Shimbun and other major Korean publications.

Dr. Park earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University after completing his B.A. and M.A. at Seoul National University. He has also held visiting professorships at Columbia University, the University of Tokyo, Keio University, and Nankai University.