Asia Society Korea 2019 Leo Gala
June 28, 2019 - Asia Society Korea’s inaugural LEO GALA was hosted at Lotte Hotel Seoul. Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin welcomed more than 200 dignitaries, members of the diplomatic community, and the Asia Society family to celebrate the beauty of Korea, beyond façade.
Chairman Shin’s welcoming message was followed by a toast from Mr. Charles Rockefeller, Asia Society Global Trustee, Head of Partnerships for Composite Apps Inc., and grandson of Asia Society founder, John D Rockefeller III.
The keynote speech for the gala was given by H.E. Harry Harris, Ambassador of the United States to South Korea. Ambassador Harry Harris is an honorary member of Asia Society Korea, who plays a pivotal role in cementing ties between United States and South Korea. H.E. Sung Y. Kim, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, joined the evening as the Guest of Honor.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Awards of Appreciation, which were presented to the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates H.E. Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, Ambassador of New Zealand H.E. Philip Turner, Ambassador of Rwanda H.E. Emma-Françoise Isumbingabo, and Ambassador of Mexico H.E. Bruno Figueroa Fischer. The awards were presented for the ambassadors’ commitment and dedication towards Asia Society Korea. In addition, a Lifetime Honorary Ambassador Membership was presented to H.E. Bader AlAwadi, Ambassador of Kuwait for his unwavering support towards Asia Society Korea over many years.
Photo credits: Greg Samborski and Marco Devon