By Honorary Reporter Ileana-Constantina Vulpescu from Romania

Photos = Ileana-Constantina Vulpescu, UN Youth Romania Branch

The poster for an online conference organized by the Romanian branch of the United Nations for Youth (UN Youth Romania's Facebook page)

The Romanian branch of the United Nations for Youth on April 14 arranged a Zoom event for students of international relations, with Korean Ambassador to Romania Rim Kap-soo as a speaker. The hourlong talk featured an open discussion on international relations, diplomacy, Korea and world issues, with the second half being a Q&A session with the ambassador.

Ambassador Rim joined his country's foreign service in 1995. Before assuming his post in Romania in March this year, he worked at Korea's permanent mission to the UN in New York in 2009 and as senior non-proliferation expert at the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2016.

The following are the excerpts from the Q&A with the ambassador.

 Ambassador Rim Kap-soo speaks on April 14 at a Zoom event for Romanian students of international relations and diplomacy.

What qualities should a diplomat have?

History cannot predict the future, but it's important to read about it to learn about other nations. As a diplomat, I must stay updated on current events and world issues. And diplomats follow a calendar of important events that require being well-informed on current events

What limits does a diplomat face?

Dealing with urgent issues with people from other countries can entail difficulties, so an understanding of psychology helps a lot when forming relationships with others. As a diplomat, I learned how to deal with other people and get them to my side.

How does Korea use soft power?

When talking about soft power, the main objective is people. One can connect people by sharing similar values among them to create a common interest. Human relations and interactions are important when it comes to diplomacy between nations.

How has Hallyu influenced global views of Korea?

Korea's image spread through Hallyu and other aspects of Korean culture has brought people together. Investment in Hallyu-related industries has also boosted Korean culture's international links.

How are relations between Romania and Korea?

Romania is Korea's only East European partner in strategic geographic position. In addition, expanding trade and investment throughout Romania will be a great step toward raising bilateral friendship. Both countries must also tread on a more realistic and sustainable path.

What advice do you have for those aspiring to make diplomacy a career?

Study hard. A diplomat must read about economics, politics and international law and stay updated on the news. He or she must choose sources of information wisely from international dailies and check them every morning as a routine. In Korea, the foreign service exam consists of three parts and deals with topics like the Constitution, international law and philosophy. And then there is an interview with ambassadors and university professors.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.