On Monday evening, South Korea's Ambassador to Iran, His Excellency Kim Junpyo, welcomed a group of journalists to his residence in Tehran—not for a press conference, but for a friendly gathering on the eve of Iran's National Journalist Day. The occasion was a personal gesture of gratitude toward the press corps, but it quickly became an opportunity for the Ambassador to articulate his vision for bilateral relations, his deep respect for journalism, and his unwavering optimism about Iran's path forward.
A Diplomat Who Sees Himself in Journalists
In a candid exchange with the invited reporters, Ambassador Kim drew a striking parallel between his own profession and theirs. "The work of diplomats and journalists is remarkably similar," he said. "In the morning, I draft my notes; then I meet with officials and engage in discussions—much like conducting an interview. Upon returning, I transcribe those conversations and compile reports. Our routines are akin in many ways."
He did not stop at professional parallels. Addressing the journalists directly, he offered rare and sincere praise: "Your profession is incredibly demanding, and you truly deserve appreciation. That is precisely why I invited you tonight—to say thank you."
Optimism for Iran's Future
When asked about his assessment of Iran's current situation and its prospects, Ambassador Kim did not hesitate. "I am optimistic about the condition, and I hope that relations will be revived and even flourishing," he stated with conviction. His words carried weight, given the complex regional and international dynamics surrounding Iran—and they signaled a diplomatic posture rooted in hope rather than caution.
The Ambassador also spoke about the Republic of Korea's ongoing humanitarian projects across several Iranian provinces, emphasizing work in education, healthcare, and water desalination. He noted that some initiatives have been completed, while new ones are underway—demonstrating a sustained commitment to Iran's local communities beyond political rhetoric.
Cultural Bridges and Personal Memories
Throughout the evening, Ambassador Kim shared personal recollections—from his student years to his various diplomatic postings—and expressed genuine affection for Iran and its people. He recalled cherished moments that have shaped his bond with Iranian culture, and spoke warmly of the mutual interest that Koreans and Iranians hold for each other's traditions.
That cultural connection came alive when the Ambassador and his spouse assisted journalists in donning traditional Korean attire (hanbok) from the embassy's "Cultural Box," a miniature museum display inside their home. The lighthearted photo session became a symbolic moment of people-to-people friendship.
A Record of Resilience
Notably, the Ambassador highlighted that during Iran's two recent conflicts, the Korean Embassy staff did not evacuate. The residence even served as a shelter for non-embassy personnel—an act that underscores the depth of Korea's solidarity with Iran beyond diplomatic formalities.
Looking Ahead
Ambassador Kim expressed hope for closer ties between the Korean Embassy and Iranian media, and reaffirmed his commitment to expanding cultural exchange programs. As the evening concluded, it was clear that his message was not merely ceremonial—it was a genuine invitation for deeper engagement, grounded in mutual respect and a belief in brighter days ahead.
