[칼럼] My Story 9 - ● Appointed as the 8th Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai

(NewsKorea=Seoul) Digital News Team = My Story 9 - ● Appointed as the 8th Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai

April 10, 2008.

I received an unexpected call from my country: I was appointed as the 8th Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai(Ambassador Rank). Shanghai is home to many historical sites, including the Provisional Government Building of Korea during the Japanese colonial era, as well as numerous independence movement landmarks. It was also a refuge for Kim Gu, whom I deeply respect. For me, the appointment was nothing short of deeply moving.

Furthermore, Shanghai has long symbolized China’s openness and serves as its economic capital today, positioning itself as a global economic hub. Over 3,000 Korean companies, primarily in high-tech industries, have established operations in the region, significantly contributing to Korea’s economic growth and solidifying Shanghai as the center of Korea-China economic cooperation. The 2010 Shanghai EXPO, a landmark event, was also set to take place there in May 2010.

As I set off for Shanghai, I was filled with both immense anticipation and a profound sense of responsibility. What should I prioritize as Consul General? How could I best serve my country? These questions consumed my thoughts. Yet, I was confident in my expertise on China, bolstered by my research experience at Peking University, and the robust network I had built within the Chinese Communist Party.

China had become the world’s second-largest economy and was dedicating its full energy to achieving global dominance through economic power, aiming to establish a "Pax Sinica." Given our geographical and economic proximity, Korea and China were well-positioned to be strong partners, with economic cooperation offering mutual benefits through a win-win strategy.

Thus, my focus as Consul General was clear: to strengthen Korea-China relations as a diplomatic and economic representative, and to enhance bilateral economic cooperation. I firmly believed that Korea needed to find a way forward in the Chinese market to overcome the challenges posed by the global economic crisis. I resolved to adopt the role of an economic and financial CEO above all else.

June 16, 2008.

I began my tenure with a visit to the Provisional Government Building of Korea in Shanghai, and immediately delved into efforts to support Korean businesses. This required me to meet more than 100 top leaders, including party secretaries, provincial governors, and city mayors within my jurisdiction, which encompassed Shanghai Municipality (30 million), Jiangsu Province (85 million), Zhejiang Province (65 million), and Anhui Province (62 million)—a combined population of approximately 242million.

Trade between these regions and Korea accounted for 41% of total Korea-China trade, surpassing Korea’s trade volumes with both Japan and the United States. Major Korean conglomerates, such as Samsung Semiconductor, LG Electronics, Hynix, POSCO, Hyundai-Kia Motors, SK Networks, Hanwha Petrochemical, and Hanjin Shipping, operated production facilities there, making it a microcosm of Korea’s economy. These corporations accounted for 36% of Korea's total investment in China. Resolving their challenges and ensuring smooth operations required tireless efforts, as cooperation from Chinese leaders was absolutely essential.

Additionally, Shanghai was home to 450 of the world’s top 500 global companies, with over 160 having established their Asia-Pacific headquarters there. This presented an opportunity for me to engage with global CEOs, fostering their understanding and interest in the Korean market—a key task I embraced with vigor.

<Achievements as Consul General of Korea in Shanghai>

My proactive activities as Consul General of Korea in Shanghai led to significant recognition, such as a four-year appointment as a distinguished guest professor at Nanjing University, one of China’s top five universities. My affiliation with the university’s International Economy Research Institute was likely a gesture of gratitude for facilitating a meeting between UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Nanjing University, as well as arranging Ban’s honorary doctorate during the 2010 Shanghai EXPO closing ceremony.

My jurisdiction included 1 special city, 3 provinces, and 250 cities, where 18 Korean business associations were actively addressing regional challenges. Supporting these associations and resolving issues required constant coordination with local leaders. Additionally, I facilitated dialogue between university presidents and academic leaders to improve conditions for the numerous Korean students studying in the region, many of whom were in need of mentorship and guidance.

<Diplomatic and Cultural Activities>

With 65 consulates in Shanghai, strengthening ties with other diplomats was essential. I hosted Consuls General and their spouses at my residence and held regular luncheons with representatives from six Asia-Pacific nations. Monthly meetings with all 65 consulates and targeted exchanges with key nations enabled the sharing of critical information.

Recognizing Shanghai’s role as China’s economic center, I established the China Economic and Financial Research Institute (CEFRI) under the Consulate General. This public-private partnership introduced a new model for Korea-China economic collaboration by providing integrated research to support both government and corporate policies.

Korean communities, education, and public diplomacy were equally important. I initiated mentorship programs for young Korean students and supported two Korean schools and 10 weekend Korean language schools in the region, addressing long-term lease extensions and other institutional needs. Public diplomacy efforts included hosting Korean cultural festivals, offering language and taekwondo classes, and promoting Korean cuisine at official events.

<Preserving Historical Legacy>

Shanghai is home to numerous historical sites related to Korea’s independence movement, such as the Provisional Government Building of Korea and Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall. I successfully advocated for the preservation of these sites amid redevelopment projects, ensuring that their historical integrity was maintained. I also lobbied for the renaming of Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall from "Maejeong" (梅亭) to "Maeheon" (梅軒), reflecting Yun’s pen name.

<2010 Shanghai EXPO>

The 2010 Shanghai EXPO was a monumental event, running from May 1 to October 31, with participation from 192 countries, 52 international organizations, and numerous corporate and urban pavilions. As the Korean government’s Commissioner General for the EXPO, I oversaw the operation of the Korean Pavilion, the Corporate Joint Pavilion, and the Seoul Urban Pavilion. My goal was to showcase Korea’s strengths in economy, culture, and history while elevating the "Korea Brand" on a global stage.

Despite challenges, the Korean Pavilion drew 7.25 million visitors—second only to China’s—and received the BIE’s Silver Award for architecture. The EXPO was an unparalleled success, and I am proud to have contributed to achieving Korea’s goals as an economic CEO.

<Returning to Korea>

After about three years as Consul General, I returned to Korea in March 2011. During my tenure, I worked tirelessly to strengthen Korea-China relations, support economic cooperation, and successfully promote the 2010 Shanghai EXPO. My efforts not only elevated Korea’s global image but also demonstrated the critical role of diplomacy in achieving national goals. I will forever cherish this period as a meaningful chapter in my career as a diplomatic and economic professional.

☆ Author:  Atty Jeong-kee Kim ☆

● Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Summa Cum Laude, State University of New York at Stony Brook
-  Doctor of Jurisprudence, Marquette University Law School
- Senior Executive Program, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
- Research Scholar in North Korean Studies, Peking University

● Experience
- Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai
- Commissioner General for the Korean Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo
- CEO, Asia-Pacific Local Government Network for Economic and Social Development (CityNet)
- Secretary General, World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization(WeGO)
- Law Clerk, Milwaukee Circuit Court, USA
- Senior Attorney-at-Law, Dr & Aju LLC
- Distinguished Visiting Professor, World Economy Research Institute, Nanjing University
- Research Professor, Institute of Oriental Studies, Peking University
- Distinguished Professor, Graduate School of Political Science, Kookmin University
- Chair Professor, Graduate School of Business, Dongguk University
- First President of Soongsil Cyber University

● Publications
- Georo English Studies Series for College Students [10 volumes] (Georo Publishing)
- I Challenge the Possibility of One Percent (Chosun Ilbo)
- The Art of Negotiation (Cheongnyonneongsin Publishing)
- Korea and the World (Chekmidum Publishing)