SEO EUNJI

Jul 2

Written By Maki Hsieh

Consul General, Republic of Korea

← 2024 Inductees All Inductees →

YEAR INDUCTED
2024

CATEGORY
Law & Policy

SEO Eunji is the first female Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle's 45-year history. She is committed to promoting the safety, rights, and cultural pride of the Korean community while fostering cooperation between the Korean and local communities.

She began her diplomatic career in 1995 with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and has held key positions, including the first female Consul in San Francisco and the first female Counsellor at the Korean Embassy in Hanoi. She later directed the Culture and Arts Division and the Multilateral Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Assistance Division at MOFA.

Internationally, she served as Minister-Counsellor at the Korean Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, advocating for South Korea's interests and global disarmament. She also became the first female Director-General for Public Diplomacy and Cultural Affairs at MOFA and led the 2021 SEOUL UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Preparatory Secretariat.

In 2024, she was inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame as the first foreign diplomat to receive this honor and was also named one of the Best Heads of Korean Missions Abroad by the World Korean Newspaper.

She holds a B.A. in Political Science and International Studies from Yonsei University (1992) and an M.A. in Political Science from Boston University (1999). She is married with two daughters.

HALL OF FAME ESSAY

It is a great, great honor to be inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame 2024. This occasion holds special significance to me, as I have the distinct honor of being the first foreign diplomat to be inducted in the history of the Asian Hall of Fame.

Growing up, my dream was singular and steadfast: to become a diplomat. The thought of representing my country on the global stage and negotiating on its behalf was the only path I envisioned. Since joining the Foreign Ministry in 1995 as South Korea's 15th diplomat, I proudly had several firsts. As mentioned, from being the first female Consul in the Korean Consulate in San Francisco, to the first female Counsellor in the Korean Embassy in Vietnam, and to the first Director-General of the Department of Public Policy in the Korean Foreign Ministry, and finally, to the first female Korean Consul-General here in Seattle, my journey has not been without sacrifices. A reality that I was unaware of as a young woman dreaming of diplomacy.

Married with children, my husband and I lived apart for half of our 25-year marriage, while my mom tirelessly followed me around the world for 18 years, raising my two daughters. Behind each of my firsts, lies the immense of sacrifice of my family. However, what does it mean, really, to be the first woman in these roles? Over time, I became to realize its significance as numerous women began to look to me as a role model for them. So that kind of realization inspired me to become a diplomat who not only represents, but also inspires the next generation of women to dream of better futures. Especially in Seattle, as the first female Korean Consul-General, I was willing to try something new to inspire the Korean community and the next generation to be more active and connected as a part of this society. I have engaged numerous initiatives and cultural exchanges, such as supporting the Ukraine refugee fund and honoring Korean War veterans on the 70th Anniversary Korea-U.S. Alliance...hosting a humble fashion show and inviting world famous Korean break dancers in collaboration with local performers in May. During AAPI Heritage Month, we celebrate Korean Heritage Night in partnership with the Seattle Mariners, where I had the honor of throwing the first pitch. And I co-hosted the Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok festival, with Microsoft. Additionally, we initiated a Korean Bilingual Program in an elementary school in Bellevue, adding to the eight existing Korean language programs in this region. None of these endeavors would have been possible without the dedication and the support of my proud colleagues, and the leaders of the Korean-American community, some of whom are here with us today. Please join me in giving a round of applause to my colleagues and my Korean leaders.

Last but not least, I must say my participation in the Asian Hall of Fame two years ago was a profound moment of realization. It highlighted that how much the stature and the rights of Asians has evolved the in the mainstream community largely because pioneers walk the path first. Serving as role models and sources of inspiration, supported by recognition provided by organizations like Asian Hall of Fame, made these advancements possible. For this reason, I wish to express my deepest appreciation to the Asian Hall of Fame not only as an inductee, but also as an Asian. Tonight, the Asian Hall of Fame has granted me another first title. While being the first is always an honor, I firmly believe that it should never be the last. Please let us continue on the path, not just for ourselves, but for all who will follow.