[Consulate General, Jongho Kyun. Source: Consul General’s Greetings page]

Consul General Jongho Kyun has dedicated his career to strengthening economic ties between Korea and Canada. 

Throughout his tenure, he has participated in numerous trade-related events aimed at fostering investment and expanding business opportunities between Korea and British Columbia (BC). 

In an interview, Kyun explained that he pursued his dream of working for the government and engaging in public diplomacy.

After serving as the Director-General of Public Diplomacy in Korea, he applied for multiple  overseas posts and was eventually appointed Consul General in Vancouver on June 25, 2022, by the Foreign Minister at the time.

Vancouver, home to a large Korean community and a gateway for Korea-Canada trade, has provided Kyun with a platform to deepen bilateral ties. 

Not only has he worked to improve the lives of Koreans in Western Canada, but he has also served in six countries around the globe. 

In each posting, he encountered unique challenges and sought solutions that resulted in the drastic strengthening of diplomatic relations between Korea and his host countries.

His service has included assignments in the Philippines, Atlanta, and other parts of the United States.

During that time, he met with Philippine Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin and Prince George Mayor Simon Yu to discuss matters ranging from economic cooperation to cultural exchange.

His international contributions also include serving as Deputy Consul General at the Korean Consulate in Atlanta, where he delivered public lectures on Korea’s diplomatic priorities and on Korea-Canada relations. 

Kyun’s broad diplomatic experience has contributed to fostering both cultural and economic ties between South Korea and its partners around the world. 

In a recent article titled Korean Consul General of Vancouver, Jongho Kyun, Awards Military Decoration to surviving Korean War Veteran, Kyun was noted for honoring a veteran who served in the Korean War.

On June 25, the 75th anniversary of the Korean war, he helped locate and celebrate a veteran named Young-Gil Park, who had not received his military decoration due to an administrative oversight.

The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea, along with the Consulate General of Korea in Vancouver, presented Park with his long-overdue award, emphasizing  that “it is deeply meaningful to fulfill the principle that the country remembers and honors its heroes.” 

Kyun’s contributions have aided the support of Korean traditions and culture, helping unite people of different backgrounds while honoring those who shaped Korea’s history.

He remains committed to diplomacy and continues to focus on supporting the growing Korean population abroad.

Moving forward, Kyun has expressed his desire to inspire second- and third-generation Korean-Canadians to work together in addressing challenges within their communities.

In hopes of inspiring many, he has taken part in several Q&A sessions covering South Korea’s international relationships. 

In one 2023 session titled, Enhancing Korea-Canada Economic Ties, Kyun remarked that his role was to “strengthen ties between the Republic of Korea and the Province of British Columbia on cultural, political, and economic levels.” 

His initiatives highlight the positive qualities of both nations and reinforce bonds between the Korean community and Canadian society through cultural understanding and exchange.

Kyun continues to encourage Korean-Canadians to elevate their voices, whether through involvement in municipal councils, federal parliament, community groups, or other platforms.

He believes these efforts will help build stronger bridges between the nations, cultures, and economies of Korea and Canada.