In recognition of her contribution to strengthening the
relationship between the UK and the Republic of Korea, Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II has chosen to formally recognise Sung-Joo Kim by making her
an Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Sung-Joo Kim is the first female Korean to receive the OBE. The award was presented at a ceremony at the British Ambassador's residence in Seoul on June 10.
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| Sung-Joo Kim OBE with British Ambassador Charles Hay |
Enhancing the reputation for British creativity
Sung-Joo Kim has for many years worked tirelessly to further
links in culture, education, and international relations, and also between
Evangelical communities, in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea. She
has been an energetic and generous supporter of many British institutions and
organisations including Asia House, Pan Asian Women's Association (PAWA), Wales
Evangelical School of Theology (WEST), Victoria & Albert Museum, London
College of Fashion, London College of Art and the British Red Cross.
She is a
substantial investor in the UK through the fashion brand MCM, and
she has also successfully grown the Marks & Spencer brand in Korea and
enhanced the reputation for British creativity.
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| Guests at the OBE ceremony in Seoul |
Good causes
British Ambassador Charles Hay said: “I am delighted that
Her Majesty The Queen has chosen to recognise Chairperson Sung-Joo Kim’s
contributions to UK-Korea relations. As well as being one of Korea’s leading
business women, Sung-Joo Kim has also been an important global advocate of the
need for business to do more for good causes. Throughout a busy professional
career, including most recently her appointment as President of the Korean Red
Cross, Sung-Joo Kim has remained one of the UK’s staunchest supporters in
Korea. The Honorary award of Officer of the Order of the British Empire is
richly deserved.”
The Order of the British Empire recognises valuable service
to the UK, and has been rewarded to Vivienne Westwood and David
Beckham.
