Kyunghwa Chung
Foreign Service Officer
Seoul
Summary
Highly motivated and strategic-thinking individual experienced in formulating and implementing complicated and sensitive foreign policies and strategies.
With nearly 20 years of work experience, have a deep understanding of international cooperation in different regional and country settings, and how to promote bilateral relations as well as make progress on multilateral negotiations.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Director, Green Diplomacy Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
08.2023 - Current
- Cooperated with international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) on green economy-related issues, SDGs and international conferences.
- Strengthen cooperation among countries in negotiating and implementing multilateral treaties related to the environment including the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution. Successfully hosted the INC-5 in Busan in Nov 2024.
- Formulated, implemented, and coordinated foreign policy on ocean, water, Arctic (including the Arctic Council activities).
Director, Southeast Asia 2 Division
Ministry of Foreign Affiars
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, and boosted overall team morale.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
1st Secretary
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the UK
02.2016 - 02.2019
1st Secretary
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Laos
08.2013 - 02.2016
Deputy Director, North Korean Nuclear Affairs Negotiations Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
08.2011 - 08.2013
Deputy Director, Southwest Asia and Pacific Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
07.2010 - 08.2011
Deputy Director, Gulf Region Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
12.2007 - 08.2008
Education
Dual degree of Master of Public Affairs (MPA) - International Finance & Policy, Global Governance for Sustainable Development
Columbia University & L’Institut D’Etudes Politiques De Paris (Sciences Po, Paris)
09.2008 - 06.2010
B.A. - political science, major in International Relations
Seoul National University
03.2001 - 02.2006
Skills
- Korean
- English
- French
- Excel
- MS Word
- PowerPoint
Awards
- The Excellence Award (Summa cum laude) in Junior Diplomat Training Program at IFANS, 08/01/06 - 12/01/06
- Graduated from Seoul National University with honors (Cum laude), 02/01/06
- Received several Merit-based Scholarships
Activities
- Participated in volunteer work organized by Habitat for Humanity Korea, 10/01/06
- Enrolled in Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne, France, 02/01/06 - 06/01/06
Timeline
Director, Green Diplomacy Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
08.2023 - Current
Director, Southeast Asia 2 Division
Ministry of Foreign Affiars
08.2021 - 08.2023
1st Secretary
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the UK
02.2016 - 02.2019
1st Secretary
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Laos
08.2013 - 02.2016
Deputy Director, North Korean Nuclear Affairs Negotiations Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
08.2011 - 08.2013
Deputy Director, Southwest Asia and Pacific Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
07.2010 - 08.2011
Dual degree of Master of Public Affairs (MPA) - International Finance & Policy, Global Governance for Sustainable Development
Columbia University & L’Institut D’Etudes Politiques De Paris (Sciences Po, Paris)
09.2008 - 06.2010
Deputy Director, Gulf Region Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
12.2007 - 08.2008
B.A. - political science, major in International Relations
Seoul National University
03.2001 - 02.2006