Incheon mayor, acting U.S. ambassador discuss educational exchange

By Kim Hyun-bin

Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok met with acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Joseph Yun at the Incheon Global Campus Foundation, the Incheon Metropolitan Government said Wednesday.

Yun, who took office in January, has previously served as the U.S. special representative for North Korea policy, U.S. ambassador to Malaysia and principal deputy assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the State Department.

The mayor welcomed Yun’s appointment, expressing optimism that his deep ties with South Korea would further strengthen U.S.-South Korea relations.

Introducing the Incheon Global Campus, Yoo highlighted its role in attracting top international universities and offering diverse educational opportunities to domestic students. He noted that prestigious U.S. institutions, including Stony Brook University, the Fashion Institute of Technology, George Mason University and the University of Utah, are already operating at the campus.

Yoo added that Incheon aims to attract more leading universities and research institutes to nurture global and local talent, expand educational and research infrastructure, and enhance regional and national competitiveness.

“This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation, making it a meaningful year,” the mayor said. “As this event may be the last for older veterans, we are preparing a special ceremony by inviting them along with high-ranking officials from participating nations.” He requested the cooperation and support of Yun to secure the attendance of key U.S. figures.

Yun was appointed as chargé d'affaires ad interim on Jan. 10, following the departure of Ambassador Philip Goldberg, and arrived in Seoul on Jan. 11.

A seasoned diplomat with a distinguished career in the U.S. Foreign Service, which he joined in 1985, his extensive experience includes assignments in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Paris and Seoul.