The three-hour-long seminar was part of a weekly program, hosted by a community learning center run by Seoul's Jongno district office. It invites notable figures from various fields every Tuesday to give classes and lectures on a wide range of topics. They are open to all residents, with a particular focus on providing learning opportunities for the elderly who may otherwise have limited access to educational resources.
This week's lectures offered fresh perspectives on Russia and its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 within the historical framework of East Asia and Eastern Europe.
Park Byong-hwan, former official at the Korean embassy in Russia, explained the global implications of the prolonged war and discussed diplomatic strategies for South Korea to consider. The seasoned diplomat also shared his valuable experiences from his professional career.
He wrapped up his lecture by stressing that Seoul should take "independent and balanced" approaches in formulating its foreign policies, while maximizing its national interest.
There was a somewhat mixed response to Park's fresh insights as the relationship between Seoul and Moscow recently worsened after Russian President Vladimir Putin forged a military pact with North Korea at a summit in Pyongyang late last month, which stipulates mutual assistance in case of aggression against either country.
Suh Jong-Hwan, the center's head, welcomed participants and pledged to come up with more useful programs. "Jongno has been the heart of Seoul for over 600 years," he said. "We will continue to provide residents with opportunities to learn and discuss more diverse topics including current issues."
