Peru honors Samuel Chung for contributions to Korea–Peru ties
by Joonha YooPosted : April 2, 2026, 15:20Updated : April 2, 2026, 15:20
SEOUL, April 02 (AJP) -
(From left) Ambassador of Peru H.E. Paul Duclos, Samuel Chung and Choi Jun-ho at the awarding ceremony held on April 1.
The Peruvian government has awarded Samuel Chung, chairman of the Korea Cultural Promotion Association, the Order of Merit at the Comendador level in recognition of his contributions to strengthening ties between South Korea and Peru.
The decoration was presented Wednesday by Peruvian Ambassador to Korea H.E. Paul Duclos at his residence in Seoul, on behalf of the president of Peru.
The award coincided with the inaugural “Korea–Peru Friendship Day,” established by the Peruvian Congress in 2025 to commemorate diplomatic relations between the two countries, first forged on April 1, 1963.
Chung has long been engaged in promoting cultural exchanges between Korea and Peru, working closely with the Peruvian Embassy in Seoul on a range of bilateral programs. His activities have included events linked to the 2024 APEC summit in Peru and celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, including a reception for the Peruvian naval training ship B.A.P. Unión.
Ambassador Duclos giving speech during Korea Friendship Day
Ambassador Duclos praised Chung’s sustained efforts, saying he has “served as a bridge between the two countries over many years,” helping to boost interest in Korean culture among younger generations in Peru.
Choi Joon-ho, director-general for Latin American affairs at South Korea’s foreign ministry, also congratulated Chung, expressing hope that bilateral cooperation would continue to expand.
“This honor does not belong to me alone, but to everyone who has worked to promote cultural diplomacy between Korea and Peru,” Chung said. “I will continue to support exchanges that deepen mutual understanding.”
Established in 1950, the Order of Merit is awarded to individuals — civilian or military, domestic or foreign — who have made distinguished contributions to the nation or demonstrated excellence in fields such as the arts, science, industry and commerce.
