1. The unveiling ceremony of a bronze statue of Chungsukgong Yi Ye, a career diplomat in the Joseon Dynasty, will take place at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA) on March 25 in the presence of First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yong, KNDA Chancellor Yun Duk-min, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Chung Gap-yoon, Mayor of Ulsan Metropolitan City Kim Ki-hyun and Japanese Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Koro Bessho.

2. The erection of the statue was undertaken at the request of the Chungsukgong Yi Ye commemoration association and with the support of Ulsan Metropolitan City after the Foreign Ministry had selected Chungsukgong Yi Ye as the “Prominent Diplomatic Figure in Korean History” for 2010.

3. Yi Ye dedicated his life to promoting national interests at the diplomatic front by: contributing to the signing of the Treaty of Gyehae, which served as the foundation for Korea-Japan relations in the early Joseon Dynasty; and accomplishing the repatriation of then 667 Joseon abductees by making 40-odd visits to Japan. The erection of the bronze statue is expected to draw public attention to and appreciation for his achievements. 


                   Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

* unofficial translation