Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Former UN secretary general calls for end to global conflicts
Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, front row ninth from right, poses with foreign envoys, spouses and government officials at the Ban Ki-moon Peace Museum in Eumseong County in North Chungcheong Province, Friday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for an immediate end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and urged a revival of multilateralism and diplomacy during a gathering with members of the diplomatic corps at his hometown on Friday.
The event, held at the Ban Ki-moon Peace Museum in Eumseong County, North Chungcheong Province, welcomed more than 100 guests, including foreign ambassadors in Korea and young Korean climate leaders. It marked the second such visit by the diplomatic corps to Ban’s hometown, following an inaugural trip in 2023.
“I extend my heartfelt welcome to you all to my hometown, Eumseong-gun,” Ban said. “This is the second time that the Diplomatic Corps in Korea is visiting here so today is a very meaningful day for me.”
Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the gathering served as both a celebration of the UN's legacy and a moment to confront present-day global challenges.
“The UN has pursued its three key objectives, peace and security, human rights and development, yet many challenges remain,” Ban said. “The ongoing two horrific wars in Ukraine and Gaza must end as quickly as possible. Multilateralism and diplomacy must be reinvigorated, with the UN system playing a central role.”
Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon gives a speech at the Ban Ki-moon Peace Museum in Eumseong County, North Chungcheong Province, Friday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
Ban also delivered a deeply personal speech, reflecting on his experiences as a child during the Korean War.
“It was less than two weeks after my sixth birthday when the Korean War broke out in 1950 and absolutely turned my own world upside down,” he said. “We largely subsisted on food and medicine provided by the United Nations … The iconic blue UN flag shined bright as a beacon of hope.”
He credited those early experiences with shaping his lifelong commitment to peace and global cooperation. Since returning to Korea in 2017, Ban has focused on youth leadership and global citizenship through his foundation and the Peace Museum, which opened in 2018.
“This Museum … is now being used to both engage and encourage our future generations about the world and global issues,” he said.
Abdulla Saif Alnuaimi, ambassador of the United Arab Emirates and acting dean of the Diplomatic Corps, also delivered remarks in recognition of Ban’s legacy.
“This event shows your continued efforts toward global peace based on your deep knowledge and extensive experience as a former UN Secretary-General,” the ambassador said. “The efforts you made as a UN Secretary-General are still widely remembered at the global level.”
Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, front row fifth from right, poses with foreign ambassadors at the Ban Ki-moon Peace Museum in Eumseong County, North Chungcheong Province, Friday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
He praised the Ban Ki-moon Peace Museum as a living tribute to the former UN chief’s legacy.
“The Peace Museum upholds the values you had promoted during your term of office in the areas of peace, sustainable development, youth empowerment, gender equality, climate, food security and human rights, among others," he added.
“As the foreign diplomatic corps in this friendly country, we reiterate that the countries we are representing share the same values and are facing these global challenges for the sake of the common future of the next generation,” he added.
Alnuaimi also commended Ban's role as president and chair of the Global Green Growth Institute, noting that “your efforts in the areas of green growth are highly acclaimed.”
“Your continued engagement with the foreign diplomatic corps is highly appreciated by us,” he said. “We wish the museum all the success in communicating its message to the world and wish Your Excellency continued good health and happiness.”
Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto tries Korean calligraphy at the Ban Ki-moon Peace Museum in Eumseong County in North Chungcheong Province, Friday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
Following the ceremony, the envoys had the opportunity to experience elements of traditional Korean culture, including a hands-on session in Korean calligraphy. The diplomats also visited Ban Ki-moon’s birthplace, where they learned more about his early life and the rural community that shaped his formative years.
The event concluded with Ban expressing his gratitude to the guests.
“I hope you have a lot of joy and fun at my hometown, alongside beautiful flower blossom(s) in spring time,” he said.
Among the distinguished attendees were Ambassador Kim Tae-jin, deputy minister for protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and dozens of foreign envoys and spouses representing countries from around the world.