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British envoy to be named honorary citizen of Andong
British Ambassador to Korea Colin Crooks delivers opening remarks during a press conference for British sculptor Antony Gormley’s solo exhibition at the British Embassy in Seoul, Aug. 29. Yonhap
By Park Ung
British Ambassador to Korea Colin Crooks will be named an honorary citizen of Andong, highlighting his connection to the city that hosted Queen Elizabeth II’s 1999 visit and where he would later meet his future wife.
The city of Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, said Tuesday it will grant Crooks the certificate on Friday, Andong Day, which has been celebrated annually since 2003 to boost civic pride and strengthen local identity.
The ambassador’s ties with the city date back to 1999, when he was first secretary at the British Embassy in Seoul during Elizabeth's visit to Andong.
The queen, who came to Korea on a four-day visit at the invitation of then-President Kim Dae-jung, marked her 73rd birthday in the city with a traditional Korean meal.
Crooks was responsible for organizing her visit, during which he also met his future wife, an Andong native.
He also served as the British ambassador to North Korea from 2018 to 2021 before taking up his current post as ambassador to South Korea in 2022.
The Andong Day ceremony and award presentation will be held Friday at 3:30 p.m. at Andong Station.