Minister Cheers Diplomats
By Kim Se-jeong
Staff Reporter
Foreign Affairs-Trade Minister Yu Myung-hwan brought his heartfelt support for the diplomatic tennis tournament to the Hyatt Hotel tennis court on Saturday, demonstrating what he described as ``humble'' tennis.
Dressed all in white training, Yu appeared at the tennis court for the opening demonstration match with his dark racket in hand, indicating he had long used it. He said although he seldom plays tennis, he'd played for a long time and is an avid fan of the sport.
In a congratulatory speech to the diplomats present and with cherry blossom leaves flying over the fences, the career diplomat emphasized the importance of the event as a vehicle to enhance mutual understanding between Koreans and foreign diplomats.
``I am convinced that such exchanges between diplomats in Korea are a constructive means to bolster the mutual understanding between us. I believe that such informal and fun occasions serve to promote mutual understanding at a global level.''
He also lost no time in praising The Korea Times for ``having played a valuable role as a bridge between Korea and the world.''
He was paired with Kim Jae-dong, head of the general affairs bureau of The Korea Times, against Donna Heinsbroek, wife of the Dutch ambassador, and Bulgarian Ambassador Alexander Savov.
The minister's team lost to two long-time tennis players, but his skill shined. The wife of the Dutch ambassador was the champion of the event.
Savov said ``He said he hasn't practiced in quite a while, but judging by his performance, I'd say he is a decent player.''
His appearance was more meaningful because he was on a tight schedule ahead of the Korea-U.S. summit at Camp David this week and an ensuing summit between leaders of Korea and Japan in Tokyo.