Korea update: briefing with the British ambassadors to South and North Korea
Key information
- Date
- Time
-
6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
- Venue
- SOAS Gallery
- Room
- SOAS Gallery Lecture Theatre (BGLT)
- Event type
- Seminar
About this event
Two British ambassadors will talk about their work, the UK’s current relations with the two Koreas, and current issues on the peninsula.
After the presentations there will be a Q&A session and a reception with refreshments.
Registration
Registration is required. This event is free to attend for SOAS staff and students. Please give your full name and SOAS email address on the registration form. Tickets for other external attendees are £10.
Organisers
This event has been organised by the British Korean Society sponsored by Samsung, and co-hosted by the SOAS Centre of Korean Studies.
Image credit: Alexander Chua via Unsplash
About the speakers
Colin Crooks
Colin Crooks became Ambassador to the Republic of Korea in 2022, having previously served as Ambassador to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea from 2018 to 2021. Colin joined the FCO in 1992 as a Desk Officer in the Latin America Department. Some of his previous diplomatic appointments include Minister Counsellor in Beijing (2015 to 2018), Deputy Head of Mission to Jakarta (2011 to 2015), Chargé d’Affaires, Pyongyang (2008), First Secretary in Washington (2002 to 2006) and First Secretary in Seoul (1995 to 1999).
Simon Wood
Simon Wood was appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in September 2025. Simon joined the FCO in 1998. He has served overseas as: HM Consul-General Rio de Janeiro (2017 to 2021) Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Copenhagen (2010 to 2014) Head of Media and Communications, British Embassy Tokyo (2007 to 2010). 2nd Secretary (Trade), British Embassy Tokyo (2001to 2004). Simon’s other roles included: Deputy Director North East Asia (2023), Head of Crisis Management Department (2014 to 2017), and Head of Cyprus and Greece team (2004 to 2007).
