[KU/Korea] Special Lecture #1 (16032017) > Special Lectures

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KU kicked off its NEAR Special Lecture series with a collaboration of British Council in Seoul, and invited more than 100 audiences from diverse areas of Korean society.

On that day, Professor Sung-Hoon Park launched the first NEAR public lecture at Korea University’s International Hall by introducing Mr Christopher Rodrigues, Chair of British Council, who is on visit to South Korea.

Mr Rodrigues discussed the role of the British Council against the backdrop of the Brexit by elaborating the historical and cultural relations Britain has had with the Continental Europe. He described the British Council’s approach to the Brexit as connection and continuity, in form of non-coercive power performed by the institution through cultural and educational exchanges. He highlighted people’s aspiration to connect the world, in which cultural relations come into strength. He also reflected upon the characteristics and success of cultural exports of South Korea and the similarities shared with the UK. Mr Rodrigues reiterated that his vision of the UK will remain a European nation, although without being part of the European political unit, and that the mission of the British Council is to use the cultural influence of the UK to enhance the knowledge of the world regarding the UK, Europe as well as the humanity.

Mr Rodrigues then undertook a Q&A session which was actively participated by the audience - students and academics alike. He responded to questions regarding his organisation’s role in the Brexit negotiations with the EU, the UK’s changing image as a result of Brexit, and shared the stories of his personal career path in such a way to encourage students in the audience to pursuit their professional objectives.