Amid the changing diplomatic landscape in the second decade of the 21st century, ambassadors and chiefs of foreign missions are increasingly requested to wear many hats. They are asked to redefine their roles to be responsible for directing and coordinating all human and diplomatic capital in their countries, going beyond their traditional role of mainly managing bilateral ties.

At the end of May, it was announced that a South Korean band called Super Junior would perform at the Shanghai World Expo. Free tickets would be released for those who arrived early on the day of the performance, which was scheduled for the evening of May 30.

The recent conclusion of negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) between the United States and South Korea was heralded in domestic and international media as an important step forward for both nation-states’ economies.

China has dominated South Korea’s foreign relations in the 21st century. Redefining the nation’s relationship with China, which is growing in power and its assertiveness in relation to its economic might, poses as the biggest conundrum for government officials on the diplomatic scene. South Korea relies heavily on the Chinese market to run its economy.

It happens every first Sunday. A line snakes inside the lobby and spills outside the doors of the Doongsoong Presybeterian Church in Hyewah, Seoul. Expats and natives congregate for a curious cultural exchange as the Heritage Mass Choir prepares to spread the gospel with a foot-stomping, hands-waving-in-the-air-like-you-just-don’t-care side-to-side swagger.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington and its escorts are heading for the waters off the Korean peninsula, in the aftermath of the flare-up between North and South Korea. This is very much gunboat diplomacy 21st Century-style.

Korea’s national brand power ranked 18th in the world this year, one notch higher than last year, as measured in terms of scientific research activities, culture and other areas, a survey showed yesterday.

While the post-G20 summit data are not yet available, a survey conducted after the announcement of Korea as the host of a G20 summit showed that 65 percent of the respondents were aware of Korea, a figure that is significantly higher than the 47 percent awareness recorded before the announcement...