India was my first diplomatic posting, and Soon-taek and I arrived in Delhi in October 1972. I served there for almost three years, first as vice consul of the Korean Consulate General, and once a full diplomatic relationship was established between Korea and India in December 1973, I served as second secretary of the Korean Embassy. It was such an exciting time in my life! I was twenty-eight years old, newly married, and on a diplomatic trajectory. My daughter Seon-yong was just eight months old and my only son, Woohyun, was born in India on October 30, 1974. I used to joke with Indian people that my balance sheet with India is perfect because my son was born in India and my youngest daughter, Hyun-hee, is married to an Indian man.

Even now, nearly fifty years later, I tell the Indian people that half of my heart belongs in their country. The work was challenging but fascinating to a young diplomat. Our primary goal was to win full diplomatic recognition by India, a leader of the nonaligned group, which we did in December 1973. Koreans and many other diplomats felt that elevating consular relations to the ambassadorial level was a turning point in diplomatic relations. India was among the largest nonaligned states that recognized both Koreas. I rose up the diplomatic ranks steadily, working in Seoul and at world capitals to advance my country’s international relationships and development. I held more than a dozen foreign ministry positions after my posting to Delhi, and with each one I advanced. Even so, I was surprised and concerned to hear that many of my colleagues thought of me as a “fast flyer.” At that time, the Korean foreign service was a bureaucracy that respected hierarchy, and it was uncomfortable to be promoted over the heads of others who had been there longer. One of my most important mentors was Lho Shin-yong, who later became foreign minister and then prime minister. He was a respected diplomat with a far-reaching vision and a strong character who is still remembered as a charismatic leader. In 1987, Prime Minister Lho unexpectedly promoted me to a senior rank. I had worked for him when he was ambassador in New Delhi, and he had deep trust in me. The promotion was a surprise to my peers, and especially to many senior officers. This advancement was not due to a personal connection, as was often the case, but rather because he noticed my hard work and sincerity. At night, after work, I hand-wrote letters to my peers and senior colleagues, asking for their understanding and vowing to do my best to meet their expectations as a senior diplomat.