President Moon Jae-in toasts with some makgeolli rice beer (막걸리) during a dinner with heads of diplomatic missions, in the Yeongbingwan Guest House at Cheong Wa Dae on Dec. 18.

By Sohn JiAe and Kim Young Shin 

Photos = Cheong Wa Dae 

President Moon Jae-in has stressed that the standard for defining Korea`s national interest is the citizens. He was speaking during a meeting with 182 Korean ambassadors and other foreign ministry officials who work at 163 diplomatic offices overseas, at Cheong Wa Dae on Dec. 18. 

“The only standard for measuring national interest is the citizens. Diplomacy should be at the people’s eye-level,” said the president. 

“Even when we face some of the most complex problems in terms of diplomacy, we must find solutions based on the common sense and wisdom of our citizens,” he said. 

President Moon urged his guests to win over people’s hearts through diplomacy. He said, “When you are sincere, you can move another’s mind. During our visit to Southeast Asia last month, I witnessed the potential of people-centered diplomacy, which connects people heart-to-heart.” 

President Moon Jae-in and Korean ambassadors give a round of applause during a dinner in the Yeongbingwan Guest House at Cheong Wa Dae in Dec. 18.

The president also mentioned the upcoming PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. “Unlike our national athletes, you won’t be receiving any gold medals or hear the crowds cheer for you. Nonetheless, please don`t forget the fact that you are the representatives of the Republic of Korea. Please give it all your passion and wisdom, for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in order to create diplomacy that is for the benefit of the nation and its citizens.” 

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