Greetings from Ambassador Han Byung-jin, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Panama
Dear fellow Panamanians,
Hello. I am Ambassador Han Byung-jin who took office on February 11, 2025. I have had the opportunity to meet and greet many of our compatriots, but I have not yet met many of them. So I am greeting you first through the March Korean Association Monthly Newsletter.
First of all, I am happy to be assigned to Panama, a key country in Central and South America, but at the same time, I feel a great sense of responsibility. On February 14, I submitted a copy of my credentials to Minister of Foreign Affairs Martinez Acha and began my official diplomatic activities.
A conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez at the Panama Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Panama is an important partner that has developed close friendly cooperative relations for over 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea in 1962. Geographically, it has served as a hub for Central and South America as a logistics and air traffic center centered on the Panama Canal that connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. This geographical advantage has served as a bridgehead for many Korean companies entering the Central and South American market, and is an important reason why many companies have established regional offices in Panama.
As the new ambassador, I will further develop the friendly and cooperative relationship between Korea and Panama based on the core values shared by both countries, such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In particular, in 2025, both countries will be working together as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. I will further strengthen cooperation between the two countries for peace and stability in the international community and strive to jointly respond to global issues.
We plan to support the successful completion of large-scale infrastructure projects such as the construction of Metro Line 3 currently underway in Panama, and actively support the participation of Korean companies in various infrastructure construction projects such as the Panama City-David Railway and the Cerro Patacon Landfill that will be promoted in the future. We expect that the excellent technological prowess and experience of Korean companies will play an important role in contributing to the economic development of Panama and further strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.
Also, based on the Korean Wave that is spreading worldwide, we will make various efforts to enhance Korea's national image in Panama. We will utilize the popularity of Korean cultural content such as Taekwondo, K-pop, dramas, and movies to make Korea more familiar to the Panamanian people and promote understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries through cultural exchanges. In particular, through cooperation with KFP, a local Korean Wave club in Panama, we will try to vitalize exchanges among the younger generation and contribute to the development of future-oriented bilateral relations.
Above all, we will pay close attention to the safety and protection of the rights of our compatriots residing in Panama as our top priority. We will meet and communicate with our compatriots residing in Panama in person through various opportunities in the future. In addition, we ask for your continued interest and support for the activities of the embassy.
I hope that my fellow Panamanians and their families will always be filled with health and happiness. Thank you.
Ambassador Han Byeong-jin Dream
March Seminar - The Cultural Role of Koreans in the Korean Wave
On March 9, 2025, we had a discussion on the cultural role of Koreans in the Korean Wave with Los Amigos, a group of Korean youth in Panama, and watched Bong Joon-ho's film MICKY17.
-. The development process of the Korean Wave
The development of the Korean Wave can be broadly divided into four major stages.
1. The first Korean Wave (mid-1990s - 2002) o Main characteristics: A period in which interest in Korean dramas and music increased, especially in the Chinese-speaking world, Japan, and some parts of Southeast Asia. o Representative content: Dramas such as "What Is Love?", "Stars in My Heart", and "The Bathhouse Men", as well as music groups such as HOT and Clon, were popular[1].
2. The second phase of the Korean Wave (2003-2009) o Key features: The period when the Korean Wave began to spread in earnest throughout Asia, starting with the popularity of "Winter Sonata" in Japan. o Representative content: The dramas "Winter Sonata" and "Dae Jang Geum" and the music groups TVXQ and Big Bang gained great popularity.
3. The Third Korean Wave (2010-2017) o Key Characteristics: The period when the Korean Wave spread globally along with the spread of new media. Psy's "Gangnam Style" became a global hit, marking the beginning of the Korean Wave. o Representative Content: The drama "My Love from the Star," the entertainment program "Running Man," and music groups Girls' Generation and Big Bang gained attention.
4. The 4th Korean Wave (2018 - Present) o Key Features: The period when BTS entered the Billboard Hot 100 and Korean Wave content continued to be a global hit. Content of various genres became popular worldwide. o Representative Content: BTS, Blackpink, the drama "Crash Landing on You", and the movie "Parasite" were all huge successes.
In this way, the Korean Wave has continued to develop with diverse content, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the global market in the future. 😊
-. The future of Korean Wave
The future of the Korean Wave is expected to be very bright and sustainable. Here are some key predictions for the future of the Korean Wave:
1. Global expansion : The Korean Wave is spreading beyond Asia to the entire world. Various contents such as K-POP, Korean dramas, movies, and webtoons are gaining great popularity in the global market.
2. Diverse genres and content : The Korean Wave is expanding into various genres such as not only music and dramas, but also movies, webtoons, and games. This is an important factor in increasing the sustainability of the Korean Wave.
3. Cultural influence : The Korean Wave is not just entertainment, but is also spreading Korean culture and lifestyle to the world. This is contributing to raising Korea’s international status.
4. Sustainable Growth : The Korean content industry is focusing on innovation and quality improvement for sustainable growth. This is a key factor in ensuring the long-term success of the Korean Wave.
5. Government and corporate support: The Korean government and corporates are promoting various policies and programs to support the global spread of the Korean Wave. This is playing an important role in increasing the sustainability of the Korean Wave.
In this way, the Korean Wave is expected to continue to grow sustainably through various factors. It is expected that the Korean Wave will continue to be popular around the world and play an important role in promoting Korean culture and content. 😊
-. Cultural Role of Overseas Koreans
Overseas Koreans perform cultural roles in various ways.
1. Spreading Korean Culture : Overseas Koreans play an important role in introducing and spreading Korean culture, including K-POP, Korean dramas, movies, and food, to their local communities. Through this, they are increasing interest in and understanding of Korean culture.
2. Promoting cultural exchange: The Korean community promotes cultural exchange with the local community. Through Korean festivals, cultural events, and traditional performances, they promote mutual understanding with the local people.
3. Economic Contribution: Koreans are contributing to the economy by operating various businesses locally. This promotes the export of Korean products and services and has a positive impact on the local economy.
4. Social integration: Koreans are well integrated into the local society and are active in various fields. This contributes to the formation and development of a multicultural society and plays an important role in promoting friendly relations between Korea and the local countries.
5. Maintaining Cultural Identity: Overseas Koreans try to maintain their cultural identity by passing on Korean culture to their children through Korean language education, traditional arts education, etc.
In this way, overseas Koreans are playing an important cultural role by spreading Korean culture, promoting exchanges with local communities, and making economic contributions. 😊
-. Sharing: Director Bong Joon-ho's Micky 17 and the Korean Wave
Director Bong Joon-ho's new film "Micky 17" is based on Edward Ashton's science fiction novel "Mickey 7" and tells the story of cloned humans.
"Micky 17" was specially screened at the Berlin International Film Festival and is also receiving a lot of attention from Hollywood. In particular, it is garnering much attention due to the combination of director Bong Joon-ho's unique directing and the outstanding acting skills of Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.
In relation to the Korean Wave, Director Bong Joon-ho's works have played a big role in raising the global awareness of Korean films. Following the success of "Parasite," "Micky 17" is also expected to once again introduce the originality and artistry of Korean films to audiences around the world. These works are increasing the sustainability of the Korean Wave and contributing to the global spread of Korean culture.
What do you think about the impact of director Bong Joon-ho's new film on the Korean Wave? 😊
🙂Jungwon: Thank you for the informative time and meeting new people today~! Personally, since it was directed by a Korean director, I thought it would mostly feature Koreans, but I was surprised to see that it was directed with more diverse compositions than I thought. See you again soon~!
🙂Minji: Arriba Bong Joon-ho 🙌🏻 I hope it does well.
🙂 Eunche: It was a meaningful time to be able to watch a Korean director’s film in a foreign country. I hope that more Korean works will lead the 4th generation of the Korean Wave in the future.
🙂Junbeom: It seems like a good movie that humorously but seriously solves the worries that you might have thought about at least once! Thank you for giving me a good opportunity. I'll see you again soon.
🙂Minyoung: I had so much fun today! Korea is the best 👍 See you soon! Thank you for welcoming me and inviting me 🫶
April Seminar Preview: Basic Accounting Knowledge
A free seminar on basic accounting knowledge will be held on Saturday, April 12th at 2:00 PM. Light refreshments will be provided for attendees. For inquiries, please text 6104-1004 on WhatsApp.
2025 Korean Language School Opening Ceremony
Korean school opened on March 8, 2025.
New Teachers for 2025: Principal Park Ae-ran, Secretary Jeon Yeong-mi, Cha Mi-hwan, Kim Wan-sook, Yoon Ji-hye
We ask for your continued support and encouragement for the children who will become the future of the world.
Panama Korean Association - Sponsorship Guide
Request for Support for Korean Language School We are always grateful for your support and interest in the Korean language school. We would like to request a portion of the budget required for the operation of the Korean language school in the 2024 school year. If you support us, we will be able to use it effectively for the development of the school, improvement of the quality of education, purchase of teaching materials, and operating costs.
sites.google.comPanama Korean Association - Korean Language School
Panama Korean School Information
🏦 We are currently preparing a Banco General account for convenient donations.
3 Minutes Spanish - Ryu Valentina
Panama Korean Association - 3 Minutes Spanish
3 Minute Spanish Introduction with Ryu Valentina
Panama Related News
📰 Panama: "Canal Sale Agreement Slowly Progressing" Amid 'US Pressure, China Criticism'
Panama: "Canal Sale Agreement Slowly Progressing" Amid 'US Pressure, China Criticism'
Jose Raul Mulino, President of Panama
It covers Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino’s revelations that the sale of two Panama Canal port operations from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings to a U.S. consortium is progressing slowly. The sale comes amid tensions between the U.S. and China, which strongly opposes the move and denounces it as being against its national interests.
President Mulino also said that while the sale deal is unlikely to be scrapped, he has asked the Board of Audit and Inspection to conduct a thorough audit of CK Hutchison’s past port operations. He has dismissed the possibility of US military intervention as not worth evaluating, and Panama is maintaining a cautious approach to the issue.
📰 BlackRock Purchases Panama Canal Shares… Foreign Media: “Trump’s Victory”
| Source: Asia Economy | https://www.asiae.co.kr/article/2025030510130591719
The main story is about a consortium led by the American asset management company BlackRock purchasing the operating rights for a major port in the Panama Canal. This sale is being interpreted as part of the US strategy to check China’s influence in Latin America.
The Panamanian president and the company involved insisted that the deal was purely commercial in nature, but many foreign media outlets are viewing it as a political victory for the United States. In particular, there is analysis that President Trump’s strong diplomatic strategy influenced the deal.
📰 Former Panamanian President Martinelli Goes into Exile in Nicaragua with Government Permission
Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli
This article covers the case of former Panama President Ricardo Martinelli, who was granted safe passage to Nicaragua on humanitarian grounds after more than a year of hiding in the Nicaraguan embassy to escape political persecution.
The Panamanian Foreign Ministry said the move was intended to improve Martinelli’s defense and medical care, and the safe passage permit will remain in effect until midnight March 31. Martinelli claims his indictment is politically motivated, and the decision has drawn mixed political reaction. Martinelli is expected to travel to Nicaragua to continue his legal defense.
📰 Panama citizens protest mining, demand respect for Supreme Court ruling
Citizens staged an all-night vigil on the Cinta Costera Strip to protest against metal mining activities in Panama, chanting “For Our Water.” They said mining threatened the country’s water resources and demanded that the president respect the Supreme Court’s unconstitutional ruling.
The article also notes that discussions are ongoing regarding the legal status of the Cobre Panama mine, and that the government is continuing negotiations with the company regarding the mine’s operations. The mine issue is likely to remain a major issue for the foreseeable future.
📰 Cobre Panama Copper Mine in Donoso could resume operations
The Cobre Panama Copper Mine in Donoso May Soon See Some Activity - Newsroom Panama
Surrounded by ocean and jungle, the mine has been the center of mass protests in recent years. As a result of the protests, operations at the mine were temporarily suspended, but the new administration is now hinting at the possibility of reopening the mine, emphasizing its economic importance.
Cobre Panama was once a major asset, contributing about 5% of Panama’s GDP and employing more than 7,000 people, but now has only about 1,000 people working on maintenance. The new government appears ready to restart operations, including restarting the mine’s power plant and pushing for the sale of copper concentrate.
📰 There's more to see in Panama City than just the canal
There is Plenty to See in Panama City besides the Canal - Newsroom Panama
Panama Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
This article introduces the charm of Panama City and highlights the various historical and cultural experiences beyond the Panama Canal. When visiting the city, we recommend exploring not only the canal but also other places such as the Panama Viejo Archaeological Site, the Mola Museum in the Casco Antiguo area, the Panama Canal Museum, and the Biomuseo, a biodiversity museum.
La Mola Museum (traditional embroidery textiles of the Guna indigenous people)
Biomuseum designed by architect Frank Gehry
In addition, the Coquira Soil Project, located just outside the city, offers regenerative farming experiences, and there are also a variety of luxury hotel options. The article comprehensively introduces unique experiences to enjoy in Panama City, including history, ecology, food, and agriculture. 😊
📰 The David-Panama train route between Panama City and Penonome has been decided
The David-Panama Train Route between Panama City and Penonomé has been decided - Newsroom Panama
This article is about the Panama-David-Border Railway Construction Project. The project is scheduled to start in January 2026, and the train route between Panama and Penonome has already been determined. However, the Penonome-David line leading to the Costa Rican border has not yet been determined.
This railway project is expected to contribute to the integration of Panama, Costa Rica and Central America, and is expected to inject new vitality into the Panama economy. Several preliminary works, including environmental impact and feasibility studies, are underway, and once completed, it will have a significant impact on the local economy and transportation. The next phase of the project is expected to be decided by September 2025.
📰 The monthly cost of living in Panama is over $1000, while the average salary in Panama is $734.
According to this article, the average monthly salary of a Panamanian citizen is about $734, and the cost of living is estimated at about $1,064. This means that citizens need an additional cost of about $300 on average to sustain themselves.
The cost of living has also increased in the interior of Panama, with wage growth being relatively low compared to the capital. Private sector workers are particularly affected by low wages, while the middle class is feeling greater economic pressure due to changes in consumption levels. Experts predict that inflation will continue due to rising prices and a high dependence on imports, and advise consumers to reduce spending and focus on purchasing essentials.
📰 Cryptocurrency scam crosses border into Panama
Cryptocurrency Scam that Crossed Borders into Panama - Newsroom Panama
This article covers a massive cryptocurrency scam that crossed the border into Panama. The main figure in this case, Italian Marco Galbiati, ran a huge fraud scheme through a platform called “Billions Trade Club”, promising investors high returns. The victims were spread across multiple countries, and it is estimated that losses amounted to approximately $300 million.
Galbiati gained credibility in Panama with his luxury real estate, vehicles, and lavish lifestyle, but his fraud was discovered in July 2024 when he stopped making payments. The Panama Attorney General’s Office seized 32 of his assets and issued an arrest warrant for money laundering. International extradition proceedings are currently underway.
The incident has caused a stir worldwide, drawing attention to cryptocurrency fraud and the resulting economic damage.
Panama Korean Association Dues and Sponsorship Information
The annual membership fee for the Panama Korean Association is set at $250 for a family and $150 for an individual.Members are Korean nationals and permanent residents who have resided in Panama for more than 6 months, including descendants of Koreans who are Panamanian citizens .
We promise to use the membership fees you have collected carefully for the beautiful Korean community where we all live together, and we will transparently report the details of their use as follows. We are also preparing to issue an invoice in accordance with the official registration of the foundation with the Panamanian government in July 2021.
Account Payment: KEB HanaBank | Account Name: Korean Association in Panama | Account Number: 61004-1001-21
Banco General | Korean Association of Panama | Savings Account: 04-78-96-209139-9
Panama Korean Association - Korean restaurants and Korean businesses
This is a guide to Korean restaurants and Korean businesses. For additional information and errors, please contact the Korean Association. (WhatsApp 6104-1004 | Email koreanpanama@gmail.com) Last modified: December 11, 2024
의견을 남겨주세요