ASAS joins Red Cross Gala Auction with Madam of the PM, bridges gaps between Korea and different countries

There is a very important attribute of virtue among the ladies in Korea, which is called Naejo (literally, ‘domestic support’). Naejo is among the items of the highest virtue and value in the Korean society accountable throughout the history of the country for helping her husband and/or children make invaluable contribution to their country.
Now we see one good example of this among the wives of the ambassadors in Seoul providing their husbands with a typical case of Naejo.

The lady in point is Mrs. Nehal Hanna, the spouse of the ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Seoul, who heads the Association of the Spouses of the Ambassadors in Seoul (ASAS). The Korea Post media recently interviewed Chairperson Nehal Hanna of ASAS, who is the spouse of Ambassador Hany Labib of Egypt in Seoul.

Here are the details of the interview:

Question: What are the main activities of the Association of the Spouses of the Ambassadors in Seoul? Please introduce in detail, and elaborate on each topic.
Answer: The Association brings the spouses of the ambassadors together in a friendly atmosphere. Its main purpose is to enhance peace and friendship between different nations through the ladies who represent such nations, side by side with their spouses, the ambassadors.

Such an atmosphere is inductive to fruitful cooperation at the level of the country of accreditation. The social field is the main aspect of activities, mainly charity.
ASAS participates in several charity bazaars together with other active association from the civil society such as MOFA, Red Cross and SIWA.

The procedures of such bazaars are dedicated to supporting several structures of societal services in Korea, like orphanages, centers caring for children with special needs or homeless and marginalized people.

The first-ever individual activity to be organized by ASAS alone is a ball charity dinner next May. ASAS is currently working hard to achieve such activities which will be a turning point of the history of our Association as a proactive energetic contributor to non-profit social and charity services in Korea.

We also organize or respond to invitations of outings to several locations and sites in Seoul and other cities to get deeply in touch with the Korean society and culture.
Some members and spouses present lectures at Korean universities, such as Sookmyung Women's University, as honorary professors to introduce their countries and cultures to the young generation. Such activities have proved to be very effective to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchange.

(Like now, for example, the spouses of the ambassadors of Egypt, Spain and Turkey present lectures at Sookmyung University in Seoul.)

Q: We understand that sometimes the ASAS members also work with Madam Choi Ji-young, spouse of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, at charity activities such as those of the Korean Red Cross. What are your encounters?

A. Yes, we do, and my impression of Madam Choi Ji-young, the spouse of the Prime Minister, is very positive. Madam Choi Ji-young is a very nice, kind, friendly and simple person.
She deeply appreciated the participation of the spouses of the ambassadors in the Red Cross activities such as the Red Cross Gala Aunction and our contributions for the needy people.
After the opening of the Red Cross bazaar and cutting of ribbon, Mrs.Choi Ji-young and we overviewed the booths, took photos together, had tea and coffee together and exchanged views about the variety of goods presented by the ASAS members in the charity bazaar. We also conversed on topics such as the hard time we sometimes have in getting things for the charity bazaar.
Everybody was appreciative of the ASAS members' contributions, especially the Wednesday Service and the Red Cross bazaars and other social benefit activities.

Q: How many members are in the ASAS? Do you also have chapters of the Association at the regional level—such as Africa, Europe, Asia and America?
A: ASAS is open for the membership to all the spouses of the ambassadors accredited to the Republic of Korea resident in Seoul. Its membership is currently around 52 members.
ASAS is exclusive for the Diplomatic Community in the ROK. Other countries may have their own independent organizations similar to the ASAS.

Q: The Association used to organize a charity event such as the 'Parade of Nations' once a year, which, however, does not seem to take place in the recent years. Is there any plan to organize the event again?

A: The “Parade of Nations” and other charity activities are on top of the list of ASAS’ future activities. However, we are dedicating all our efforts and energy to convening the Charity Ball Dinner, the first-ever individual charity activity by ASAS.

Q: The Association also used to organize a charity bazaar towards the end of each year before. Do you have this event this year? If yes, please elaborate.
A: Yes, like previous years, the ASAS will participate in the yearly highly reputed SIWA Bazar this year. ASAS will also be present in this year’s Red Cross bazar and other regular charity bazars organized by other entities.

Q: The Korea Post media organizes tours for the ambassadors and spouses. However, sometimes the ambassadors are busy with their work and are unable to attend them. Could the spouses attend such tours on behalf of the ambassadors and contribute to the promotion of understanding, cooperation and friendships between Korea and their countries, especially the events that are good more for the ladies and men?

A: Sure. The responsibility of a spouse is very similar to that of the ambassador. The representative nature is the core of such responsibility. In many cases spouses represent or replace the ambassadors in such activities, particularly those which are tailored more for ladies than for men.

Q: The Korean people have a time-honored expression, Naejo, which literally translates "Domestic Assistance" and which means "Support and assistance given by a wife to her husband." Naejo in Korea is considered an important virtue and valuable attribute to a woman in Korean society and is believed to have a great deal to do with the success (or failure) of man in his public life. How is this understood among non-Korean ladies?

A:The spouse’s active role in the personal and professional lives of the ambassador’s is a real incarnation of Naejo. A spouse supports, sustains and encourages her husband by providing him with the atmosphere and the contribution conducive to his personal productivity and diplomatic achievements.

Q: Do you publish a newsletter on a regular basis? If yes, The Korea Post can help disseminate the information. The Korea Post has five media units, 3 in English and 2 in the Korean language. And whenever the occasion warrants, The Korea Post can provide the Association with an adequate number of complimentary copies.

A: ASAS publishes a yearly newsletter. The proposal of The Korea Post media is very much appreciated and shall be brought for discussion and consideration by members at future meetings.

Q: What are the wishes of the wives of the ambassadors concerning the Korean media, including The Korea Post ?

A: I personally wish the Korean media to get deeper into presenting the cultures, heritages and attractions of our nations to the Korean society. Reports and interviews with ambassadors and spouses are very important. I suggest the Korean media would also contemplate field visits to our countries. Certainly our embassies can provide guidelines and contacts to facilitate such activity.

Q: Please state whatever areas might have been left out from the questionnaire.
A: You have been very professional in making me cover abroad set of topics. Thank you very much for this chance to share ASAS with your readers.