Scottish Centre for Korean Studies Distinguished Lecture Series: James Hoare In brief Date - 6 March 2025Venue - Lecture Theatre B, 40 George SquareSpeaker - Dr James Hoare OBE (SOAS, University of London)Title - Britain and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) 1948-2025 About the eventThis lecture will trace the history of the difficult and complex relationship between the United Kingdom and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.Dr James Hoare (OBE (SOAS, University of London) will chart the relationship from its origins in hostility to its later grudging acceptance, and then on to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2000 through to the present, drawing constantly on his personal experiences.About the speakerDr James Hoare obtained his PhD in Japanese History from SOAS in 1971, and was a Research Analyst in the British Diplomatic Service for 33 years. After postings to Seoul (1981-85) and Beijing (1988-91), he opened the British Embassy in Pyongyang in 2001.After retirement in 2023, he taught at the School of Oriental and African Studies in SOAS, of which he is an Honorary Research Associate in Korean Studies. He has also been a regular radio and TV commentator, mainly on the subject of Korea.He has published widely on aspects of East Asian politics and history, as well as on diplomacy and international law. His selected works include 'East Asia Observed: Selected Writings 1973-2021' (2023). He is also editor of the East and Southeast Asia volume in the “World Today” series.In 2021, he received the Woodang Prize from the Seoul-based Woodang Foundation for Education and Culture, and he received an OBE in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List “for services to British interests in the Korean Peninsula".About the Distinguished Lecture seriesEach year, the Scottish Centre for Korean Studies welcomes a fantastic range of guest speakers to give a free public lecture. They cover a range of topics, from literature and poetry to international relations.Often, speakers will present on recent publications, and audiences have the opportunity to participate in question and answer sessions after presentations.Selected lectures have been recorded and uploaded to the Scottish Centre for Korean Studies’ YouTube channel and Facebook page.How to attendThis event is free to attend and open to all. Registration is not required.Are you interested in studying with us?Study Korean Studies with us and explore one of the most dynamic countries in East Asia, gaining a unique vantage point on crucial topics of relevance across the Northeast Asian region and the globe. We offer a taught MSc in East Asian Studies with a Korean pathway as well as an MSc by Research and a PhD in Korean Studies. Find out more about Asian Studies at Edinburgh Mar 06 2025 17.00 - 18.30 Scottish Centre for Korean Studies Distinguished Lecture Series: James Hoare Join the Scottish Centre for Korean Studies for an in-person seminar by Dr James Hoare OBE (SOAS, University of London), entitled 'Britain and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) 1948-2025'. Lecture Theatre B 40 George Square University of Edinburgh EH8 9LX Find the venue: 40 George Square
Scottish Centre for Korean Studies Distinguished Lecture Series: James Hoare In brief Date - 6 March 2025Venue - Lecture Theatre B, 40 George SquareSpeaker - Dr James Hoare OBE (SOAS, University of London)Title - Britain and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) 1948-2025 About the eventThis lecture will trace the history of the difficult and complex relationship between the United Kingdom and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.Dr James Hoare (OBE (SOAS, University of London) will chart the relationship from its origins in hostility to its later grudging acceptance, and then on to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2000 through to the present, drawing constantly on his personal experiences.About the speakerDr James Hoare obtained his PhD in Japanese History from SOAS in 1971, and was a Research Analyst in the British Diplomatic Service for 33 years. After postings to Seoul (1981-85) and Beijing (1988-91), he opened the British Embassy in Pyongyang in 2001.After retirement in 2023, he taught at the School of Oriental and African Studies in SOAS, of which he is an Honorary Research Associate in Korean Studies. He has also been a regular radio and TV commentator, mainly on the subject of Korea.He has published widely on aspects of East Asian politics and history, as well as on diplomacy and international law. His selected works include 'East Asia Observed: Selected Writings 1973-2021' (2023). He is also editor of the East and Southeast Asia volume in the “World Today” series.In 2021, he received the Woodang Prize from the Seoul-based Woodang Foundation for Education and Culture, and he received an OBE in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List “for services to British interests in the Korean Peninsula".About the Distinguished Lecture seriesEach year, the Scottish Centre for Korean Studies welcomes a fantastic range of guest speakers to give a free public lecture. They cover a range of topics, from literature and poetry to international relations.Often, speakers will present on recent publications, and audiences have the opportunity to participate in question and answer sessions after presentations.Selected lectures have been recorded and uploaded to the Scottish Centre for Korean Studies’ YouTube channel and Facebook page.How to attendThis event is free to attend and open to all. Registration is not required.Are you interested in studying with us?Study Korean Studies with us and explore one of the most dynamic countries in East Asia, gaining a unique vantage point on crucial topics of relevance across the Northeast Asian region and the globe. We offer a taught MSc in East Asian Studies with a Korean pathway as well as an MSc by Research and a PhD in Korean Studies. Find out more about Asian Studies at Edinburgh Mar 06 2025 17.00 - 18.30 Scottish Centre for Korean Studies Distinguished Lecture Series: James Hoare Join the Scottish Centre for Korean Studies for an in-person seminar by Dr James Hoare OBE (SOAS, University of London), entitled 'Britain and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) 1948-2025'. Lecture Theatre B 40 George Square University of Edinburgh EH8 9LX Find the venue: 40 George Square
Mar 06 2025 17.00 - 18.30 Scottish Centre for Korean Studies Distinguished Lecture Series: James Hoare Join the Scottish Centre for Korean Studies for an in-person seminar by Dr James Hoare OBE (SOAS, University of London), entitled 'Britain and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) 1948-2025'.
