South Korean Ambassador to the United States Cho Hyun-dong (R) and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman pose for a photo during a ceremony to confer a Korean state medal on her in Washington on March 6, 2024 in this photo released by the South Korean Embassy in Washington. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
WASHINGTON, Mar. 6 (Korea Bizwire) — Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman was awarded a state medal from the South Korean government on Wednesday for her contribution to improving relations between the two countries, Seoul’s embassy in Washington said.
On behalf of President Yoon Suk Yeol, Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong conferred the Gwanghwa Medal of the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, the highest award in the category, on Sherman who retired from the State Department’s No. 2 post in July.
Cho expressed appreciation to Sherman, saying that as a figure friendly to South Korea, she has made great contributions to the development of relations between the two countries, according to the embassy.
Sherman said in turn that although she left office, she would do her utmost to help strengthen the bilateral relationship, which she highlighted has covered a wide range of issues, including security and cutting-edge technologies.
Also attending the ceremony were her successor, Kurt Campbell; Kin Moy, the principal deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs; and U.S. Senior Official for North Korea Jung Pak.
Sherman served as deputy secretary of state from 2021-2023. Also, she previously worked as under secretary of state for political affairs and policy coordinator for North Korea.
American recipients of the medal include retired Ambassador Sung Kim in 2014 and former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan in 2022.
(Yonhap)
