Last November, at the invitation of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Italian President Sergio Mattarella embarked on a three-day state visit to Korea. During this visit, President Yoon invited me, a scientist specializing in new materials for energy applications with 10 years of experience in Korea as an assistant professor at Dongguk University, to participate in the state dinner organized at the Blue House in honor of President Mattarella on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023.
This invitation coincided with the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between South Korea and Italy on November 8th, 2023, aimed at expanding collaboration in nextgeneration industries, space exploration, and scientific research. The signing ceremony took place during President Mattarella’s visit to Seoul for discussions with President Yoon, where they pledged to cooperate on advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, space exploration, and hydrogen energy. The two leaders witnessed the signing of three MOUs between Korean and Italian organizations: “Memorandum of Understanding on Industrial Cooperation” between Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy and the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy; “Memorandum of Understanding on Space Cooperation for Peaceful Purposes” between Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT and the Space Agency; and “Memorandum of Understanding on Research Cooperation in the Field of Physics” between the Korea Institute for Basic Science and the National Institute of Nuclear Physics.
During the official dinner, President Yoon emphasized the importance of strengthening “cooperation in cuttingedge technologies, particularly in the fields of hydrogen energy, artificial intelligence, and space exploration.” On behalf of Italy, President Mattarella expressed his strong belief in “expanding this cooperation to encompass cultural and other areas.”
The dinner was attended by prominent figures from the Korean government and National Assembly, including People Power Party leader Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader Yoon Jae-ok, Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Bang Gyu, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Yoo Inchon, National Security Office Director Cho Tae-yong, National Security Office 1st Deputy Director Kim Tae-hyo, Public Relations Senior Secretary Kim Eun-hye, and Economy Minister Choi Sang-mok.
The event was also graced by the presence of distinguished guests from the business world, including Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin, Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee, Korea International Trade Association Chairman Koo Ja-yeol, Hyundai Motor Company President Jang Jae-hoon, LG Chem Vice Chairman Shin Hak-cheol, and Hankuk Carbon Chairman Cho Moonsoo.
The banquet showcased an array of delectable Korean dishes, including Jujeonburi, a selection of banchan featuring a particularly flavorful tangpyeong-chae, a delicate tarak juk, grilled tilefish from Jeju served atop a vibrant fresh salad, and a monumental Galbi jjim (braised royal ribs). The culinary experience was complemented by a carefully curated selection of Korean and Italian wines, symbolizing the spirit of friendship and harmony between the two nations.
A harmonious blend of Eastern and Western traditions was presented through a joint cello and gayageum performance in the main banquet hall. Internationally acclaimed opera tenor Jihoon Son captivated the audience with his rendition of “Nessun Dorma,” an aria from the final act of Giacomo Puccini’s opera Turandot, a testament to the beautiful friendship and harmony that exists between Korea and Italy: “Vanish, o night! Set, stars! Set, stars! At dawn, I will win! I will win! I will win!” (All’alba vincerò! Vincerò! Vincerò!)
I encourage all scientists and engineers to seek out opportunities to collaborate with their international counterparts. By working together, we can solve the world’s most pressing challenges and build a more sustainable and equitable tomorrow. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we will win!