Mr. CHO Hee-yong is the Director of the Center for Japanese Studies at the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Prior to his current appointment, Director Cho was a career diplomat for 36 years. Joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea in 1979, he served in numerous posts in Asia, Europe, and North America, including Ambassador to Canada (2012-2015), Secretary General of the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit Preparatory Secretariat (2011), and Ambassador to Sweden with dual accreditation in Latvia (2008-2011), Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2007), and Ambassador for East Asian Cooperation (2006). In 2005, Director Cho was an Adjunct Professor of Diplomacy at Korea University. He is a recipient of the Republic of Korea’s Order of Service Merit for outstanding contributions to national development and was also awarded the Royal Order of the Polar Star Commander Grand Cross by the Government of Sweden and the Three Star Order of Latvia.