In recognition of her contribution to the strengthening of UK-Korea relations, Chairperson Sung-Joo Kim has been made an Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

In recognition of her contribution to strengthening the relationship between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has chosen to formally recognise Sung-Joo Kim by making her an Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Sung-Joo Kim has for many years worked tirelessly to further links in culture, education, and international relations, and also between Evangelical communities, in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea. She has been an energetic and generous supporter of many British institutions and organisations including Asia House, the Pan Asian Women’s Association (PAWA), the Wales Evangelical School of Theology (WEST), the Victoria & Albert Museum, the London College of Fashion, the London College of Art and the British Red Cross. She is a substantial investor in the United Kingdom through the fashion brand MCM, and she has also successfully grown the Marks & Spencer brand in Korea and enhanced the reputation for British creativity.

British Ambassador Charles Hay said:

"I am delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has chosen to recognise Chairperson Sung-Joo Kim’s contributions to UK-Korea relations. As well as being one of Korea’s leading business women, Sung-Joo Kim has also been an important global advocate of the need for business to do more for good causes. Throughout a busy professional career, including most recently her appointment as President of the Korean Red Cross, Sung-Joo Kim has remained one of the UK’s staunchest supporters in Korea. The Honorary award of Officer of the Order of the British Empire is richly deserved."

The Order of the British Empire recognises valuable service to the United Kingdom, and has been rewarded to Vivienne Westwood and David Beckham. Sung-Joo Kim is the first female Korean to receive an honorary OBE.