[Unofficial Translation]

Your Majesty,

My wife and I are immensely grateful to be the first guests for a state visit after your historic Coronation. I sincerely thank you for preparing this magnificent state banquet tonight.

I am deeply touched by the kind preparations and the warmth of your hospitality. It shows how much you care about the special friendship between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea.

Under Your Majesty’s reign, the United Kingdom – with its renewed vigour – is flourishing in great strides. Your Majesty's splendid leadership is not only bringing the people of the Commonwealth together, but also animating the very spirit of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Along with the profoundly respected dignity that Your Majesty is showing to the people as Monarch, both the British people and the people across the globe are appreciative of your down-to-earth character. We all pay tribute to your warm-hearted passion towards protecting the environment, caring for the most vulnerable members of the society, and inheriting a better future for our youth.

This year, we are celebrating the 140th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic ties.

In 1883, the United Kingdom became the first European nation to sign the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce with Korea. Since then, we have built a steadfast and deep-rooted friendship.

In 1950, the fate of Korea was at stake as a result of the unprovoked communist aggression. Even though the United Kingdom was also going through a difficult time after years of war, more than 81,000 British men and women came running to defend the freedom and democracy of the Republic of Korea.

The honourable Sergeant William Speakman participated in the war as a Private attached to the First Battalion of the Royal Highland Regiment. During the Battle of the Maryang Mountain near the Imjin River, Mr Speakman held his position and led charge after charge in spite of serious wounds to his leg, enabling his Battalion to safely reposition itself.

Due to his injuries, Mr Speakman was evacuated back to the UK in January of 1952. However, he was firm in his resolve to return to battle after only 3 months, and continued to fight bravely until August of that year.

Throughout his life, Sergeant Speakman considered the Republic of Korea to be his second home. He emphasized that soldiers always think about the place they fought for. We have honoured his wishes to be back in Korea upon his passing, as he has been laid to rest at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan since February of 2019 by his will.

The honourable Private James Logan passed away during the Battle of the Imjin River. He was only 19 years young when he made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the freedom of the Republic of Korea.

The tombs of these heroes are located in Daeyeon town in the city of Busan, where numerous Koreans come by time and again to pay their respects.

Earlier today, I laid a wreath at the Korean War Memorial and met with some of the British Korean War veterans. It was a solemn reminder that our dear friendship was forged in blood.

Thanks to the noble deeds of the British forces, now the Korean people live in a country that enjoys political freedom, economic prosperity, and a vibrant culture.

As friends and comrades who shed blood together in defence of freedom, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom are the best partners in our journey for a shared future.

Your Majesty and distinguished guests,

The United Kingdom is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. It has led the progress of humankind in the sciences and literature. Shakespeare and Newton are among many other great British names who led the path for all of human civilization to follow.

The British people showed that a pioneering spirit can push the boundaries of our scientific knowledge. Korea was among those who were inspired by British accomplishments, and now, it has also become a major player when it comes to science and technology, particularly in the IT sector.

Hence, Korea and the United Kingdom, as innovators in the digital realm, are close partners leading international discussions on establishing digital norms in the new era of artificial intelligence.

When I was young, my friends and I were all fans of the Beatles, Queen, and Elton John.

Harry Potter books are adored by many Koreans.

Recently, Korean artists like BTS and Black Pink are being greatly admired by the British public.

Two years ago, the song ‘My Universe’, a collaboration between BTS and Coldplay, resonated in the hearts of the young people around the world.

Most importantly, the United Kingdom is the architect of modern liberal democracy.

Most democracies are deeply influenced by British parliamentary democracy. Korea is no exception.

On the basis of our shared universal values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, the Republic of Korea will continue to steadfastly stand together with the United Kingdom as we work together for freedom, peace and prosperity around the world.

Ladies and gentlemen, now I would like to invite you to rise and raise your glasses: to the health of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, to the new horizon of our bilateral relations, and to the peace and prosperity of the world.

“To me, fair friend, the United Kingdom, you never can be old.”