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네이버 공유 카카오 공유 트위터 공유 페이스북 공유

‘Returning Home with Cherished Memories of Korea’

Michael Storm, the Honorary Consul of Korea in Germany and also President of Schomolz-Bickenbach, one of the world’s leading makers of specialty steel products, recently visited Korea (May 11-17). To reinforce the cooperative relations between Korea and Germany, he hires second-generation ethnic Korean residents in Germany for his company, provides office space for the Association of Korean Residents in Düsseldorf, and helps to sponsor a “Korea-Germany Cultural Night.”

1. We understand that you actively promote Korea-related activities in Germany, while serving as an honorary consul in Düsseldorf; however, this is actually your first visit to Korea.
My father, who also served as Korea’s honorary consul, visited Korea a number of times, but for some reason, I did not have an opportunity to visit until now. Of course, I have been busy with my business activities. These days, the news about countries is available around the world, so I had been informed of various developments in Korea through the Internet and TV. But the Korea that I saw, with my own eyes during this visit, was a whole new world. The business and economic development of Korea was not a big surprise, because I had already known about this success. What I found most surprising was, I might say, is the attitude of Koreans toward their history. I did not know that Korea is a country with such a rich and long history. I now understand why Koreans can truly deserve to take pride in their history.

2. It is known your late father had developed close ties with Korea, and that you also maintain close relations with the Korean community in Düsseldorf.
The heartbreaking situation of our two countries encouraged my father to build special relations with Korea. In those days, Germany was also a divided country. So, it was probably easy to understand the people’s sentiments since both Germany and Korea had a similar situation and goal. That is how my father started to forge personal relationships with Korea’s ambassadors in Germany.
Following my father, I assumed the title of honorary Korean consul in 1996, and have rendered assistance to Koreans to help assure their smooth settlement in Düsseldorf. After visiting Korea, I can appreciate the importance of this kind of assistance for foreigners. In addition, I regularly extend support to a local “Korea-Germany Cultural Night,” which is always entertaining and has at times featured a live performance by troupe members from Korea.

3. You visited Korea in your capacity of honorary consul as well as the chairman of Schmolz-Bickenbach. Did you have any opportunity to discuss possible business relations with Korea’s steel industry?
In fact, I have focused mainly on my efforts as honorary consul of Korea. So, I have concentrated more on cultural aspects during my stay. Nevertheless, I did have a chance to visit POSCO, which I found to be very impressive. Both POSCO and Schmolz-Bickenbach are steel-making companies, but our major product lines are different. Accordingly, we have not had any direct exchange thus far, but we are looking into various possibilities. I hope to contribute to the realization of working relations with POSCO.

4. In terms of your exposure to Korean culture, what aspects left you with a lasting impression?
I found Gyeongju to be most memorable. In particular, the Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok (Emile Bell) was quite impressive. I could clearly sense the splendid history of Korea all around the Gyeongju area. It was most regrettable that my tight schedule allowed me to spend only a single day in Gyeongju. I believe it would be wonderful to visit Gyeongju again, especially during the cherry blossom season. I focused on experiencing Korea’s culture and history so that I could acquire a better understanding of Korea and its people. Whenever I have an awareness of the background of my partners, this enables me to develop much closer relations. I just returned from a visit to Panmunjeom, which triggered a wide range of emotional feelings within me. It reminded me of the division of Germany in the past, and the current situation on the Korean Peninsula made my heart ache.

5. Based on your various experiences in Korea, are there any particular initiatives that you intend to pursue after returning home?
Above all, I have met a new Korea, different from what I had heard from my father and been informed about through the news media. As I said earlier, I was greatly surprised and impressed by the long history and rich culture of Korea. In Germany, many of its historical traces have been destroyed over time. Korea has managed to carefully preserve so many of its precious treasures, which will be even more valuable in time. Another thing that favorably impressed me was the strong emphasis on family relations among the Korean people. It was intriguing to learn how certain family clans were associated with their place of origin, like the Jeonju Lee or Andong Kwon.
There is no such thing in Germany. In Europe, it can be difficult to identify connections to the past, because there have been so many changes, although the present and the future are the result of our past. I return home with many experiences and thoughts about Korea to share with my Korean friends in Germany. In fact, I am already thinking about visiting Korea again, maybe next year. So, I hope to see you then!

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