The Ludovika Prize was awarded at the Hungary-Korea Forum on October 1 in the Saint Ladislaus Chapel of the Ludovika University of Public Service (LUPS). The prize, established by the University’s Senate in the summer of 2023, is awarded to academic figures who have significantly contributed to strengthening the "Central European idea" through their life’s work and achievements and who have demonstrated their commitment to the cause of Hungary and the Carpathian Basin region throughout their professional careers.
This year, the Senate decided to award the prize to Jae Hun Ro, President of the Korea-Hungary Friendship Association. Liliana Śmiech, Director General for International Affairs at LUPS, highlighted Jae Hun Ro's work as the leader of the East Asia Cultural Center, co-chair of the New Silk Road Institute, executive director of the Beautiful Mind Charity Organization, and a board member of the Kansong Museum. "Jae Hun Ro tirelessly works in the service of the public. We are convinced his efforts will further develop bilateral relations," said the Director General.
The awardee briefly reflected on his father, former South Korean President Roh Tae-woo, expressing that he believed his father would be proud of him today. He recalled the founding of the Korea-Hungary Friendship Association in 2019 on the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. "Both Hungary and Korea are innovative nations. The shared task of both countries is to strengthen further cooperation in diplomacy, economy, addressing social issues, and culture while preserving traditions," the awardee stated.
Jae Hun Ro earned a BA from Seoul National University, an MA in Political Science from Stanford University and a law degree from Georgetown University. As an American lawyer, he worked at prestigious law firms such as Dorsey & Whitney, White & Case, and Barun Law. After his legal career, he founded several digital advertising and IT solutions startups. He is Vice President of SPTek Holdings, which develops software solutions for cloud computing and digital platforms. His public activities are highly active, serving as President of the Korea-Hungary Friendship Association, leader of the East Asia Cultural Center, co-chair of the New Silk Road Institute, executive director of the Beautiful Mind Charity Organization, and a board member of the Kansong Museum. As President of the East Asia Cultural Center, Jae Hun Ro is working to uncover cultural values that can start a new era based on the shared history and culture of East Asian countries, promoting the process of mutual understanding and respect.