German Embassy press officer Doe Phil-young has been honored with a medal for his 40 years of service to the German Embassy.

Doe is the longest serving employee at the German mission here, and is thought to be the longest serving member of foreign diplomatic staff currently working in Seoul.

He was the first person ever to be awarded the honor from the German Embassy at a dinner to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his career at the German ambassador’s residence this Monday. 

“His cooperation was and is highly appreciated throughout the decades. We are very glad to have him with us,” said German Ambassador to Korea Hans-Ulrich Seidt.

“He is the first recipient of the official medal of the German Embassy in Seoul for the 40 years of his dedicated cooperation. It is a premier, he is the first to receive this special honor and also a special document.

“We are glad to have the opportunity to present this special honor to Mr. Doe. He is highly respected by the German government and by the embassy.”

Although he could now retire after celebrating his 40th year at the embassy, Doe has agreed to stay on as press officer for one more year. He said that he plans to volunteer to help vulnerable people in Korean society after retirement.

By Kirsty Taylor  (kirstyt@heraldcorp.com)