More than 50 high-profile figures from all over the world participated in the VIP welcoming dinner held at Hotel Shilla in central Seoul, to congratulate the opening of iDEA Herald Design Forum 2011, the first-ever unique design event hosted by Herald Media Inc.

“I totally agree with former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s big ideas in terms of design policies, and think that he enhanced Seoul’s brand value. Design is not a wrapper, it makes the city’s soul,” said Na Kyung-won of the Grand National Party and Seoul mayor candidate in her celebratory speech.

“But there are some points where Seoul citizens feel there are some things left to be desired. It is now important to make design policies more fruitful and as something close to everyday life. I think it would be great if many good ideas are suggested in this forum and we can contribute in making happy Seoul, together,” she added.

Including Na, the list of participants in the round table dinner include Kwon Young-kyu, acting Seoul mayor; Rep. Jungwook Hong of the Grand National Party; Rep. Kim Jin-pyo of the main opposition Democratic Party; SaKong Il, chairman and CEO of the Korea International Trade Association; Yoo Byung-chang, CEO and publisher of Herald Media; Kim Hyo-joon, CEO of BMW Korea; Naci Saribas, ambassador from Turkey; Carlos Alberto Araganaraz, ambassador of Argentina.

Speakers and panelists, who will participate in the sessions in the following day, like Chris Bangle, former chief designer of BMW Group; Martin Lindstrom, brand futurist; Kim Young-se, president of Inno Design; and Simon Anholt, nation branding specialist, attended the dinner as well.

“I hope to learn something and hope to inspire someone,” said Chris Bangle about the forum on his way to dinner.

By Park Min-young (claire@heraldcorp.com)