WATCH: New Episode of "In Conversation with Benedict Rogers" - Jung-Hoon Lee

For our new episode of the series "In Conversation with Benedict Rogers", we are delighted to have as our guest Jung-Hoon Lee, one of Hong Kong Watch's International Patrons, South Korean government's inaugural Ambassador for North Korean Human Rights, former South Korean Ambassador for Human Rights and Professor of International Relations at Yonsei University in Seoul.

On the significance of Hong Kong to Asia and the world, Jung-Hoon considered Hong Kong as the jewel of Asia that encompasses the best of both East and West. As an Asian, he took pride in Hong Kong being in Asia as it's one of the most important international financial centre. 

When asked about the implication of the new National Security Law imposed on Hong Kong, Jung-Hoon said that the implementation of the National Security Law by China in Hong Kong represents a clear breach of the sanctity of the international treaty and the Basic Law. 

Ben asked Jung-Hoon his thoughts about the proposal of D-10 - a group of 10 democracies - including South Korea. Jung-Hoon said that this would be a good idea as it's very important that the platform would be based on the fundamental values that these countries share, including human rights, democracy and free market, and not just about the economy.

Jung-Hoon then shared his reflections on the nature and behaviour of the Chinese Community Party regime, the threat it poses beyond its border as exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and what we should do to counter it.

Lastly, Jung-Hoon commended the people of Hong Kong for their courage to stand up to China. He continued to say that as the cause that the Hong Kong people are fighting for is legitimate and just, he believed that in the end Hong Kong people will prevail in their cause. He wanted Hong Kong people to know that the world is behind them, and that Hong Kong people are not alone.