Busan is good

U.S. Naval Forces Korea Commander Neil A. Koprowski Named Honorary Citizen of Busan

내용

The Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) has announced that Commander Neil A. Koprowski, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea, has been selected as an Honorary Citizen of Busan.

The honorary citizenship was officially conferred by Mayor Park Heong-joon at 10:30 AM on May 9 in the International Protocol Room at Busan City Hall.

Commander Koprowski has served as the Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea since 2023. In this role, he has:

• ●Reinforced Busan’s position as a central city in the Korea-U.S. naval alliance

• ●Played a vital role in promoting cooperation between the two navies and strengthening regional security

He has also led port visits of major U.S. strategic assets to Busan and opened aircraft carriers to the public, greatly contributing to raising awareness of national security among Busan citizens.

Additionally, he has promoted the international value of Busan by leading efforts to host the Multinational Symposium, which annually welcomes over 100 high-ranking military figures from 22 nations.

Mayor Park stated:

“We express our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication and service, which have contributed not only to Busan but also to the national security of the Republic of Korea.
As 2025 marks an important turning point in both nations’ defense and diplomacy, mutual trust and collaboration are more crucial than ever.
We look forward to your continued efforts in strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance, facilitating naval cooperation, and supporting Busan’s future development.”

Since 1966, Busan has conferred Honorary Citizenship on individuals who have significantly contributed to the city’s international prestige and development. To date, a total of 281 people have received the honor and are active in various fields.

Notable honorary citizens include:

• ●Guus Hiddink (former head coach of Korea’s national soccer team, 2003)

• ●Danielle Kang (U.S. LPGA golfer, 2019)

• ●Darcy Paquet (translator of Parasite English subtitles, 2020)

---

Appendix: Award Ceremony Overview

• ●Date/Time: May 9 (Fri), 10:30 AM

• ●Location: International Protocol Room, 9F, Busan City Hall

• ●Recipient: Commander Neil A. Koprowski, U.S. Naval Forces Korea

• ●Attendees: International Relations Ambassador, Director General of Citizen Safety Office, Director General of Administration and Autonomy Bureau

• ●Award Items: Honorary Citizenship Certificate, commemorative items

• ●Ceremony Procedure: Presentation of certificate, commemorative photo session, informal meeting

Recipient Profile – Neil A. Koprowski

• ●Rank: Rear Admiral, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea

• ●Service Period: Since 2023

• ●Contributions:

• ○Strengthened Korea-U.S. naval cooperation and regional security

• ○Led multiple joint exercises to improve interoperability between the two navies

• ○Enhanced Busan’s international status as a key Korea-U.S. naval alliance city

• ○Promoted bilateral friendship through strategic coordination and public diplomacy