“An 800-Year Bond Between Vietnam and the RoK and My Return”

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As the 26th-generation descendant of Prince Ly Long Tuong, I regard the milestone of 2026 not only as an occasion for commemoration, but as a moment for the two nations to continue transforming the depth of history into action for the future.

800 years of history - A foundation of trust and coexistence

I am the 26th-generation descendant of Prince Ly Long Tuong, a Vietnamese prince who sought refuge in Goryeo. Since Vietnam and the Republic of Korea re-established diplomatic relations in 1992, the two countries have reaffirmed their strong ties across diplomatic and cultural fields. Yet, viewed from the perspective of people-to-people relations, the historical connection between the Republic of Korea and Vietnam dates back to 1226.

This is not merely a story of the past; it is a history of trust and coexistence that has endured to this day. I hope that 2026 will serve as a meaningful occasion for us to remember and commemorate the historical solidarity that has lasted for 800 years between the two countries.

Lee Chang Kun (Vietnamese name: Ly Xuong Can )during his visit to Do Temple (Bac Ninh) in 1994. (Photo: Courtesy of the character)

I hope that the descendants of the Ly Dynasty will remember the records of the past, nurture their roots and Vietnamese cultural traditions for today’s younger generation, and convey traditional values and Vietnamese cultural identity to overseas Vietnamese and their descendants as sincere and enduring values passed from the present into the future. With this in mind, I share the thoughts that I have long kept in my heart.

Born and raised in the Republic of Korea, I first visited Vietnam - my ancestral homeland - in 1994. In 2010, I was granted Vietnamese citizenship and took the Vietnamese name Ly Xuong Can. This also provided me with the opportunity to be appointed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam as the first Vietnam Tourism Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, promoting the beauty of Vietnam and the long-standing historical bond between the two countries.

Lee Chang Kun speaks at Hanoi General University in 1994. (Photo: Courtesy of the character)

The title of Vietnam Tourism Ambassador is a position of great pride. I have served and continue to serve in this role for three consecutive terms from 2017 to 2029. As a descendant of the Ly Dynasty, I take pride in and will wholeheartedly devote myself to the development of tourism in both countries.

The historical link between the two nations, formed in 1226, goes far beyond mere historical records. It may be regarded as a rare case in the history of East Asian diplomacy that has continued to the present day through people-to-people exchanges, the endurance of culture, and shared values.

Lee Chang Kun introduces the content of the Thu Hang Mon Stele. (Photo: Courtesy of the character)

The Korean media quickly reported on this story and produced a one-hour documentary broadcast on the national television network KBS. From that point, the story spread widely and officially underscored the 800-year historical relationship between the Republic of Korea and Vietnam. Today, it has become a symbol of connection between the two nations.

I still remember the remarks of President Kim Young-sam during his first state visit to Vietnam in 1996. He stated: “At present, there are approximately 200 families living in the Republic of Korea who are descendants of Prince Ly Long Tuong of Vietnam’s Ly Dynasty, who settled in Korea more than 700 years ago.” At that time, the atmosphere in the banquet hall of the Presidential Palace was filled with warmth and friendliness, and that scene remains vivid in my memory to this day.

An 800-year bond and the responsibility to act

The life of my ancestor, Prince Ly Long Tuong, was marked by dramatic circumstances. Tracing back 800 years, while fleeing turmoil, he was caught in a storm and drifted to Goryeo - a historical name collectively referring to South Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea - where he was welcomed by the King of Goryeo and granted land to settle.

During two subsequent Mongol invasions, he assisted the King of Goryeo in defeating the Mongol forces. His wisdom and bravery were commemorated in the Thu Hang Mon Stele, erected to honor his contributions and pass down his legacy to future generations.

Lee Chang Kun meets General Vo Nguyen Giap. (Photo: Courtesy of the character)

During his lifetime, he rode a white horse throughout his military campaigns and was known as the “White Horse General.” In recognition of these achievements, Prince Ly Long Tuong became the founding ancestor of the distinguished Lee Hwasan clan of Korea. This is regarded as a milestone marking the cultural link between the two nations dating back 800 years.

As a descendant of the Lee Hwasan clan, I returned to Vietnam in 1994, 769 years after the exile of my ancestor, Ly Long Tuong. There, I received a warm welcome from the Vietnamese Government. As a result, I became the first dual citizen of the Republic of Korea and Vietnam. I believe I fulfilled the long-cherished wish of Prince Ly Long Tuong, who always hoped to return to his homeland.

I am convinced that this precious 800-year bond will serve as a key to unlocking the future of the Republic of Korea and Vietnam. The fact that Samsung Electronics, a leading Korean company, has established operations in Bac Ninh Province - homeland of the Ly Dynasty - further deepens the symbolic significance of this historical connection.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong presenting a Certificate of Merit to Lee Chang Kun Vietnam Tourism Ambassador to the Republic of Korea. (Photo: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)

With the two names Lee Chang Kun ( my Korean name) and Ly Xuong Can (my Vietnamese name), I hope this year to realize a cultural, diplomatic, and tourism project commemorating the 800th anniversary of the Republic of Korea-Vietnam relations.

First and foremost, I aspire to develop and disseminate diverse storytelling content, including the production of webtoons, television dramas, and feature films based on the story of Prince Ly Long Tuong. As a Tourism Ambassador, I firmly believe that cultural diplomacy is, in essence, tourism. I aim to create a positive cycle in which cultural diplomacy promotes tourism, which in turn expands cultural exchange through travel.

To achieve this goal, I am developing tourism content and promotional activities on social media platforms, while also seeking co-production opportunities for joint tourism content with financial support from relevant ministries, including the Ministries of Culture, Sports and Tourism of both countries.

Furthermore, I hope to build a more accessible and credible promotional model capable of supporting sustainable cultural diplomacy through public–private partnerships. I believe that this profound and remarkable 800-year bond will continue to connect present-day the Republic of Korea - Vietnam relations and strengthen them in the future.

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