Mudhafar Yousif Hamad, Logistics Officer at the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Office in Erbil, has achieved a remarkable feat by securing the top position in a performance competition held among all 47 KOICA overseas offices worldwide.

KOICA is a pivotal South Korean governmental organization responsible for executing the country’s humanitarian aid, technical assistance, and developmental programs. Since its establishment in 2004, KOICA has spearheaded various strategic projects, benefiting thousands of employees from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) through training courses in South Korea.

Since 2005, Hamad has diligently served as a logistics officer at the Consulate of the Republic of Korea and the KOICA Office in Erbil. His unwavering dedication has significantly contributed to realizing the goals and vision of KOICA and the South Korean Government in the Kurdistan Region.

Hamad’s exemplary service spanning over 19 years has garnered him numerous accolades and honors from the Republic of Korea. Recognized as a stalwart and capable individual, he has emerged as a crucial bridge between the Kurdistan Region and South Korea, facilitating the implementation of several service projects by KOICA in the region.

On February 22, 2024, in a ceremony attended by Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Erbil Seungcheol Lim, Resident Representative of KOICA in Erbil Kim Seokberm, President of the KOICA Alumni Association in Kurdistan Dr. Mahdi Noraden, and esteemed experts and directors from the public and private sectors, KOICA honored Hamad for his outstanding contributions. His selection as the top performer among 47 countries underscores his exceptional skills, expertise, and unwavering commitment to his work, bringing immense pride to himself and the Kurdistan Region.

Born in 1981 in Erbil, Hamad first encountered Korean culture in 2006 when he forged friendships with Korean citizens, marking the beginning of a lasting bond. His extensive network, cultivated over nearly two decades of collaboration, has bridged gaps between ordinary citizens and facilitated partnerships with senior South Korean figures, paving the way for substantial grants and projects in the Kurdistan Region.

Reflecting on his bond with South Korea, Hamad recounts an anecdote from 2006 when he decided to include his Korean friends and colleagues in his wedding celebration. Despite initial familial reservations rooted in cultural norms, Hamad’s mother, Galawezh, supported his decision. Inviting 15 Korean colleagues proved to be a pivotal moment, fostering mutual respect and understanding between the two cultures. This gesture not only earned admiration from family and acquaintances but also led to an enduring friendship between Hamad and his Korean counterparts.

Hamad’s home is adorned with memorabilia of his journey, showcasing a myriad of certificates and honors, testimony to the strength of his relationship with the Republic of Korea. His affinity for Korean cuisine, evident in his daily meals, further underscores the depth of his connection with Korean culture.

Shame Bayiz is a Kurdish journalist and correspondent for Kurdistan24 TV.