Jina Kim, New Vice Foreign Minister: "Pragmatic Diplomacy Is Not Just About Practical Interests... A Sophisticated Diplomatic Strategy"

Jina Kim, the Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs (age 46), stated on June 11, "Pragmatic diplomacy is not simply about pursuing practical interests." She added, "It is a sophisticated diplomatic strategy that balances values and interests, secures sufficient strategic autonomy, manages threats, and seizes opportunities."

Jina Kim, the newly appointed Second Vice Foreign Minister, is speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul on June 11, 2025. [Joint Coverage] Yonhap News Agency

At her inauguration ceremony held at 4:00 p.m. at the annex of the Government Complex Seoul, Vice Minister Kim said, "Truly complex strategic thinking and creative solutions are required." As a former professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and newly appointed Second Vice Minister responsible for multilateral and economic diplomacy, she advised, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should clearly set priorities based on national capabilities and interests, and seek sustainable approaches in each field."

Vice Minister Kim expressed concern, saying, "The international community is currently experiencing a period that is more complex and uncertain than ever before," and "Countries are prioritizing their own interests and pursuing protectionism and unilateralism." However, she emphasized, "Even amid crises, there are both challenges and opportunities for us," and added, "The new government's pursuit of pragmatic diplomacy with the goal of becoming a 'globally responsible nation' is precisely to meet the demands of this era."

She continued, "It is important to strengthen Korea's capacity to create norms in global governance," and said, "When Korea secures leadership in emerging global agendas, it will lead to opportunities for Korea to occupy a strategic position and strengthen its voice in the international community."

Vice Minister Kim also urged, "We must diversify and reinforce strategic partnerships centered on national interests," and stressed, "Diplomacy must provide tangible benefits to the lives of our people." She stated, "It is necessary to build tailored cooperation frameworks with the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and the Global South to further expand and strengthen supply chain stability, cooperation on new technologies, and development cooperation partnerships." She expressed her expectation that such diplomatic diversification "will reduce excessive dependence on specific countries or regions and contribute to securing the autonomy and flexibility of Korean diplomacy."

Finally, addressing the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vice Minister Kim said, "In times of crisis and challenge, your experience, wisdom, and innovative ideas are desperately needed," and added, "I hope we can communicate and cooperate together to open a new horizon for Korea's diplomacy."