Lee: "Eliminating Prejudice Against Migrant Workers Is the Path to Elevating Korea's National Dignity"
President Lee Mentions "K-Pop Demon Hunters": "Greater Solidarity Through Culture"
President Lee Jae Myung is giving a toast at the "President's Invitation, Dinner with the Diplomatic Corps in Korea" held at the Blue House State Guest House on the 15th. The event was attended by the diplomatic corps in Korea, the head of the presidential special envoy team, members of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, ministers of related ministries, and heads of economic organizations. Photo by Yonhap News
President Lee Jae-myung hosted a dinner with the diplomatic corps in Korea, expressing both his apologies and gratitude regarding the domestic political turmoil caused by the 12·3 Martial Law Incident. He also pledged to resolve issues of discrimination against foreigners residing in Korea.
On the 15th, President Lee attended the "President's Invitation, Dinner with the Diplomatic Corps in Korea" held at the Blue House State Guest House. This was the first time since his inauguration that President Lee invited the entire diplomatic corps in Korea. The dinner was attended by ambassadors from 117 resident embassies, including Joseph Yun, the Acting U.S. Ambassador to Korea, representatives from 30 international organizations, the head of the presidential special envoy group, members of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, relevant government ministers, heads of economic organizations, as well as senior officials from the presidential office and the government.
President Lee stated, "I believe that the political turmoil following the declaration of martial law must have caused significant difficulties for your diplomatic activities." He continued, "I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to all of you who have consistently trusted in Korea's democratic resilience and the strength of our people throughout the process of overcoming this crisis."
President Lee went on to say, "Because the new administration had to prepare for its launch in haste, we were unable to invite members of the diplomatic corps to the presidential inauguration ceremony last June." He added, "I understand that as ambassadors, you usually have two opportunities to meet the president of the host country in person: the credential presentation ceremony and the presidential inauguration. I regret that we were unable to provide you with one of these important opportunities."
Lee: "Eliminating Prejudice Against Migrant Workers Is the Path to Elevating Korea's National Dignity"
President Lee Jae Myung is toasting with Koichi Mizushima, the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, at the "President's Invitation, Dinner with the Diplomatic Corps in Korea" held at the Blue House State Guest House on the 15th. The event was attended by the diplomatic corps in Korea, the head of the presidential special envoy group, members of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, relevant government ministers, and heads of economic organizations. Photo by Yonhap News
President Lee expressed his determination to address the issue of discrimination against foreigners residing in Korea. He emphasized, "A globally responsible Korea, which we aspire to become, begins with building a society free from prejudice and discrimination." He continued, "Rather than lofty slogans, I believe that removing the cold stares and prejudices toward migrant workers living among us is the true way to elevate Korea's national dignity."
President Lee also stated, "Recently, there have been undesirable developments in Korea, such as the rise of xenophobic sentiments and human rights violations against migrant workers. I am fully aware of the seriousness of these issues and will respond accordingly." He pledged, "I promise to respond thoroughly to any acts of discrimination, violence, or human rights violations."
He further noted, "More than seven million Koreans live abroad, which is about 10% of the combined population of North and South Korea. I ask you to pay special attention to protecting the rights and safety of our citizens living in your countries."
President Lee Mentions "K-Pop Demon Hunters": "Greater Solidarity Through Culture"
President Lee Jae Myung is speaking at the "President's Invitation, Dinner with the Diplomatic Corps in Korea" held on the 15th at the Blue House State Guest House. The event was attended by the diplomatic corps in Korea, the head of the presidential special envoy group, members of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, relevant ministers, and heads of economic organizations. Photo by Yonhap News
President Lee continued, "The number of Koreans traveling abroad, as well as foreign tourists visiting Korea, has been steadily recovering since the pandemic. Last year, for the first time, the number of international students studying in Korea surpassed 200,000."
Mentioning the globally popular content "K-Pop Demon Hunters," President Lee analyzed, "Culture is now a global community without geographical or linguistic boundaries." He explained, "It is evolving in a way that brings together diverse capital, technology, talent, and platforms to create new value, with recognition of differences and the value of coexistence at its core." He asserted, "Through the power of culture, we can achieve greater solidarity, harmony, and cooperation."
Regarding the government's diplomatic policy, President Lee described it as "pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests." He said, "While continuing to cherish and maintain our strong existing relationships, we will seek various forms of cooperation and solidarity that enhance mutual interests, without being bound by any particular ideology, in order to respond flexibly to rapidly changing international circumstances."
Meanwhile, President Lee said, "I will continue to make efforts to interact with as many leaders as possible." He added, "In cases where in-person exchanges are limited, I plan to supplement them with letters and phone calls." He also mentioned upcoming international events such as the United Nations General Assembly in September, expressing his hope to meet and communicate with leaders on various occasions throughout the year.
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