Lee Jae-myung tells Koreans in Vietnam he aims to deepen strategic cooperation

President Lee Jae-myung said April 22 (local time) that South Korea will expand cooperation with Vietnam in strategic areas including nuclear power, infrastructure and science and technology innovation, while stepping up coordination on global challenges such as supply chain stability, sustainable growth and climate change.

Speaking at a luncheon meeting with Koreans in Vietnam at a hotel in Hanoi during his state visit, Lee said he wants to develop the two countries’ cooperation — already at its highest level — into a more future-oriented and strategic partnership.

Lee noted that since diplomatic ties were established in 1992, the two countries have become each other’s third-largest trading partners within a generation. He said Vietnam is South Korea’s largest destination for investment, with about 10,000 South Korean companies operating there.

In 2022, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the two countries elevated relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Lee said South Korea and Vietnam “have a lot in common,” pointing to bonds across history, culture and the economy. He cited shared experiences of enduring foreign domination, overcoming hardship through their own efforts, and suffering the pain of division and war, adding that both are rooted in a Confucian cultural sphere that fosters close emotional ties.

Lee also singled out Kim Sang-sik, head coach of Vietnam’s national soccer team, who attended the luncheon. Noting that soccer is called the “king sport” in Vietnam, Lee joked that would make Kim the “king of kings,” calling it “something to be proud of.”

Lee referred to his time as mayor of Seongnam, when he served as owner of Seongnam FC, saying he is currently on trial after being accused of what he described as a “strange” offense while trying to help the club succeed.

Turning to the Korean community, Lee said the Korean population in Vietnam has grown to about 200,000, making it the largest Korean community in ASEAN and the world’s fifth-largest. He pledged active support.

He said about 100,000 South Korea-Vietnam multicultural families are a valuable foundation that connects the two countries “by blood,” but face difficulties. Lee said the “people-sovereignty government” will closely examine the challenges faced by overseas multicultural families and do its best to resolve them quickly as part of building an inclusive South Korea.

After Lee’s remarks, Yang Mo-se, president of the Korean Association in Hanoi, said South Korea and Vietnam are neighbors that share a resilient history of preserving their identity against outside powers and a spiritual foundation in Confucian culture. He asked for the homeland’s warm attention and support so Koreans in Vietnam can act with greater confidence and contribute to South Korea amid the deepening partnership.

Three community representatives shared their experiences: Pham Thi Nua, vice chair of the legal and administrative committee of the Vietnam council of the National Unification Advisory Council; Lee Yong-deuk, vice president of the Hanoi Korea-Vietnam Family Association; and Jung Ye-won, president of the Hanoi Korean Students Association.

Pham said she was born in Vietnam but has regarded South Korea as her second home since forming a family with her South Korean husband 28 years ago. She said she will continue to do her best to serve as a bridge between the two countries as a “civilian diplomat.”

Lee Yong-deuk said there are about 8,000 Korea-Vietnam families in Vietnam, and that 40% of the elementary division at the Korean International School in Hanoi are children of Korea-Vietnam families. He urged support so second-generation children can grow into true leaders linking the two countries.

Jung described the students association’s roles, including protecting students’ lives and rights and supporting summit interpretation and overseas voting-site operations.

After listening, Lee said the South Korea-Vietnam partnership, built on shared experience of overcoming adversity, is not a coincidence but an inevitable result created by Koreans living in Vietnam. He said that although they live outside South Korea, overseas Koreans often show even greater concern for the homeland, and he pledged continued government support so they can work in a more stable environment. He also said he would consider a system to better reflect overseas Koreans’ views.

A cultural performance followed, with the Hanoi Boys and Girls Choir singing the children’s song “Mungge Cloud,” and the Hanoi Traditional Korean Music Research Institute’s “Sori Dongne” presenting an “Arirang” medley.