The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is already operating meetings for economic security officers at overseas missions, urging collaboration with local businesses and relevant organizations to resolve corporate challenges. In this context, Aju Economy examines the roles and significance of overseas missions through the current status of domestic and international envoys.
“We can see a phenomenon where various elements, such as national strategic cooperation, industrial collaboration, technology transfer, joint research and development, weapon system maintenance, personnel training and exchanges, and joint exercises, are being organically combined beyond simple arms exports.”
Seong-il, President of Hanwha Aerospace MENA, highlighted these characteristics of recent overseas defense and security cooperation in an interview with Aju Economy on July 20.
Seong-il stated, “When addressing defense and security issues between countries in the diplomatic field, a higher understanding of the counterpart's defense and acquisition systems, organizational structures, and decision-making processes is required. When special envoys with relevant experience are active, it positively impacts cooperation between the two countries.”
Hanwha Aerospace MENA was established in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in September 2025. It serves as a regional control tower overseeing existing operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, and other areas.
The Middle East has already become a key strategic partner for South Korea in diplomacy, security, and economic fields. Countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, are actively pursuing large-scale military enhancements and the development of their defense industries.
In response, the South Korean government is working to develop strategic partnerships with domestic defense companies that include technology transfer, joint development, local production, maintenance, and personnel training.
Seong-il explained the advantages of special envoys by stating, “By sufficiently understanding the purpose and characteristics of the projects the host country is pursuing, we can more effectively support essential solutions during cooperation between the governments and companies of both countries.”
For example, if the host country prefers wheeled artillery in its procurement project, it may be possible to recommend the K9, which has proven capabilities in rugged terrain and extreme climate conditions, while suggesting the development of the wheeled K9-MH for flat and well-developed road areas, thus proposing new requirements.
The Lee Jae-myung administration has set the goal of becoming one of the world’s top four defense exporters as a national agenda. The role of special envoys is crucial to realizing this goal, especially as countries are increasing their defense budgets.
It is also necessary to expand defense cooperation beyond the Middle East to Southeast Asia and South America. Um Hyo-sik, Director of the Korea Defense Security Forum, noted, “There are many areas for defense cooperation with Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and South America is also a place where we need to start anew. Sending special envoys to build cooperative relationships is very necessary.”
However, the special envoy system also has areas that need improvement. Critics point out that there is no objective evaluation system for assessing the diplomatic abilities or expertise of candidates for special missions during the selection process. There is a need to shed the label that it has become a tool for distributing positions as favors. Some suggest that candidates for special envoys, who receive vice-ministerial treatment, should undergo a National Assembly confirmation hearing. Additionally, establishing a training system for special envoys is necessary.
Seong-il stated, “To enhance the positive effects of special envoys, it is necessary to consider complementing their roles with deputy envoys, as they may lack capabilities compared to professional diplomats.”
Seong-il, President of Hanwha Aerospace MENA, highlighted these characteristics of recent overseas defense and security cooperation in an interview with Aju Economy on July 20.
Seong-il stated, “When addressing defense and security issues between countries in the diplomatic field, a higher understanding of the counterpart's defense and acquisition systems, organizational structures, and decision-making processes is required. When special envoys with relevant experience are active, it positively impacts cooperation between the two countries.”
Hanwha Aerospace MENA was established in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in September 2025. It serves as a regional control tower overseeing existing operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, and other areas.
The Middle East has already become a key strategic partner for South Korea in diplomacy, security, and economic fields. Countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, are actively pursuing large-scale military enhancements and the development of their defense industries.
In response, the South Korean government is working to develop strategic partnerships with domestic defense companies that include technology transfer, joint development, local production, maintenance, and personnel training.
Seong-il explained the advantages of special envoys by stating, “By sufficiently understanding the purpose and characteristics of the projects the host country is pursuing, we can more effectively support essential solutions during cooperation between the governments and companies of both countries.”
For example, if the host country prefers wheeled artillery in its procurement project, it may be possible to recommend the K9, which has proven capabilities in rugged terrain and extreme climate conditions, while suggesting the development of the wheeled K9-MH for flat and well-developed road areas, thus proposing new requirements.
The Lee Jae-myung administration has set the goal of becoming one of the world’s top four defense exporters as a national agenda. The role of special envoys is crucial to realizing this goal, especially as countries are increasing their defense budgets.
It is also necessary to expand defense cooperation beyond the Middle East to Southeast Asia and South America. Um Hyo-sik, Director of the Korea Defense Security Forum, noted, “There are many areas for defense cooperation with Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and South America is also a place where we need to start anew. Sending special envoys to build cooperative relationships is very necessary.”
However, the special envoy system also has areas that need improvement. Critics point out that there is no objective evaluation system for assessing the diplomatic abilities or expertise of candidates for special missions during the selection process. There is a need to shed the label that it has become a tool for distributing positions as favors. Some suggest that candidates for special envoys, who receive vice-ministerial treatment, should undergo a National Assembly confirmation hearing. Additionally, establishing a training system for special envoys is necessary.
Seong-il stated, “To enhance the positive effects of special envoys, it is necessary to consider complementing their roles with deputy envoys, as they may lack capabilities compared to professional diplomats.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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