President Lee Jae-myung met with the Korean community in Germany on August 2, promising, "I will ensure that your voices lead to real changes in policies and systems."
During a luncheon held at a hotel in Frankfurt, he stated, "I will pay closer attention so that overseas Koreans, no matter where they are in the world, can believe that the government listens to their concerns and takes action."
On his way back from a tour of San Francisco and three South American countries, President Lee, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, met with over 100 attendees, including Korean workers, businesspeople, and representatives from Korean associations and schools.
He mentioned a survey of overseas Koreans' grievances conducted earlier this year, noting, "I have been informed that about 42 complaints have been received from Germany."
He added, "There are likely many more, and I expect to hear a lot today. Some issues may be difficult to resolve immediately, but there are also those that can be addressed easily."
Explaining the background of the meeting, President Lee said, "I had to refuel somewhere after my trip to South America, and I thought it would be inappropriate to just pass by. I considered where I needed to meet quickly, and it seems Frankfurt was the chosen location."
He noted that official visits to Germany usually take him to Berlin, making it difficult to meet with the community, and expressed his desire to connect with overseas Koreans whenever possible.
President Lee emphasized that this year marks the 60th anniversary of Korean nurses stepping foot at Frankfurt Airport in 1966.
He remarked, "Korea and Germany have risen from the pains of war and division, astonishing the world with the economic miracles of the Rhine and the Han rivers. Your lives are reflected in that history."
He acknowledged the contributions of those who dedicated their youth as miners and nurses, stating, "What they achieved is not just economic success; they showcased the diligence and responsibility of Koreans to German society and built trust in Korea."
President Lee also expressed gratitude for the efforts of the first generation of overseas Koreans who established Korean language schools to pass on the language and culture to their children. He said, "Korean schools are spaces that connect generations and serve as a focal point for the community, and I express my deep respect and gratitude for their sacrifices, dedication, and remarkable efforts."
He highlighted the role of Korean companies and businesspeople in Germany, stating, "Korean companies in Frankfurt and throughout Hesse are proving Korea's competitiveness in the automotive, electronics, finance, logistics, bio, and high-tech sectors."
He emphasized, "The true competitiveness of a company is realized when it earns deep trust in the local community, and you, the overseas Koreans building that trust, are the core of Korea's competitiveness."
Additionally, he noted that interest in Korean culture, starting from K-pop, films, dramas, and food, is expanding in German society to include the Korean language, studying abroad, employment, and Korean companies and technology.
President Lee stated, "If companies showcase Korea's capabilities and culture broadens goodwill toward Korea, you can connect that capability and goodwill with strong trust. You are the true civilian diplomats."
In her welcoming remarks, Jo Yoon-sun, president of the Korean Association in Southern Germany, said, "The Korean community in Germany is a collective where past dedication, present challenges, and future hopes are intertwined. I hope the president's visit will comfort the hearts of the community and strengthen the connection with our homeland."
President Lee concluded the meeting with the Korean community, marking the end of his official schedule during his tour of the United States, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, as he began his journey back home.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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