President Lee Jae-myung met with Korean expatriates in Germany on August 2, promising to ensure that their voices lead to real policy and institutional changes.
During a luncheon meeting at a hotel in Frankfurt, President Lee stated, "I will make sure that you can trust the government to listen to your stories and take action, no matter where you are in the world."
According to a written briefing by Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong, about 150 members of the Korean community from the southern region of Germany, including leaders from Korean associations, economic organizations, and professionals, attended the meeting.
After completing a tour of San Francisco and three South American countries, President Lee, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, met with Korean workers, businesspeople, and representatives from Korean associations and senior citizen groups.
President Lee mentioned a survey of overseas Koreans' grievances that began earlier this year, noting that approximately 42 complaints had been reported 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 others can be addressed easily."
He explained the background of the meeting, saying, "I had to refuel somewhere after my trip to South America, and I thought it would be meaningful to stop here. I felt that Frankfurt was the most important place to meet you quickly."
President Lee acknowledged that official visits to Germany typically lead him to Berlin, making it difficult to meet with the community. He expressed a desire to connect with overseas Koreans whenever possible.
He emphasized the significance of the meeting, stating, "This gathering was created to share the situation in our homeland and to reflect your voices in the governance of South Korea as much as possible."
Notably, President Lee highlighted 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 miracles of the Rhine and the Han rivers. Your lives are reflected in that history."
President Lee noted that the contributions of those who dedicated their youth as miners and nurses extend beyond economic achievements. He praised them for demonstrating the diligence and responsibility of Koreans in German society, fostering trust in South Korea.
He expressed gratitude to the first-generation Korean nurses for establishing Korean language schools and passing on their language and culture to their children. "Korean language schools are spaces that connect generations and serve as a focal point for the expatriate community. I extend my deep respect and gratitude for your sacrifices, dedication, and remarkable efforts," he said.
The role of Korean businesses and expatriate entrepreneurs in Germany was also highlighted. President Lee stated, "Korean companies in Frankfurt and throughout Hesse are proving South Korea's competitiveness in the automotive, electronics, finance, logistics, bio, and high-tech sectors."
He added, "The true competitiveness of a company is realized when it earns deep trust within the local community. You, who are building that trust, are the core of South Korea's competitiveness."
President Lee noted that interest in Korean culture, which began with K-pop, films, dramas, and food, is expanding in German society to include the Korean language, studying abroad, employment, and Korean companies and technology.
He praised the expatriates, saying, "If businesses showcase South Korea's capabilities and culture broadens the goodwill towards our country, you can connect that capability and goodwill with strong trust. You are true ambassadors of private diplomacy."
During the open discussion, four expatriates, including Park Hwa-ja, a representative of the first-generation nurses, shared their experiences settling in Germany and their hopes for their homeland.
Reflecting on her 60 years in Germany, Park expressed pride in being a small root in the Korean community. She added, "I hope that South Korea continues to develop into a country that values its citizens and expatriates, earning the trust and respect of the world."
Kim Byung-hak, president of the European Korean Intellectual Property Association and son of a former miner, paid tribute to the laborers who dedicated their youth in Germany.
He requested, "I ask the President to establish policies that allow all Koreans, both domestically and abroad, to unite and contribute to building a proud and strong South Korea."
Dr. Kim Soo-ji, a dentist, stated that she is committed to her profession to honor her parents' diligence and pride as laborers, urging, "Please create a South Korea where citizens can feel pride no matter where they are."
Go Ye-chan, a civil servant in Hesse's labor department, remarked, "The German government also considers Korea a strategic partner. I take pride in having roots in South Korea as I witness its changing status."
After listening to the expatriates' remarks, President Lee acknowledged, "The Korean community in Germany has been deeply involved in the development of Korean democracy."
He emphasized the need to uncover the truth about past pains and to continue establishing measures to prevent their recurrence.
President Lee urged the expatriates to maintain their interest in their homeland, stating, "You can view South Korea more objectively from afar."
Earlier, Jo Yoon-sun, president of the Southern Germany Korean Association, welcomed the attendees, stating, "The Korean community in Germany has a deep history of over 100 years, starting from independence activists like Im Lee-ryeok during the Japanese occupation to the Korean laborers who followed."
Jo described the Korean community in Germany as one that intertwines past dedication, present challenges, and future hopes, expressing hope that the President's visit would comfort the expatriates and strengthen their connection to their homeland.
In a cultural performance, the Frankfurt Korean Choir, led by the first-generation nurses, sang songs such as 'Meeting,' 'In the Flower Garden,' and 'Longing for Geumgangsan,' marking its 40th anniversary.
With this expatriate meeting, President Lee concluded his official schedule during his tour of the United States, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, and began his journey back home.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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