By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

The 10th Global Korean Politicians Forum, which brings together current and former Korean politicians from around the world, kicked off on Aug. 20 at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul.

The event, themed “Global politicians in the world, designing the future beyond the inflection point,” was the largest ever. More than 100 participants from 14 countries attended.

Speaker Woo Won-sik of the National Assembly, Representative Na Kyung-won of the People Power Party, Representative Lee Ki-heon of the Democratic Party of Korea, Lee Sang-deok, commissioner of the Overseas Koreans Agency, and Chairman Chung Dae-cheol of the Constitutional Assembly of the Republic of Korea were among the VIP guests.

In a special lecture, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul explained the government's foreign policy, which aims to become a global pivotal country, and urged the audience to “strengthen our identity and bonds as Korean politicians and to build friendship across national and cultural barriers.”

In the opening remarks, Yeonah Martin, president of the World Council of Global Politicians, said, “It is important to build networks through the forum and empower them to serve as a bridge between Korea and their respective countries.”

In his congratulatory remarks, Lee Sang-deok, commissioner of the Overseas Koreans Agency, said, “I look forward to the gathering of wisdom that will lead to mutual development between Korea and the overseas Korean community, which will lead to human co-prosperity and world peace.” 

“The Overseas Koreans Agency will do its best to ensure that the change in the status of the overseas Korean community due to its growing political power will lead to the expansion of the collective capabilities of the Korean people around the world.”

“The success of Korean politicians, who are overcoming difficult conditions with a strong spirit of challenge and raising the status of Korea on the global political stage, is a source of great pride for all of us,” said Kim Young-geun, director of the Center.

There were also a number of congressional aides from around the world, including officers of the Korean American Congressional Aides Association of Los Angeles, which officially launched this year.

On the second day of the event, participants will share the challenges of global Korean politicians and have mentoring hours with overseas Korean scholars studying in Korea.

They will look back at the forum's achievements over the past decade and present their vision for the future, and invite Korean experts to discuss the four themes of peace and security, history and heritage, welfare, and education and culture.

On the third day, participants will visit the Pyeongtaek Seohae Guardian Hall, LG Innovation Gallery, and the Seoul K-Medi Center.