By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Kia Corporation is collaborating with Disney to create a unique experience that brings beloved characters from the studio’s most iconic entertainment brands into Kia vehicles, the company said on Nov. 10. Available on models equipped with the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) based infotainment system, the new themes offer a wide range of immersive experiences inspired by the worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, National Geographic, and Star Wars. From The Lion King and Toy Story to The Avengers and The Mandalorian, these themes transform the interior into a
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in the Republic of Korea hosted a book launch ceremony in Seoul on Nov. 14 to celebrate the publication of “Oman and the Republic of Korea: Fifty Years of Diplomatic Relations,” marking half a century of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Lee Kyung-chul, High Representative for UN Security Council Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, alongside H.E. Zakariya bin Hamad Al Saadi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM), led by Chairman and CEO James Kim, met with Ju Biung-ghi, newly appointed Chairperson of the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), on Nov. 6 at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul to exchange views on the new administration’s fair trade policy direction and key issues faced by global companies operating in the Korean market. As part of Chairperson Ju’s ongoing series of industry outreach efforts following his appointment, this meeting served as a platform to discuss the new administration’s fair trade policy priorities a
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Korea, with the support of the Fund for Support to Azerbaijani Diaspora, organized a presentation of a newly published Korean translation of six chapters of the Azerbaijani epic “Kitabi-Dada Gorgud.” The event took place at Seoul National University and attracted representatives of South Korea’s academic and cultural circles, media, members of the Azerbaijani diaspora, and students. In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Ramin Hasanov highlighted the growing scientific and cultural ties between Azerbaij
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Gil-ju South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held talks with Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente on November 11 on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, addressing Mexico’s proposed tariff increases, the resumption of Korea–Mexico FTA negotiations, and challenges faced by Korean companies operating in Mexico. Minister Cho welcomed the Mexican government’s recent decision to suspend its planned tariff hikes and expressed hope that Korea would be excluded should Mexico decide to move forward with the increases in the future. He emphasized that
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI), led by President & CEO Marie Antonia von Schönburg, and the German Embassy Seoul co-hosted the Korean-German Climate & Environment Conference 2025 on November 13 at Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel, South Korea. This year’s conference, held under the theme “Boosting Energy Efficiency in Industry: Pathways to a Sustainable Future,” brought together over 80 government officials, business leaders, and climate experts from both countries. Participants explored strategies to combat climate
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo At a press conference held at the Embassy of Guatemala in Seoul on Nov. 13, Guatemalan Ambassador to Korea Sara Solis highlighted the excellence of Guatemalan coffee and expressed hopes of attracting more Korean tourists to experience the country’s rich culture and natural beauty. The ambassador emphasized that Guatemalan coffee, grown in volcanic soil at high altitudes above 1,500 meters, offers a rich aroma and balanced acidity that perfectly suit Korean tastes. “Koreans have a deep appreciation for quality coffee, and we believe Guatemala’s beans can bring t
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee Praying for the successful hosting of the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul, the ‘Concert of Love’ commemorating the 78th anniversary of the establishment of Jamwon-dong Cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul will be held on the evening of November 15 in the main sanctuary. This concert will be open to all, featuring free admission and open seating, designed as an inclusive festival for both parishioners and local residents. Amidst the gentle melodies enveloping late autumn, the parish community will share a time of faith filled with hope and love. Ahead of t
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Gil-ju Ambassador Yoon Jong-kwon, Director-General for International Cyber Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Chung Sung-hoon, Military Representative to NATO and the EU at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to Belgium (representing the Ministry of National Defense), held the first Korea-EU Security and Defense Dialogue in Brussels on December 11 with Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, Director of the Peace, Security and Defense Division, European External Action Service (EEAS). They shared assessments of the current international secur
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Hyundai Motor Group announced a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Nov. 11 with Pyeongtaek City and key partners to develop carbon-neutral hydrogen port initiatives. The partnership aims to establish Korean model for port decarbonization and contribute to national carbon neutrality goals. Under the agreement, Hyundai Motor Company will oversee hydrogen-related business strategy, while Kia Corporation and Hyundai Glovis Co. will introduce and operate hydrogen fuel cell power generators at their facilities in Pyeongtaek Port. The initiative aims to
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee The 21st Korea-Middle East Cooperation Forum was held in Doha, Qatar on November 10, under the auspices of the Korean and Qatari Ministries of Foreign Affairs. It was co-hosted by the Korea-Arab Society (KAS), the Jeju Peace Institute (JPI), and the Middle East Council on Global Affairs (MEC) of Qatar. The Korea-Middle East Cooperation Forum is a 1.5-track forum held alternately in Korea and the Middle East since 2003 to enhance mutual understanding, deepen practical cooperation, and strengthen human networks with influential Middle Eastern figures. Since 2022, i
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo LG Electronics showcased its ultra-premium built-in kitchen appliance brand, SKS, at Design Week Mexico 2025, one of Latin America’s largest design festivals, the company said on Nov. 7. As the exclusive home appliance brand partner of this year’s event, SKS successfully elevated its brand presence in the region, reaffirming its leadership in the global luxury built-in market. At Design House, the flagship exhibition of Design Week Mexico, visitors were invited to experience the full SKS lineup of ultra-premium built-in kitchen appliances, including the SKS ref
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Ambassador of Kazakhstan Nurgali Arystanov held a meeting with Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chairman of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), on the margins of Global Green Growth Week 2025. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation in the field of green development. Ambassador Arystanov expressed his appreciation to Mr. Ban for his significant contribution to strengthening bilateral cooperation, including through active participation in events organized by Kazakhstan. In this co
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Gil-ju Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, visiting Canada to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held his first bilateral meeting with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on November 11 (local time). Minister Cho congratulated Minister Cooper on her appointment (September 2025) and expressed hope to deepen practical cooperation between the two countries across various fields, including economy and trade, defense and security, and science and technology. He also expressed hope that the ongoing Korea-UK FTA improvement negotiations would be expedited, thereby further s
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The 16th Executive Committee meeting of the Secretariat of the Central Asia–Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum was held in Seoul, where participants discussed ways to strengthen partnerships between the countries of the region and the Republic of Korea. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the Forum Secretariat, and the Embassies of the Central Asian countries. The agenda covered the 2025 activities of the Secretariat and the main priorities for 2026, including preparations for the first Centr