By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Bucheon City signed a business agreement with the French Embassy in Korea and the Korea Comics and Animation Promotion Agency at the Bucheon City Hall on Nov. 14 to promote artist exchanges in the graphic art field. This agreement was initiated to commemorate the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations in 2026. Through this agreement, the three institutions will jointly promote international artistic exchanges across all graphic arts, including illustration, comics, and graphic novels. They will operate a three-month long-term residency program t
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Hyundai Motor Company will provide official vehicles for the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company said on Nov. 17. The company will supply 30 STARIA multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) as official transportation for delegation staff from participating countries and support the summit’s successful operation. The G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg will be held November 22–23 under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.’ Launched in December 1999 with participation from 20 major economies, including the Republic of Korea and the
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The investment opportunities of Kazakhstan were presented at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Nov. 11 within the framework of the forum “K-Global Synergistic Leap Forum – Central Asia Edition.” The event was organized by Shinhan Bank with the support from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of the Republic of Korea, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event aimed to strengthen business partnerships between the Republic of Korea and the Central Asian countries, expand trade opportunities, and promote innovative solutions. The forum served
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, visited the state-of-the-art HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan as part of a series of high-level meetings held in Korea on 13–14 November 2025 to strengthen maritime and shipbuilding cooperation. These engagements are aligned with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to expand India’s commercial fleet, enhance domestic shipbuilding capacity, and boost global competitiveness across ship operations, shipyards and maritime plant sectors. Today’s visit builds on discussions w
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo A concert titled “Kazakhstan – Sounds of the Great Steppe” was held in Seoul. The event gathered more than 230 attendees, including representatives of government and public organizations, cultural and business circles of Korea, as well as international guests. In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Nurgali Arystanov emphasized that culture is one of the main bridges of friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of Kazakhstan and Korea. He noted: “Tonight is a celebration of music, dance, and fashion that reflects the spirit of Kazakhsta
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Gil-ju Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun visited the Bombardier assembly plant at Toronto Pearson International Airport on November 13, during his visit to Canada for the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Minister Cho noted Bombardier's significant contribution to enhancing the ROK's defense capabilities, highlighting that the company's "Global 6500" will serve as a common platform for special mission aircraft, including the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C), scheduled to be introduced into the ROK Air Force. The minister also noted his pleasure to witness
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 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 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 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