By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Embassy of Tajikistan in Seoul hosted a celebration for the country's 34th Independence Day on September 12, 2025. The event brought together Tajik citizens living and studying in the Republic of Korea, as well as Korean friends. In his address, Ambassador Salohiddin Kirom congratulated his compatriots and highlighted the country's progress under President Emomali Rahmon's leadership. He stated that Tajikistan is "moving with firm steps towards its bright and prosperous future, in step with other developed countries." The Ambassador also noted Tajikistan's
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyu-baek met with Commander Samuel J. Paparo of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan on September 14, 2025, and discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and ways to develop the ROK-U.S. alliance. Minister Ahn acknowledged that the Indo-Pacific Command plays a pivotal role in safeguarding not only the security of the Korean Peninsula but also the peace and stability of the entire Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized that the Command's importance is particularly significant as it
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The following article was contributed by Тulkin Teshabaev, Rector of Tashkent State University of Economics, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, to the Diplomacy Journal for publication through the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul. –Ed. Today, it can be stated without exaggeration that representatives of the entire business community across the country had been eagerly anticipating traditional Open Dialogue between the Head of state and entrepreneurs. As noted by the President, this is not merely a forum, but a platform for lively and sincere dialogue that pl
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Korea-Arab Society co-hosted a seminar titled “Why Our Future Lies in the Middle East?” with the National Assembly's Global Diplomacy and Security Forum on September 11 at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeoui-do, Seoul. Sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the seminar focused on discussing Korea-Middle East cooperation strategies in the core future industries of AI, hydrogen, and defense. Approximately 100 participants attended, including National Assembly members, the Arab diplomatic corps in Korea, business leaders, and student
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo South Korea's weapons exports to NATO member states over the past five years are second only to those of the U.S., the Korea. Net reported. Korea is an emerging power in the global weapons sector due to swift delivery and competitive pricing. The British weekly Economist on Aug. 31 said this in quoting a report in March by the Sweden-based Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, "Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2024." Korea tied with France from 2020-24 for second place in arms exports to NATO member countries with 6.5% each. The U.S., the wor
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) hosted an exclusive closed-door roundtable on September 14 with Christopher Landau, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, during his first official visit to Seoul as Deputy Secretary. Held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, the meeting brought together senior executives from leading U.S. and Korean companies across industries including automotive, airlines, healthcare, ICT and digital services, and steel. With Korean investments in the United States continuing to grow, participants engaged in candid discussions on strengtheni
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young President Lee Jae-myung said on September 11, “In keeping with my promise to become a ‘President for All’ who embraces and serves every citizen, I will move forward with politics and administration of unity.” During a press conference marking his 100th day in office held at the Blue House State Guest House, President Lee pledged, “From today until the final day of my term, I will devote myself entirely to building a ‘nation where the people are the masters, a Republic of Korea where we are all happy together.’” President Lee reflected, “It has already been 10
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo With just one year remaining until the opening of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, the D-365 commemorative event was held at the Ocean Plaza of the Yeosu World Expo Site on September 5. Organized by the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo Organizing Committee, this event aimed to raise awareness of the Island Expo and build pre-event excitement. Over 2,000 participants attended, including Yeosu citizens, domestic and international visitors, and island residents. The event commenced with an opening video and subsequent videos featured congratulatory messages from over
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ICCK), in collaboration with Khaitan & Co., a top-tier leading law firm in India, held a business seminar on “India Market Insights: A Guide for Korean Investors” at Andaz Seoul Gangnam Hotel on Sept. 9, 2025. At the business seminar designed to guide Korean investors through the practical aspects of doing business in India, Ramesh Iyer, Chairman of ICCK, said in a welcoming address, “During the seminar, we will offer key insights and real-world case studies to help understand crucial business and regulatory consider
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The following article was contributed by Аziza Аminova, Member of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, to the Diplomacy Journal for publication through the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul. –Ed. The tourism industry, as one of the largest and most profitable sectors of the global economy, accounts for nearly 10 percent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Ranking third after the automotive and oil and gas industries, it attracts 7 percent of global investments. Tourism is also recognized as a sector that contributes to improving environmental condi
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Seoul Olympic Memorial Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO), led by Chairman Ha Hyung-joo, held a reoperation ceremony on September 16, 2025 for the fountain donated by Korea’s brother nation, Turkiye, during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Held near the Turkiye Fountain in Olympic Park, the event was attended by Chairman Ha Hyung-joo; Ambassador Salih Murat Tamer of the Republic of Turkiye to the Republic of Korea; Songpa-gu Mayor Seo Kang-seok; Songpa Forum Chairman Hong Jae-sung; Kim Yong-jong, Superintendent General of the Songpa Police Station; Kim Na-mi,
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, currently visiting the United States, met with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio on September 10 (local time). They exchanged views on the swift resolution of the situation involving Korean nationals detained in Georgia by U.S. authorities, follow-up measures to the Korea-U.S. summit (August 25), high-level Korea-U.S. diplomatic schedules, and North Korea issues. Minister Cho conveyed President Lee Jae-myung's special regards to President Donald Trump and expressed the expectation that the strong ROK-U.S.
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) hosted the “Blockchain Seminar 2025” on Sept. 10 at the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas under the theme “Bridging Worlds: Traditional Finance Meets the Digital Economy.” The event brought together over 70 leaders from multinational corporations, financial institutions, and technology firms to explore how blockchain innovation is reshaping the global financial system and Korea’s role in this transformation. The seminar featured a distinguished lineup of global experts and thought leaders who shared insights
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Samsung Electronics announced on Sept. 8 that its 2025 OLED TV (S95F model) has been officially certified as a Real Black display by the Verband der Elektrotechnik (VDE), a leading electrical engineering certification institute in Germany. By meeting the required standards to be genuinely considered Real Black, Samsung has proven that its OLED technology delivers a true black viewing experience. The certification validates the OLED display’s crisp, reflection-free images with near-perfect blacks measured below 0.005 nits in dark environments, as well as black a
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met separately with U.S. Senators Andy Kim (Democrat, New Jersey), Todd Young (Republican, Indiana), and Bill Hagerty (Republican, Tennessee) in Washington on September 10 and 11 (local time), exchanging views on the detention of Korean nationals and measures to improve the visa system to prevent recurrence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on September 12. Minister Cho stated, “Our citizens are deeply concerned about the situation where a large number of our professional personnel, who visited the U.S. to faithfully carry out i