President Lee says there have been "many changes over the past year" as he mentions British media report on Korea joining the G7

[Financial News] President Lee Jae Myung said on the 23rd that his attendance at the Group of Seven (G7) summit for a second consecutive year showed how differently the international community now views the Republic of Korea. "I felt that there have been many changes over the past year," he said.
At the State Council and Emergency Economic Review Meeting he chaired at the Blue House that day, Lee said, "I heard that British media published an article today saying that the Republic of Korea should be included in the G7."
Lee added, "Last year may have been because I had just taken office, but objectively speaking, many world leaders wanted bilateral meetings with the president of the Republic of Korea. In fact, we had so little time that it was difficult to accommodate all of them."
He went on to say, "Even by our own assessment, many countries are showing interest in the Republic of Korea's advanced industries and are asking for joint investment or for us to attract advanced industries here. In addition, a considerable number of countries are expressing interest in the defense industry and even asking me to give them priority in exports such as air defense systems. That is true not only in industry, but also in culture."
Lee also said, "What I felt in Europe this time is that foreign leaders say many things to me. Quite often, they tell me that someone in their family is very interested in Korean things and wants to visit Korea as soon as possible. I think the Republic of Korea has gained a special standing in cultural terms."
Lee said, "We do have many problems within our country, but I believe we can ease and resolve them while moving forward as a model nation and an ideal country for the world."
cjk@fnnews.com Choi Jong-geun Reporter