Lee: "7 Million Overseas Koreans Are 7 Million Local Hubs; Supporting Overseas Koreans Is an Investment"

[Financial News] President Lee Jae Myung said on the 28th, "The government's support for Overseas Koreans is not a one-sided benefit provided to people living abroad." He added, "I believe it is a highly efficient investment that enables Korea and Overseas Koreans to support each other and sustain the networks formed around the world for generations to come."
President Lee made the remarks in a commemorative address after attending the 20th Korean Day ceremony held that afternoon in Songdo International City, Incheon. He said, "The 7 million Overseas Koreans living in 181 countries around the world are 7 million local hubs connecting Korea to the world."
President Lee said, "As the world focuses its attention on Korea, the role of Overseas Koreans is becoming equally greater and more important." He added, "Our Government of the People is completely reshaping its policy toward Overseas Koreans," and stated, "The voices of Overseas Koreans are the starting point for all policies concerning them."
He explained, "We are listening broadly to the proposals and difficulties raised by Overseas Koreans around the world, and whenever we make an overseas trip, we make a point of meeting with you in person and listening carefully to voices from the field." He continued, "I regularly instruct diplomatic missions abroad to communicate with Korean nationals and Overseas Koreans as if they were meeting their neighbors, to record their views in their daily work, and to convey them to the Korean government."
He pledged, "Our government will not allow your voices to end merely as 'suggestions,' pleas, or lamentations." He added, "We will use the difficulties faced by Overseas Koreans as the starting point for improving institutions, and ensure that good proposals lead to policies and budgets and are ultimately implemented."

He also emphasized the role played by Overseas Koreans in Korea's development. President Lee said, "I believe this achievement, which is nothing short of a miracle, was made possible by the tireless efforts, dedication, and sacrifices of our people, together with the painstaking efforts of Overseas Koreans."
He also noted, "Because Overseas Koreans built their lives in unfamiliar lands, endured prejudice and discrimination, and earned the trust of their local communities through nothing but diligence and a sense of responsibility, Korea was able to achieve such remarkable growth and development in a short period while gaining recognition from people around the world."
President Lee said, "If the 7 million Overseas Koreans and our 52 million people are connected as one greater Korea, I am confident that we can move forward with greater strength as a country trusted even more by the world and one that contributes to a better future for humanity." He emphasized, "Let us build together an 'irreplaceable Korea' that no one else can take our place in creating."


[email protected] Choi Jong-geun Reporter