Diplomacy is becoming increasingly complex, influenced by factors such as the prolonged Middle East conflict and U.S. tariff pressures.
Lee Jae-myung, the President of South Korea, recently stated, "We must accelerate the economic transformation in the second half of the year," urging that 2026 be remembered as the year South Korea becomes an irreplaceable nation with a potential growth rate of 3%, a global trade ranking of 4th, and a national income of $50,000.
To support this, the role of diplomacy is crucial. President Lee emphasized, "For South Korea to achieve greater leaps and sustained growth, a more stable and peaceful global order is essential," adding, "Although the global order is currently very unstable, our government will steadfastly fulfill its role and responsibilities as a global responsible power based on practical diplomacy centered on national interests."
To achieve practical diplomacy for national interests, a diversification of diplomacy is necessary. The special envoy system allows the president to appoint experts, not current diplomats, to handle specific diplomatic tasks. This enables the strengthening of diplomatic capabilities for national interests by bringing in external personnel with expertise and experience in areas such as economy, culture, and security.
Special envoys share the president's governance philosophy and are expected to leverage a broad network in the private sector to create tangible national benefits. The government plans to appoint 30 to 40 special envoys after its inauguration to seek strategic diplomatic diversification.
Many countries are currently experiencing direct and indirect impacts from the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East. The importance of diplomatic personnel with specific expertise is growing beyond traditional concepts in international diplomacy.
A notable area is defense. The Lee Jae-myung administration has set a national goal of becoming a "global defense export powerhouse."
Currently, former Deputy Commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, Kang Shin-cheol, serves as the ambassador to Saudi Arabia; former Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Choi Hyun-guk is the ambassador to Colombia; former Air Force Chief of Staff Park In-ho is the ambassador to Israel; and former Navy Chief of Staff Boo Seok-jong is the ambassador to Turkey.
Ambassador Choi is a former commander of the 16th Fighter Wing, which was the first unit to deploy South Korea's domestically produced FA-50 fighter jets. The Colombian Air Force is reportedly considering the introduction of the FA-50. The previous ambassador to Colombia, Lee Wang-geun, was also a former Air Force Chief of Staff.
Seong Il, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), stated, "By actively utilizing special envoys with experience and expertise in strategic regions like the Middle East, we can further enhance South Korea's diplomatic power, defense export competitiveness, and national strategic partnerships."
Lee Jae-myung, the President of South Korea, recently stated, "We must accelerate the economic transformation in the second half of the year," urging that 2026 be remembered as the year South Korea becomes an irreplaceable nation with a potential growth rate of 3%, a global trade ranking of 4th, and a national income of $50,000.
To support this, the role of diplomacy is crucial. President Lee emphasized, "For South Korea to achieve greater leaps and sustained growth, a more stable and peaceful global order is essential," adding, "Although the global order is currently very unstable, our government will steadfastly fulfill its role and responsibilities as a global responsible power based on practical diplomacy centered on national interests."
To achieve practical diplomacy for national interests, a diversification of diplomacy is necessary. The special envoy system allows the president to appoint experts, not current diplomats, to handle specific diplomatic tasks. This enables the strengthening of diplomatic capabilities for national interests by bringing in external personnel with expertise and experience in areas such as economy, culture, and security.
Special envoys share the president's governance philosophy and are expected to leverage a broad network in the private sector to create tangible national benefits. The government plans to appoint 30 to 40 special envoys after its inauguration to seek strategic diplomatic diversification.
Many countries are currently experiencing direct and indirect impacts from the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East. The importance of diplomatic personnel with specific expertise is growing beyond traditional concepts in international diplomacy.
A notable area is defense. The Lee Jae-myung administration has set a national goal of becoming a "global defense export powerhouse."
Currently, former Deputy Commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, Kang Shin-cheol, serves as the ambassador to Saudi Arabia; former Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Choi Hyun-guk is the ambassador to Colombia; former Air Force Chief of Staff Park In-ho is the ambassador to Israel; and former Navy Chief of Staff Boo Seok-jong is the ambassador to Turkey.
Ambassador Choi is a former commander of the 16th Fighter Wing, which was the first unit to deploy South Korea's domestically produced FA-50 fighter jets. The Colombian Air Force is reportedly considering the introduction of the FA-50. The previous ambassador to Colombia, Lee Wang-geun, was also a former Air Force Chief of Staff.
Seong Il, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), stated, "By actively utilizing special envoys with experience and expertise in strategic regions like the Middle East, we can further enhance South Korea's diplomatic power, defense export competitiveness, and national strategic partnerships."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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