President Yoon Suk Yeol met with members of the Korean community in Brazil on July 28, stating that he has instructed overseas diplomatic missions to engage more frequently with local Koreans and gather their opinions.
During a luncheon in a hotel in São Paulo, Yoon remarked, "Why does the state exist? It is here to solve your difficulties and provide assistance." He promised the over 200 attendees that their concerns would be actively reflected in policies regarding overseas citizens and diplomatic relations.
Yoon encouraged ambassadors and consuls to meet with expatriates and overseas citizens in their regions, emphasizing that diplomatic missions should not feel like they are merely existing without purpose. He stated, "I have told them to meet often and listen closely."
He also outlined a plan to utilize diplomatic channels to address issues related to local governments and systems. "Requesting changes through diplomatic means can resolve or alleviate problems much more effectively than if you were to file complaints directly," he urged, asking attendees to make use of the consulates.
Yoon reiterated his commitment to listening to the community's challenges and incorporating their feedback into policies for overseas citizens and diplomatic strategies. He acknowledged that past presidential meetings with expatriates often followed a one-sided format, where attendees felt they were merely there to listen to the president speak. "I want to change that," he said, inviting participants to freely share their experiences and expectations from the government.
He explained his proactive approach to international visits early in his term, stating, "Meetings between heads of state greatly benefit economic cooperation, security collaboration, and civilian exchanges. It is not just about making a formal visit; building genuine trust leads to quicker improvements for businesses and expatriates in the region."
Yoon emphasized the importance of visiting many countries early in his term to normalize and deepen international relations, noting that creating new opportunities later in his term would be more challenging.
He highlighted the deepening ties between Brazil and Korea, stating, "The history of cooperation between Brazil and Korea is becoming more profound through your existence and lives. You are a strong bridge connecting the two countries, understanding their languages, cultures, markets, and people better than anyone else."
Yoon acknowledged the contributions of early Korean immigrants who arrived in Brazil in 1956, noting that their experiences helped shape the government's overseas migration laws and agricultural immigration initiatives. He mentioned how initial immigrants developed farms and entered São Paulo's clothing and textile industry, becoming a significant part of Brazil's textile and fashion sector.
He praised the Brazilian Korean community for its achievements over the past 60 years, stating, "What the Korean community has accomplished is not just economic success; you have deeply rooted trust in Brazilian society through your diligent work."
Yoon pointed out that São Paulo has officially designated 'Korean Immigration Day' and 'Korean Culture Day,' as well as established 'Hangul Day,' symbolizing the respect and trust Brazilian society has for the Korean community.
He also conveyed greetings from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who asked Yoon to pass on his regards to the community. Yoon shared that Lula remarked, "There are only two presidents in the world with labor backgrounds, you and I. Let us work hard to solve our challenges together."
Yoon encouraged the community to play a significant role in Brazil's recovery process and to seize new opportunities for success.
Earlier, Kim Beom-jin, president of the Brazilian Korean Association, welcomed Yoon, noting that since the arrival of the first official immigrants in 1963, the Korean community has grown to three generations. He highlighted that approximately 50,000 Koreans are active in various sectors, including business, healthcare, education, law, arts, and public service, contributing to Brazil's development.
During the event, Yoon presented a certificate of appreciation to first-generation immigrants who laid the foundation for the Brazilian Korean community, expressing gratitude for their hard work, patience, and dedication that have shaped today's Korea and its diaspora.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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