Gyeongju: In 100 days, Korea will welcome world leaders and dignitaries to Gyeongju for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The host city, with its low-lying buildings and rich historical heritage as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla, is fit to showcase the charms of the host nation. After six months of political upheaval due to martial law and impeachment, the summit will be a venue for President Lee Jae Myung to illustrate the sincerity and depth of his "pragmatic diplomacy." Korea should relish the chance to host the event again, following the one held in Busan in 2005, demonstrating to the world that the democratically resilient export powerhouse can pull off hosting this multilateral gathering.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the new government, having taken office only on June 4, may not have had sufficient time. But with 100 days to go before the big event, the government should no longer pass the blame for any lack of preparations to the former administration. About 20 world economic leaders are expected to attend, with the invitations sent out a week ago. Amid the tense international waters, bogged down by tariff negotiations and war in Ukraine and the Middle East, foreign media outlets anticipate that U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may attend the APEC summit and hold a meeting before or during the event. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who is steering preparations, said in an interview with local media that if Trump attends, "There would be development on Korean issues."
A flawless APEC summit would therefore give Korea - as well as the other participants - a chance to engage in top-level multilateral diplomacy and economic dialogue. Several sideline gatherings, such as the CEO Summit and Finance Ministers' Conference, are scheduled around the Oct. 31-Nov. 1 event. Poor preparation or headaches of any kind cannot occur. There are still painful memories of how the 2023 World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum completely flopped, to domestic chagrin and international infamy, during the former Yoon Suk Yeol administration.
Between the recent political chaos and the short time remaining, there are concerns over the slow construction of planned summit-specific venues, including dinner venues and the media center, which are about 30 to 50 percent complete. This was identified in a report submitted by North Gyeongsang Province to People Power Party Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon. There is also growing doubt over whether there is sufficient accommodation, particularly for world leaders. Remodeling is underway at 12 hotels in Gyeongju to build 35 presidential or royal suites, and the organizers are promising it will be completed by mid-September. Thorough and safe construction is needed to meet that deadline.
The prime minister has visited the site twice to oversee progress. But 100 days is looking mighty short in relation to the scale and importance of the APEC summit. The prime minister would do well to take charge and book himself an accommodation in Gyeongju to review the progress with central government agencies and the local governments of Gyeongju and North Gyeongsang Province. A united bipartisan effort is what we need, with active participation if possible from the private sector as well.
If the physical aspects of the Gyeongju APEC summit can progress on schedule, Korea can more fully engage as hosts in the multilateral diplomatic gathering, where issues such as AI cooperation and population decline will be featured. When the anticipated leaders do arrive, Seoul can use the opportunity presented by this multilateral and economic gathering to explore ways to diversify its geopolitical and geo-economic partnerships while simultaneously cementing traditional ties and alliances. To do so, Seoul must provide the same experience for the other participants.