Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday appointed special envoys to the European Union (EU), France, Britain, and India, the presidential office announced. This move is part of broader diplomatic outreach efforts aimed at strengthening South Korea's international relations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, former Environment Minister Yoon Yeo-joon, a well-known strategist from the conservative camp, will lead a delegation to the EU. Yoon's delegation is scheduled to depart for Europe on Monday. Meanwhile, former Justice Minister Kang Gum-sil is set to head to France as a special envoy on Tuesday.
Rep. Choo Mi-ae of the ruling Democratic Party will lead a delegation to Britain, and former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum has been appointed as a special envoy for India. Both delegations are expected to leave South Korea on Wednesday, marking a significant diplomatic push by the Lee administration.
Additionally, Kim Chong-in, a former interim leader of the main opposition People Power Party, is reportedly being considered for the role of special envoy to the United States. This indicates the administration's commitment to enhancing its diplomatic relations with major global powers.
The presidential office has been actively consulting with 14 countries regarding the dispatch of special envoys, as stated by Woo Sang-ho, the presidential secretary for political affairs, last week. This strategic move underscores President Lee's efforts to engage with key international partners and expand South Korea's diplomatic footprint on the global stage.