It has been confirmed that President Lee Jae-myung has appointed Kwon Chil-seung and Kim Young-bae of the Democratic Party of Korea as additional special envoys to Germany, a key country in the European Union (EU). After confirming former Minister of Legislation Lee Seok-yeon as the Director General, he also decided to send current lawmakers. With Germany increasing its defense industry investments amid a shift in EU financial policies, the dispatch of special envoys may accelerate discussions on defense cooperation. Kim Young-ho, a member of the Democratic Party, will accompany the special envoy to Australia, led by former National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo. Their role includes delivering the president's letter and informing about the foreign policy and governance philosophy of the Lee Jae-myung administration.
According to reports from ChosunBiz on the 7th, the Presidential Office is finalizing the selection process for the special envoy delegation, which is set to depart in mid-month. The Presidential Office has been preparing to send special envoys to a maximum of 14 countries, including the United States, Japan, China, the European Union, Germany, France, Australia, India, and Canada, while coordinating schedules with the respective countries.
As special envoys to Germany, former Minister of Legislation Lee Seok-yeon, who participated as a co-chair of the Democratic Party's election strategy committee in this presidential election, along with veteran lawmaker Kwon Chil-seung and re-elected lawmaker Kim Young-bae, will be dispatched. Kwon served as the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups during the Moon Jae-in administration, establishing connections with Germany through organizations like the HANDOK Chamber of Commerce, while Kim served as the secretary of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee during the 22nd National Assembly.
Kim Young-ho has been appointed as the special envoy to Australia along with former National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo. He has been communicating with Australian political circles, having served as vice president of the Korea-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Association in 2021.
Unlike previous presidents who only sent special envoys to major countries like the United States, Japan, and China, President Lee has significantly expanded the range of countries for dispatching special envoys to 14. It is considered unusual to send special envoys to both Germany and Australia.
In the case of Australia, a Democratic Party official noted that there is a high possibility of discussing roles as a 'middle power' diplomatic partner. As China is Australia's largest trading partner, discussions related to trade with China may also occur.
In particular, the special envoy to Germany plans to focus on cooperation in defense industries, manufacturing, and AI. A party official stated, "Since Germany is a key country in the EU and is investing heavily in nurturing its defense industry, it is also very interested in Korean AI technology," adding, "The government is paying attention to it as a potential giant market that could replace the U.S. in the future." They also plan to share experiences and opinions regarding national and social integration based on the unification experience of East and West Germany.
For the special envoy to the United States, who will discuss ongoing issues such as the South Korea-U.S. summit, tariff negotiations, and defense cost-sharing, former People Power Party Chairman Kim Jong-in and Democratic Party Supreme Council Member Lee Un-joo have been appointed. For the special envoy to China, former National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok and Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Tae-nyeon, who serves as the chair of the Korea-China Parliamentary Alliance, will be dispatched.
A Presidential Office official stated, "It is aimed at informing various countries that Korea has regained stability since the declaration of martial law under President Lee Jae-myung and at normalizing cooperative relations," adding, "The scope has been expanded to 14 countries, and it may be reduced during the adjustment process with the respective countries and appointees."