President Lee Jae-myung hosted a dinner for all diplomats in South Korea at the Cheong Wa Dae guesthouse on the 15th, two months after taking office. President Lee emphasized the diplomatic stance of the 'people's sovereignty government,' which focuses on 'national interest-centered practical diplomacy,' and promised to thoroughly respond to foreigner discrimination incidents. He also requested cooperation for the successful hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju this November.
The dinner, held on the second floor of the Cheong Wa Dae guesthouse, was attended by around 170 people, including ambassadors and charges d'affaires from 81 countries, representatives from international organizations, and the Commander of U.S. Forces Korea, as well as the first special envoy appointed by the President, members of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, and Ministers from relevant departments.
The meeting started at 5:30 p.m. on the first floor reception, and the foreign guests entered the second floor around 6 p.m. At around 6:40 p.m., President Lee, dressed in a navy suit, light blue shirt, and purple tie, entered alongside Kim Hye-kyoung, who wore a light pink hanbok.
In his dinner speech, President Lee noted, "I believe you diplomats have faced many difficulties in your activities due to the domestic political turmoil after last year's state of emergency," and expressed his gratitude to the diplomatic corps for trusting and supporting the Korean government.
Emphasizing national interest-centered practical diplomacy, he stated, "While continuing to nurture the existing strong ties, we will seek diverse cooperation and solidarity that enhance mutual interests without leaning toward specific thought in order to respond flexibly to the rapidly changing international situation."
President Lee also mentioned, "Our government will strive to cultivate a foundation that respects diversity," adding, "Recently, there have been issues such as undesirable foreign discrimination sentiment and human rights violations against migrant workers in Korea, and we will recognize the seriousness of these and respond accordingly. I promise to respond thoroughly to discrimination, violence, and human rights violation incidents."
He further remarked on the popularity of the animation 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' saying, "Through the power of culture, we can further unite, harmonize, and cooperate."
He also introduced the upcoming diplomatic schedule for the second half of the year and expressed hope, saying, "I hope to have opportunities to communicate with the leaders of your countries during various occasions at the APEC summit in Gyeongju this November."
He added, "It is important for relationships between countries to engage frequently and communicate, just like personal relationships," and requested that they act as a bridge connecting the two countries.
The menu for the dinner featured a harmony of royal and ordinary dishes made from seasonal ingredients from across the country. The courses included Donghae scallops served with Gwangyang plum jelly and Goheung yuja sauce, Wando abalone, cold crab meat, Hanwoo galbi jjim, and Sinan mackerel clear soup, followed by Gyeongju lotus leaf tea and Hwangnam bread for dessert. The toast was Mirato Shine Muscat white sparkling wine, while the dinner wine was Gyeongju Choe Boojat-jip's traditional liquor 'Daemongjae,' carrying the significance of promoting Gyeongju as the APEC host city.