Diplomacy Journal Lee Sung Jun | President Lee Jae-myung hosted a luncheon meeting with leaders of South Korea’s major religious denominations at Cheong Wa Dae (The Blue House) today at noon to mark the New Year of 2026. Under the theme "Toward National Unity with Religion," the meeting brought together leaders from seven major religious groups—Buddhism, Protestantism, Catholicism, Won Buddhism, Confucianism, Cheondogyo, and Korean Native Religions—to seek wisdom on overcoming social divisions. In his opening remarks, President Lee stated, "National unity is the President's most paramount duty
Diplomacy Journal | Lee Sung Jun | Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will pay an official visit to South Korea from January 17 to 19, Cheong Wa Dae announced, marking the first visit by a European leader since the inauguration of Lee Jae-myung. The visit will also be the first time South Korea welcomes a foreign leader at Cheong Wa Dae since the presidential office returned there, and the first bilateral summit visit by an Italian prime minister in 19 years. President Lee and Prime Minister Meloni are scheduled to hold summit talks and an official luncheon on January 19. Expanding Cooperat
Diplomacy Journal Lee Sung Jun | In his recent interview published on January 5, 2026, in the newspaper Turkistan, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev offered a comprehensive and candid assessment of the country’s development trajectory, laying out his vision for Kazakhstan’s path towards modernization. His remarks reflect not only impressive economic achievements, but also deep structural changes shaping the future of our nation. He stated that “This year will be pivotal for our country, as a number of critically important events will take place that will define Kaza
Diplomacy Journal Lee Sung Jun | On November 28, 2025, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed a dialogue platform for rural akims (mayors), outlining his vision for the long-term development of remote areas. Kazakhstan’s Political Reforms: Evolution Instead of Shock Change President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is implementing a large-scale transformation of Kazakhstan’s political system by pursuing an evolutionary path of development based on institutional reform and a carefully calibrated sequence of actions. Since 2019, Kazakhstan has adopted around twenty laws aimed at modernizing its politica
Diplomacy Journal Lee Sung Jun | Speaker Woo Won-Shik of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea met with Ambassador Khalid bin Ebrahim Al Hamar of the State of Qatar at the Speaker’s Office in Seoul on the morning of January 8 this year. They discussed ways to expand economic cooperation between the two countries and resolve local challenges faced by Korean companies. The most notable outcome of this meeting was the progress made in the long-pending Doha Metro dispute. Last November, Speaker Woo became the first Republic of Korea National Assembly Speaker to make an official visit to Q
Diplomacy Journal Lee Sung Jun | BEIJING — South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a 90-minute summit on Jan. 5, 2026, agreeing to fully restore bilateral relations and significantly expand cooperation across the economic, cultural, and security sectors. A Turning Point in Strategic Partnership The summit, which took place at the Great Hall of the People, lasted 30 minutes longer than scheduled, reflecting the depth of the issues discussed. In his opening remarks, President Lee characterized the meeting as a "crucial momentum" to make 2026 the inaugural year
Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young | In December 2025, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is scheduled to pay an official visit to Japan and participate in the high-level Central Asia–Japan Dialogue summit, according to the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul on Dec. 17. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states on 26 January 1992, the development of Uzbek–Japanese cooperation has been one of the key priorities of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region. Based on mutual respect and trust, Tashkent and Tokyo are today building dynamic, multi-tiered coo
Diplomacy Journal 이성준 기자 | Diplomatic Journal, July 2025, JPG, 외교저널 2025년 7월호 JPG 전체보기
Diplomacy Journal 이성준 기자 | Diplomatic Journal, June 2025, JPG, 외교저널 2025년 6월호 JPG 전체보기
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee To enjoy and be inspired by folk paintings, a few thoughts and attitudes can help you. Open mind: When viewing folk paintings, it's important for you to approach them with an open mind and no preconceived notions. You should be ready to accept the message or emotion of the artwork. Free imagination: Folk paintings are often associated with the imagination. You can use your imagination as you look at the artwork and develop the story or emotion of the artwork in your own imagination. Emotional connection: Folk paintings often have an emotional component. To connec