By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Korea-Arab Society co-hosted a seminar titled “Why Our Future Lies in the Middle East?” with the National Assembly's Global Diplomacy and Security Forum on September 11 at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeoui-do, Seoul. Sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the seminar focused on discussing Korea-Middle East cooperation strategies in the core future industries of AI, hydrogen, and defense. Approximately 100 participants attended, including National Assembly members, the Arab diplomatic corps in Korea, business leaders, and student
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Embassy of Tajikistan in Seoul hosted a celebration for the country's 34th Independence Day on September 12, 2025. The event brought together Tajik citizens living and studying in the Republic of Korea, as well as Korean friends. In his address, Ambassador Salohiddin Kirom congratulated his compatriots and highlighted the country's progress under President Emomali Rahmon's leadership. He stated that Tajikistan is "moving with firm steps towards its bright and prosperous future, in step with other developed countries." The Ambassador also noted Tajikistan's
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo South Korea's weapons exports to NATO member states over the past five years are second only to those of the U.S., the Korea. Net reported. Korea is an emerging power in the global weapons sector due to swift delivery and competitive pricing. The British weekly Economist on Aug. 31 said this in quoting a report in March by the Sweden-based Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, "Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2024." Korea tied with France from 2020-24 for second place in arms exports to NATO member countries with 6.5% each. The U.S., the wor
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The following article was contributed by Аziza Аminova, Member of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, to the Diplomacy Journal for publication through the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul. –Ed. The tourism industry, as one of the largest and most profitable sectors of the global economy, accounts for nearly 10 percent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Ranking third after the automotive and oil and gas industries, it attracts 7 percent of global investments. Tourism is also recognized as a sector that contributes to improving environmental condi
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The following article was contributed by Тulkin Teshabaev, Rector of Tashkent State University of Economics, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, to the Diplomacy Journal for publication through the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul. –Ed. Today, it can be stated without exaggeration that representatives of the entire business community across the country had been eagerly anticipating traditional Open Dialogue between the Head of state and entrepreneurs. As noted by the President, this is not merely a forum, but a platform for lively and sincere dialogue that pl
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo With just one year remaining until the opening of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, the D-365 commemorative event was held at the Ocean Plaza of the Yeosu World Expo Site on September 5. Organized by the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo Organizing Committee, this event aimed to raise awareness of the Island Expo and build pre-event excitement. Over 2,000 participants attended, including Yeosu citizens, domestic and international visitors, and island residents. The event commenced with an opening video and subsequent videos featured congratulatory messages from over
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ICCK), in collaboration with Khaitan & Co., a top-tier leading law firm in India, held a business seminar on “India Market Insights: A Guide for Korean Investors” at Andaz Seoul Gangnam Hotel on Sept. 9, 2025. At the business seminar designed to guide Korean investors through the practical aspects of doing business in India, Ramesh Iyer, Chairman of ICCK, said in a welcoming address, “During the seminar, we will offer key insights and real-world case studies to help understand crucial business and regulatory consider
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Samsung Electronics announced on Sept. 8 that its 2025 OLED TV (S95F model) has been officially certified as a Real Black display by the Verband der Elektrotechnik (VDE), a leading electrical engineering certification institute in Germany. By meeting the required standards to be genuinely considered Real Black, Samsung has proven that its OLED technology delivers a true black viewing experience. The certification validates the OLED display’s crisp, reflection-free images with near-perfect blacks measured below 0.005 nits in dark environments, as well as black a
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) hosted the “Blockchain Seminar 2025” on Sept. 10 at the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas under the theme “Bridging Worlds: Traditional Finance Meets the Digital Economy.” The event brought together over 70 leaders from multinational corporations, financial institutions, and technology firms to explore how blockchain innovation is reshaping the global financial system and Korea’s role in this transformation. The seminar featured a distinguished lineup of global experts and thought leaders who shared insights
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo LG Chem announced on Sept. 9 that Toyota Tsusho Corporation had acquired a 25% stake in LG-HY BCM, the company’s cathode materials plant in Gumi, thereby joining as the second-largest shareholder. Toyota Tsusho, the general trading company of the Toyota Group, plays a vital role in Toyota Motor’s raw material procurement. With Toyota Tsusho’s investment, the shareholding structure of the Gumi plant has shifted to LG Chem (51%), Toyota Tsusho (25%) and Huayou Cobalt (24%, down from 49%). This adjustment ensures the venture meets the newly redefined PFE criteria
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo On September 8, 2025, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered his annual state-of-the-nation address, “Kazakhstan in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Key Tasks and Their Solutions through Digital Transformation.” The Head of State presented an ambitious program of reforms centered on digital transformation, investment, global connectivity, and institutional renewal. At the heart of the address was Kazakhstan’s determination to lead in the AI era. President Tokayev announced the creation of a new Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development,
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Deputy Minister for Trade Park Jong-won met with Saskatchewan’s Minister of Trade and Export Development Warren Kaeding in Seoul on September 8, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in industries, critical minerals, and energy. The Canadian province of Saskatchewan is rich in natural resources, including uranium, natural gas, oil, and critical minerals. The province ranks first globally in both potash reserves and production, third in uranium reserves, and second in uranium production. It is also pursuing the introduction of small modular reactor
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) announced on Sept. 8 that 1.36 million international tourists visited Seoul in July. This is a 23.1% increase from the same month last year when the figure was 1.1 million, marking the highest monthly record ever. The total showed an 18.2% rise from July 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors by country included 470,000 from China, 240,000 from Japan, 160,000 from Taiwan, and 100,000 from the United States. From January to July this year, a total of 8.28 million international tourists visited Seoul, up 15.9% from
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo LG Electronics CEO William Cho is advancing the company’s Global South growth strategy through a strategic partnership to provide cooling solutions for an AI data center under development in Oxagon, the industrial hub of Saudi Arabia’s NEOM City project. On September 2 in Riyadh, Cho met with Abdulelah Abunayyan, Chairman of SHAKER Group, the manufacturer and sole distributor of LG Air Conditioners, following the 30th anniversary of the strategic partnership; and Rajit Nanda, CEO of DATAVOLT, a global data infrastructure provider. The parties signed a memorandu
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo met with ambassadors from 18 member states of the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC) in Seoul on September 3, to discuss the global trade environment and explore ways to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between Korea and GRULAC. Attendees included ambassadors from Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. During the meeting, Trade Minister Yeo stated that the multilateral trading system was facing a fundamental challenge amid intensifying geopolitical competition and rising protectionism. He stressed the