• Korea-France Elevate Ties to ‘Global Strategic Partnership’ at Summit Marking 140 Years of Diplomacy

    President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Blue House on April 3, where the two leaders discussed ways to advance bilateral relations recently elevated to a “Global Strategic Partnership,” as well as key regional and international issues.   The meeting coincided with the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France. President Lee welcomed President Macron’s first visit to Korea since taking office, noting its significance as the first state visit by a European leader since the launch of Korea’s new administration. President Macron described the trip as especially meaningful, marking his first visit to Korea in 11 years as French president.   The two leaders exchanged views on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its broader implications, agreeing on the urgent need to restore stability and peace in the region. They also shared policy experiences and strategies aimed at minimizing economic disruptions and protecting livelihoods. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening energy security through expanded cooperation in nuclear energy and offshore wind power, as well as ensuring safe maritime transport routes in the Strait of Hormuz.   The summit also served as an opportunity to assess the progress of bilateral relations since the establishment of a “Comprehensive Partnership for the 21st Century” in 2004. The leaders highlighted the elevation of ties to a strategic level after 22 years and agreed to further deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including defense and security, trade and investment, and advanced strategic industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology, space, and nuclear energy. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges were also identified as key areas for expansion.     On the occasion of the summit, the two countries revised three agreements and signed 11 memoranda of understanding and letters of intent, laying the institutional groundwork for future cooperation. The leaders also adopted a joint statement outlining the direction of bilateral relations moving forward.

• Korea National Arboretum, AFoCO Sign MOU to Expand Forest Biodiversity Cooperation

    The Korea National Arboretum of the Korea Forest Service announced on March 13 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) to strengthen forest biodiversity conservation and expand international cooperation.   The agreement follows the expiration of a previous MOU signed in 2021 and is intended to sustain and broaden the existing partnership. Under the renewed framework, the two institutions will collaborate across a range of areas, including forest biodiversity conservation and joint research, the exchange of expertise and research data, cooperation in international conferences and seminars, and network-building activities. The partnership will also promote biodiversity conservation efforts and public awareness through public-private cooperation.   Notably, the new agreement introduces initiatives aimed at raising awareness of biodiversity conservation through public-private partnerships, with plans to expand programs involving diverse stakeholders such as corporations and institutions. Given that many AFoCO member countries operate arboretums and botanical gardens, collaboration centered on these institutions is expected to play a key role in addressing both climate change and the global biodiversity crisis.   The Korea National Arboretum has also been advancing international cooperation through its partnership with Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). Last year, the two organizations jointly proclaimed the International Day of Botanic Garden Education, an initiative designed to expand global networks among arboretumsand botanical gardens while strengthening responses to the climate crisis. This year, Brunei and Indonesia—both AFoCO member states—are expected to participate in the observance on June 12, further enhancing international collaboration based on arboretumsand botanical gardens.   Lim Young-seok, Director of the Korea National Arboretum, said the agreement will serve as an opportunity to deepen cooperation with AFoCO and expand global partnerships. He added that these efforts will contribute not only to forest biodiversity conservation but also to elevating the international standing and role of the national arboretum.

• APEC 2026 SOM1 and Related Meetings Held in Guangzhou

      The First Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and its related meetings were held in Guangzhou from February 1 to 10. The Korean government delegation, led by Park Jong-han, Deputy Minister for Economic Diplomacy and Coordination at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in the Senior Officials’ Meeting as well as the four main committees: the Committee on Trade and Investment (CTI), the Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (SCE), the Economic Committee (EC), and the Budget and Management Committee (BMC). The delegation took part in discussions aimed at delivering substantive outcomes for APEC 2026. At the meeting, the Korean delegation, as the previous year’s host economy, expressed its support for a successful APEC 2026 and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the key outcomes of the 2025 Leaders’ Meeting are faithfully carried forward and further developed throughout the 2026 APEC process. China presented the theme and priority areas for APEC 2026 as “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together: Openness, Innovation, Cooperation,” and outlined major deliverables under each priority area. It also announced plans to host more than ten sectoral ministerial meetings and high-level dialogues, including meetings of Ministers Responsible for Trade, Digital and AI Ministers, and Transport Ministers. In addition, China introduced its plan to organize various high-level forums on digitalization and innovation during a “Digital Week.” As discussions at the sectoral ministerial meetings are expected to culminate in outcomes at the Leaders’ Meeting in November, the Korean government plans to actively engage in the process to ensure that the key achievements of the 2025 Leaders’ Meeting are fully reflected throughout this year’s APEC agenda. On the sidelines of the meeting, Deputy Minister Park held bilateral consultations with major members, including China, Japan, Canada, and Vietnam. The discussions covered China’s priorities and key deliverables for APEC 2026, follow-up measures to the previous year’s Leaders’ Meeting hosted by Korea, and the review and revision of the Aotearoa Plan of Action. Meanwhile, as the previous host economy, Korea has assumed the chairmanship of the Budget and Management Committee (BMC), which oversees and manages APEC’s budget this year. Lee Ji-yoon, Director-General for International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, chaired the first BMC meeting on February 9. Beginning with this first Senior Officials’ Meeting, APEC members will continue consultations centered on the theme and priority areas presented by China, with a view to advancing sustainable economic growth and regional economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region ahead of the Leaders’ Meeting scheduled for November 18–19.  

• ROK–NATO Hold 15th Policy Consultation in Brussels

    The 15th ROK–NATO Policy Consultation was held in Brussels on January 15, with senior officials from both sides meeting to exchange views on the international security environment and discuss ways to further strengthen the ROK–NATO partnership.   The meeting was co-chaired by Yoon Jong-kwon, Ambassador for International Cyber Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, and Boris Ruge, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy. The two sides shared assessments of current global security challenges and explored avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation.   Both sides agreed that, amid growing geopolitical uncertainty driven by factors such as U.S.–China competition and the war in Ukraine, cooperation among like-minded partners has become more important than ever in responding to complex and overlapping crises. They emphasized the need for close ROK–NATO coordination to address shared security threats, noting the increasing interconnectedness between security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.   The participants also noted that over the past four years, the ROK–NATO relationship has experienced remarkable growth through high-level exchanges, including the Republic of Korea’s participation in NATO summits and ministerial meetings. In this context, they welcomed the launch of the ROK–NATO Defense Industry Consultative Body last year, which has further expanded the scope of cooperation between the two sides.   Looking ahead, both sides reaffirmed the significant potential for deepening ROK–NATO cooperation across a wide range of areas, including cybersecurity, defense industry cooperation, advanced technologies, information sharing, and space security. They agreed to continue efforts to further strengthen and institutionalize practical cooperation going forward.

• Korea Designated as WHO Collaborating Centre for Food Safety Emergency Response

  The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced that it will hold a plaque-unveiling ceremony on November 27 at the first floor of its headquarters to mark the World Health Organization’s (WHO) designation of the MFDS as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response in Food Safety.   The designation is the first of its kind globally in the field of food-safety emergency response. It reflects the WHO’s recognition of Korea’s contributions over the past decade to the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN), where the MFDS has played a leading role in strengthening international cooperation on food-safety emergencies.   As a collaborating center, the MFDS will work with the WHO to provide education and training for INFOSAN member countries, offer technical support such as developing Food Safety Emergency Response (FSER) plans, and support global and regional meetings aimed at enhancing cooperation and networking among member states.   The MFDS expects the designation to bolster Korea’s international standing by highlighting the country’s food-safety systems and crisis-response capabilities. It also anticipates strengthened global confidence in the safety of K-Food.   MFDS Commissioner Oh Yu-kyung stated that the designation signifies meaningful international recognition of Korea’s food-safety emergency management system. “Building on this achievement, we will continue to position Korea as a global leader in responding to food-safety crises,” she said.     The MFDS added that it will continue to swiftly identify food-related risks at home and abroad, enhance its crisis-response capabilities to safeguard public health, and work to further elevate Korea’s global reputation in food-safety incident response.    

• Korea and EU Seek to Strengthen Strategic Cooperation in Advanced Industries

      Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan met with Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Union, in Seoul on November 27 to discuss ways to enhance strategic cooperation in advanced industrial and technological sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), future mobility, batteries, and supply chains.   The meeting was held during Executive Vice President Virkkunen’s visit to Korea, which focuses on key EU priorities such as technological sovereignty, security, and digital transformation. Both sides shared the view that the rapidly changing global economic environment, marked by intensifying protectionism and supply chain disruptions, requires closer joint responses and strengthened cooperation.   Kim and Virkkunen noted the long-standing strategic partnership between Korea and the EU in economic and technological fields and agreed to elevate this partnership into a more future-oriented framework encompassing economic security and advanced industries. They emphasized the complementary nature of the two sides’ semiconductor sectors, with Korea specializing in memory manufacturing and the EU leading in automotive semiconductors and advanced equipment. Amid growing global supply chain uncertainty, the two sides committed to closer collaboration to establish more stable supply chains. They also explored specific areas of cooperation in AI, future mobility, and battery technologies.   The two sides reaffirmed their progress through multilateral technology cooperation platforms such as Eureka. Korea, the first non-European country to join Eureka in 2009, has worked with Europe in sectors including IT, materials engineering, and biotechnology, and has been actively engaged since being appointed as a board member in 2023. Both parties agreed to further strengthen cooperation in advanced technologies and supply chain resilience. The Korean side also raised concerns over the EU’s FSR review of the Czech nuclear power project and the EU’s proposed new steel import regulations, requesting constructive and amicable resolutions. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated that the meeting served as an opportunity to deepen Korea–EU cooperation in advanced sectors such as semiconductors, AI, and future mobility while reinforcing supply chain stability. The ministry added that it would work to activate high-level consultation channels and develop the issues discussed into tangible cooperative projects.  

• 한국이 만든 페루 스마트도로 청사진, 페루 국가 법정계획으로 채택

  좌로부터 두 번째 최종욱 주페루 대사, 세 번째 알도 마르틴 프리에토 바레라 페루 교통통신부 장관 [리더스타임즈] 국토교통 ODA 사업으로 추진(’24.7월 ~ ’25.6월)했던 '페루 국도 스마트도로관리(재난·교통) 마스터플랜'이 페루 정부의 국가 법정계획으로 공식 채택됐다. 우리나라의 도로관리 정책과 ITS 기술력이 국가 정책으로 인정받으면서 향후 후속사업과 우리 기업의 현지 진출도 확대될 전망이다. 국토교통부는 6월 25일(현지시간) 페루 교통통신부(MTC, Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones)가'페루 국도 스마트도로관리(재난·교통) 마스터플랜'을 국가 법정계획으로 공포했다고 밝혔다. 이날 법제화를 위한 기념행사는 페루 교통통신부 강당에서 개최됐으며, 알도 마르틴 프리에토 바레라(Aldo Martin Prieto Barrera) 페루 교통통신부 장관, 국토교통부 및 한국도로공사 관계자 등이 참석했다. 행사에서는 국토교통부를 비롯한 양국 주요 인사 축사를 시작으로 한국도로공사의 지능형교통체계 관련 기조강연, 페루 교통통신부의 마스터플랜 발표, 관계기관 패널토론 등이 진행됐다. 한국의 도로망 구축 컨설팅 결과가 페루의 법정계획으로 공포됨으로써 페루 정부 차원에서 해당 정책을 구체적으로 구현하기 위한 조직, 예산 등 확보가 가능해진다. 이번 법제화는 한국의 도로 관련 공적개발원조 사업의 결과가 단순 컨설팅에 그치지 않고 페루의 정책으로 직접 반영됐다는 점에서 의미가 크다. 향후 페루에 도로망 구축사업이 발주되면, 우리 민간기업이 참여하는 후속사업을 기대할 수 있다. 앞서 ’19년에 수행한 콜롬비아 국가 ITS 마스터플랜 수립 ODA사업 또한 콜롬비아 현지 교통부의 승인을 받아 ’22년에 법정 계획화된 이후 활발한 후속사업과 민간기업 진출이 이뤄진 바 있다. 이에 비추어 페루에서도 한국 ITS 기술의 현지 확산과 한국기업의 진출이 기대된다. 이번 마스터플랜 수립 ODA 사업은 한국도로공사 컨소시엄(한국도로공사·동명기술공단·이젠시스)이 ’24년 7월부터 ’25년 6월까지 수행했다. 주요 과업 내용으로는 페루 간선 국도인 판아메리칸 하이웨이 1,560km (트루히요~아레키파) 구간의 스마트 도로관리 마스터플랜 수립과 후속 사업 발굴이 포함됐다. 특히, 사고 및 재난 피해를 최소화하기 위해 ’35년까지 단계적으로 도입할 13개 지능형교통체계(ITS) 단기 서비스를 선정하고, 최우선 중점 사업 구간(133.2km)에 대한 개념설계 및 이행계획을 수립하는 성과를 거뒀다. 국토교통부는 올해 7월부터 국토교통 ODA 사업을 통해 본 마스터플랜의 후속사업인'페루 리마–찬카이 스마트 지능형교통체계(ITS) 구축사업 타당성 조사'를 수행한다. 이번 사업을 통해 페루 ITS 구축이 본격화되면서, 우리 기업의 해외 진출 기반도 한층 강화될 것으로 기대된다. 국토교통부 김석기 건설정책국장은 “이번 성과는 국토교통 ODA사업을 통해 한국의 도로·교통 운영 경험을 페루 현지 여건에 맞게 체계화한 결과로, 향후 페루 국도의 안전성과 운영 효율 향상은 물론, 우리기업의 해외 진출에도 기여할 것으로 기대한다”라고 밝혔다.

  • Global News
  • 지구촌

  2026-06-28

• Honoring the Sacrifices of our Veterans: 76th Memorial

    Participating in the 76th anniversary of the Korean War as a Leaders Times youth reporter affords an opportunity to reflect upon past courage and sacrifice in Korea and on our ongoing obligations for the future. On June 25, 2026, a ceremony took place in Busan to honor the 76th anniversary of the Korean War. Many people attended the event like families of the veterans, military leaders, civilians even the university students in Busan and expressed their gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and remembered the effects of the war. At the ceremony, there were speeches commemorating the anniversary of the war, there was a performance reminiscent of the song of the Korean War. These events illustrate that the Korean War is not history. It is a part of present day modern Korean society. The importance of Busan to Korean War history is immense. Thousands of refugees traveled through Busan during the Korean War, and the city served an integral role in protecting South Korea during the war. Thus, the significance of the events that occurred in Busan serve as meaningful means by which to reflect on the Korean War. The younger generation has an important role to play in recalling the history of the Korean War. While we generally take our freedom and peace for granted in our daily lives, participation in events such as these serve to remind the younger generation of those freedoms and peace, of all the fallen in that conflict and the sacrifices made for them, and of their continuing duty to pass the history of the Korean War along to future generations. For many students and young adults, the event is more than a ceremony; it provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of peace and strengthens their commitment to remember history. Although it has been more than sixty years since the Korean War ended, the lessons learned are still current today. The trip to Busan enabled me to directly see the significance of the Korean War as a historical event, rather than simply a textbook example. By being part of a community of people who honor the sacrifices of others, I am reminded that the peace which we enjoy today did not come freely and that we must continue to tell this story to future generations.

  • Global News
  • 영어뉴스

  2026-06-27

• After visiting Cambodia to volunteer as a reporting journalist for Leaderstime, the effort to solve education inequality continued.

      Observing the Cambodian students’ passion for studying, even in such harsh conditions, we Leaderstimes reporters have visited, established a library, and filled the shelves with donated books, collected in both Korea and the U.S. This project aimed to give an opportunity for local students of all ages from elementary school to high school, who struggle to study within their underfunded environment. Even in unimaginable conditions compared to the average student in Korea or the U.S., I saw more passion and drive to learn from the Cambodian students. Thus, we have created our initiative with Angel’s for the Journey and Lumen Education to create a sustainable educational infrastructure for Cambodian students.   Initially, the project was initiated by designing and publishing books in Khmer, Korean, and English. We worked with the same local students, those in high school who could translate the English content into Khmer. Simultaneously, books were collected through donations. Expanding internationally, in high schools located in Saint Louis, Missouri and Layton, Utah, students collected books with the help of the school. Teachers, classmates, and families of the students donated books to support the education of the Cambodian students and the building of the libraries. From Thomas Jefferson School, 89 books were gathered and packed to be sent to Cambodia. From Utah, 74 books were gathered. Little by little, the books that were collected numbered in the hundreds and were donated to meet the needs of the libraries built in 3 locations throughout Siem Reap.   These libraries now stand to help and support the education of young Cambodian students, and the effect of these libraries is already spreading. A 12th grade student in Cambodia, Sokchanra Hun, to whom we have donated funds and study materials such as used phones and laptops on top of the books and novels, became inspired by our mission, passionately preparing to study abroad to create an impact for others herself: our contributions led her to study Psychology at Reed College starting this fall.   In the future, our contributions hope to continue to grant the opportunity for those in need to study what they want without suffering from a lack of resources. Driven causes with direct actions, like ours, toward resolving educational inequality are what is required for every voice to be heard.     Hyeonseok Rho, Thomas Jefferson School in St. Louis, Missouri.

  • Global News
  • 영어뉴스

  2026-06-26

• 5월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 185회

  리더스타임즈에서 진행 하였습니다   185회 째 한달 생활비를    아이입니다청소하는 것을 즐겨하며      

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-06-15

• 5월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 184회

    5월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 보내기 를 리더스타인브 회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 스카이12세 초등학교 6학년매일마다 율동하기를 아주 좋아하는 매우 좋아합니다.장래희망은 경찰관입니다.  “Angel for Kor-Fils’s Journey”  

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-06-15

• 4월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 183회

    4월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 보내기 를 리더스타인브 회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 ●롬둘10세, 초등학교 4학년명랑하고 발랄해서 율동을 아주 잘합니다...처음에는 쑥스러워 앞에  마음껏 끼를 발산하게 되었습니다.장래 희망은 선생님이 되는 것입니다.  “Angel for Kor-Fils’s Journey”

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-06-09

• 4월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 182회

  4월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 보내기 를 리더스타인브 회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 빤냐12세 초등학교 5학년활달하고 씩씩한 용사입니다.청소도 잘하고 무엇이든지  장래 소망이 경찰이랍니다.  “Angel for Kor-Fils’s Journey”

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-04-20

• 외교부, 2026 KOREAZ 서포터즈 발대식 및 디지털 글로벌 캠페인 출범식 개최

  외교부 [리더스타임즈] 외교부는 4월 10일 외교부 서희홀에서 2026 KOREAZ 서포터즈 발대식 및 2026 디지털 글로벌 캠페인 ‘YouthFULL Tomorrow’ 출범식을 개최했다. 이번 2026년 제6기 서포터즈는 치열한 경쟁을 뚫고 선발된 한국인 20명과 외국인 20명(18개국) 총 40명으로 구성됐으며, 전년도(32명)에 비해 인원이 확대되고 참가 국적 또한 더욱 다양해졌다. KOREAZ 서포터즈는 이번 발대식을 시작으로 ▴주요 외교행사 및 공공외교 현장 취재 ▴개인별·팀별 디지털 공공외교 콘텐츠 제작 ▴디지털 글로벌 캠페인 영상 제작 등 다양한 온·오프라인 활동을 전개할 계획이다. 임상우 외교부 공공외교대사는 환영사를 통해 서포터즈들을 격려하고 디지털 글로벌 캠페인의 시작을 알렸다. 임 대사는 마다가스카르 대사 시절 직접 카메라를 들고 소통했던 경험 등을 공유하며 디지털 플랫폼을 활용하여 전 세계 대중과 소통하는 것의 중요성을 강조했다. 한편, 임 대사는 올해 디지털 글로벌 캠페인 주제인 YouthFULL Tomorrow를 소개하며, 디지털 네이티브인 청년들이 새로운 시각으로 한국의 숨은 매력을 찾고 세계에 전달하는 공공외교의 주역이 되어줄 것을 당부했다. 임 대사와 서포터즈들은 차준환 선수가 출연한 홍보영상과 우리 AI 기업과 협업으로 제작한 AI 홍보영상을 통해 캠페인 주제를 이해하고, ‘미래에 보내는 타임캡슐’ 행사를 진행하며 캠페인 출범의 의미를 더했다. 올 한해 외교부는 YouthFULL Tomorrow 캠페인 확산을 위해 콘텐츠 공모전(외교부장관상), AR 게임 챌린지, SNS 챌린지 등 다채로운 디지털 활동을 전개하며 전 세계와 소통할 예정이다. 특히 캠페인 메시지 확산 과정에서 청년층의 참여를 이끌어내고 우리 AI 기업과의 협력을 확대함으로써, 국정과제인 ‘국민과 함께하는 외교’를 실현하고 청년 참여형 디지털 공공외교의 저변을 넓혀나갈 방침이다.

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  2026-04-10

• 3월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 181회

    3월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 보내기 를 리더스타인브 회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 티어랏12세 초등학교 6학년말괄냥이 티어랏은  특별합니다.장래 소망은 평범한    “Angel for Kor-Fils’s Journey”  

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-03-30

• 3월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 180회

    3월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 보내기 를 리더스타인브 회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 ●리차니16살 15학년모든 것에 열심히 하는 적극적인 일에 달란트가 있습니다.장래 희망은 선생님입니다. 아래 사진은 봉사에 참가한 명단입니다

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-03-23

실시간 Global News 기사

• Incheon 6.25 War Student Memorial Hall

    On June 25th, 2025, instead of attending the festival at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan this year, I decided to visit the Incheon 6.25 War Student Memorial Hall.   Located beneath a dental clinic, I was skeptical of the memorial’s significance; however, I was wrong to judge a book by its cover. During the Korean War, students–as young as 14 year old middle schoolers–joined the frontlines under the name Student Volunteer Soldiers. Among them was Korean War veteran Lee Kyung-jong, then a middle school student in Incheon, who later became curious about the comrades he had fought alongside at such a young age. After becoming a successful dentist, he wanted to know how many of his young friends had participated and how many had been lost. Driven by this desire, he began meeting those who had shared the experience and meticulously collected materials. This effort culminated in the opening of the Incheon Student Korean War Memorial Hall on December 18, 2004.   Official casualties from the Korean War number over one million, with civilians accounting for more than 80%. War tore away people’s everyday lives, and many students, in an attempt to reclaim their lost lives, headed to the battlefield. These students who voluntarily joined the frontlines were called Student Volunteer Soldiers. Throughout the war, approximately 27,700 students participated in combat. In addition, about 200,000 students supported the war effort from behind the lines through psychological operations and efforts to restore public morale. Many young people volunteered to enlist and fight as soldiers. Among them were a significant number of women, most of whom served on the frontlines as nurses.   The Incheon Student Korean War Memorial Hall is a museum dedicated to preserving the stories of Incheon’s student soldiers who are often forgotten in official records. It was founded through the efforts of Lee Kyung-jong, a former student soldier, and his son, Lee Kyu-won, the current director of the museum.   “I was only sixteen. Why did I follow my older brothers into the war? How many of us went? How many of us died?”   Motivated by these questions, starting in 2000, they held exhibitions of war photos in Incheon, eventually establishing the museum on December 18, 2004. This date was not chosen at random. It was the day students in Incheon gathered at Incheon Chukhyeon Elementary School and began their march southward to enlist. Around 1,000 middle schoolers and 1,000 high schoolers, along with 20 university students leading them, volunteered together and marched 25 km per day for 20 days to protect their country.   The Incheon Student Korean War Memorial Hall now houses a wide collection of these materials across two exhibition floors. It also publishes research papers and other publications using the collected data. In one corner of the museum, there is also a memorial altar where visitors can pay tribute to the student soldiers who lost their lives in the Korean War. There we wrote our appreciation for the fallen soldiers and fellow students, ensuring their history is not forgotten.  

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  2025-06-30

• President Lee Highlights South Korea’s Energy and AI Vision at G7 Summit in Canada

    President Lee Jae-myung, who visited Canada to attend the G7 Summit, participated in the “Working Lunch and Expanded Session of the G7 Summit” held on the 17th (local time) under the theme of “The Future of Energy Security,” where he introduced South Korea’s energy-related policies.   During the expanded session, President Lee delivered two speeches in which he outlined South Korea’s policies and vision as a nation contributing to global prosperity through cooperation on energy supply chains and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with energy and technological innovation.   In his first speech, President Lee emphasized that achieving energy security and stabilizing the supply chains of critical minerals are essential to global economic growth and prosperity. He expressed South Korea’s commitment to actively participating in international solidarity and cooperation to achieve these goals. He addressed the growing electricity demand driven by advances in AI and the threats to energy supply chains caused by climate variability and geopolitical instability. He stressed the need for stable, economical, and reliable energy systems as the foundation of energy security. In this context, he emphasized the importance of building a strong renewable energy industrial ecosystem, establishing efficient energy infrastructure such as an “energy superhighway,” and creating energy systems that are resilient even to cyberattacks.   President Lee also underscored the importance of stable supply chains for critical minerals, which are essential for eco-friendly energy systems. He highlighted South Korea’s leadership role as chair of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and its contribution to stabilizing critical mineral supply chains. He stated that South Korea will continue to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation with G7 member states, partner countries, and mineral-rich nations.   In his second speech, which focused on the development of AI technologies, President Lee presented three key challenges the international community must address in the era of AI. He stressed the necessity of building a stable global AI ecosystem to drive technological innovation and expressed South Korea’s strong commitment to international cooperation and solidarity to stabilize the AI semiconductor supply chain. He also noted that South Korea will propose a vision and concrete action plans for global AI cooperation at this year’s APEC Summit in Gyeongju, and called on the leaders of major countries to show active interest and participation.   The Office of the President stated that by attending the G7 Summit and actively engaging in global discussions during this time of significant transformation in the global economic and security environment, the South Korean government will further solidify the country's international standing as a true “G7 Plus” nation.

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  2025-06-30

• Korean Youth Promote Education and Culture Exchange in Cambodia

    A group of Korean youth took part in a cultural and educational volunteer program in Siem Reap, Cambodia, aiming to bridge the education gap through donations and hands-on activities. This initiative, led by Angels for Journey, the global youth club in Leaders Times, included the collection of used phones, school supplies, and scholarship funds to support local students.   Upon arrival, the group visited the world-renowned Angkor Wat to better understand Cambodia’s rich history and religious heritage. They then traveled to several rural village schools, including Hedes Bible School, where they conducted English reading sessions, played traditional Korean games, and shared cultural performances with enthusiastic local students.   One participant recalled teaching the traditional Korean game Gongi with peers of similar age, saying, “While teaching, I found myself learning from them. It was a true cultural exchange.” Many students, despite limited resources, expressed a deep passion for learning and surprised the volunteers with their English proficiency.In addition to educational interaction, the group donated the collected items, including smartphones and supplies, to support the students’ learning environment. Local teachers and missionaries expressed gratitude, stating that the support made a meaningful impact.   The program also included visits to other schools in areas such as Modul 3 and Bethel Takam, where volunteers danced with the children and learned local traditions. Despite the sweltering heat, the participants remained focused on sharing and learning.   “I came to Cambodia with a goal of promoting educational equality, but I left with lessons of diversity, inclusion, and deep appreciation,” one student reflected. “It was a life-changingexperience I will never forget.”    

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  • 국제후원활동

  2025-06-27

• 리더스타임즈 청소년들, 캄보디아 아동들에게 교육적 지원·문화 교류 실시

    국내 언론사 리더스타임즈(Leaders Times)의 청소년 기자들과 비정부기구 ‘Angels for Journey’의 구성원들이, 지난 14일부터 16일까지 사흘간 캄보디아의 시엠립(Siem Reap) 지역을 방문해 지역 아이들과 다양하게 소통 및 교류하는 시간을 가졌다.   방문단은 먼저 유네스코 세계문화유산에 등재된 앙코르 와트(Angkor Wat)를 찾아 캄보디아의 역사와 문화유산에 대한 존중을 표하였고, 현지에서 10년 넘게 활동 중인 한국인 선교사들을 만나 캄보디아의 어려운 사회·교육 여건에 대해 깊이 이해하는 시간을 가졌다.   이어 2일차인 15일까지는 총 3곳의 교회부설학교(Hesed Bible School, The Tent of David, Bethel Takam)를 순회하며, 한국에서 마련한 중고 전자기기류·각종 교육용품·후원금 등의 선물들을 증정하고 각 학교의 아동들과 여러 문화활동을 즐겼다.   Hesed Bible School·The Tend of David의 학생들은 화려한 전통 무용으로 방문단을 성대히 환영했으며, 이후 이들은 방문단과 함께 캄보디아 전래동화 ‘Nom Bahn Chok’을 총 3개국어(한국어, 영어, 캄보디아어)로 번역한 도서를 읽는 시간을 가졌다.   해당 이야기는 현지에서 주로 구전 형태로만 전해졌기에, 수많은 학생들은 처음으로 알록달록한 일러스트가 담긴 책 속에서 자신들의 동화를 접하며 매우 기뻐했다. 이후에도 이들은 방문단과 한국의 윷놀이·제기차기·딱지치기·공기놀이 등을 즐겼으며, 일부는 방문단에게 종이접기·종이비행기 날리기 등을 역으로 가르치며 유독 적극적으로 교류에 임해 눈길을 끌었다.   세 학교 중 가장 규모가 큰 Bethel Takam에서는 무려 70명에 달하는 수의 학생들이 방문단을 맞이했으며, 이들도 마찬가지로 적극적인 문화교류 시간을 즐겼다. 특히 선물 및 지원물품 증정 중, 수많은 학생들이 한 목소리로 “Akoun(감사합니다)”를 우레처럼 외친 순간은 대부분의 방문단원들이 가장 인상 깊었던 경험 중 하나로 꼽았다. 이번 현지 활동을 참가한 리더스타임즈 박도윤 기자는 “처음 발을 내딛을 때는 교육의 평등권 보장이라는 막연한 목표만이 있었지만, 돌아오는 길에는 지난번 히로시마 한국 피해자 헌화에 이어 문화적 다양성·인종 간의 포용·깊이 있는 박애 정신 등 피부에 와닿는 깨달음들을 얻었음을 느꼈다. 절대 잊을 수 없는 경험이 될 것 같다.”라고 소감을 남겼다.   Angels for Journey의 모 회원 역시 “현지 아이들의 교육 환경 개선은 절대 해결 불가능한 숙제가 아니었다. 우리에겐 사소할지 모르는 중고폰 몇 개, 그리고 함께 즐기는 전통놀이 몇 시간이 그들의 앞에 놓인 난관을 크게 낮추어 준 기분이었다”라고 밝히며 깨달음을 전했다.  

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  2025-06-25

• “LeadersTimes Student Press Brings Education Aid and Culture Exchange to Cambodian Children”

      To support the ongoing mission of the NGO Angels for Journey, members of the LeadersTimes student press visited Siem Reap, Cambodia from June 14–16, 2025, engaging in cultural exchange and educational support with local children. The team collaborated with Hased Bible Church, led by a Korean missionary working to improve the lives of underprivileged Cambodian youth.   The visit began on June 14, after an overnight stay at Kouprey Hotel, with the group arriving at Hased Bible Church. The Cambodian children warmly welcomed the visitors with traditional dance performances, which volunteers joined on stage. They then read a translated Cambodian folktale, Nom Banh Chok, and introduced traditional Korean games such as Jegichagi, Gonggi, Takji, and Yut Nori. Among the participants, children like Chhiou and Sombat showed strong enthusiasm and skill, even teachingthe volunteers origami and paper plane techniques.   One student volunteer reflected, “Despite being the same age, they felt smaller and more burdened by life’s hardships. It made me realize how unequal the access to education truly is.” The team donated 1 iPad, 7 smartphones, 1 laptop, as well as food and school supplies to help bridge the digital and educational gap for the children.   On June 15, the team visited two more community churches: The Tent of David in Mondul 3 and Bethel Takam. At Mondul 3, the children again performed cultural dances and engaged in reading and games. A student named Meyyeon helped the volunteers learn the dances and impressed them with her fluent English skills. The group donated additional educational supplies, scholarships, and smartphones to support her academic growth.   The final stop at Bethel Takam, the largest of the visited churches with over 60 attendees, concluded the outreach. The team observed vibrant community participation and distributed aid, reinforcing their commitment to educational equity.   “This experience deepened my awareness of inequality and strengthened my resolve to continue Angels for Journey efforts,” a volunteer stated.      

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  2025-06-24

• 6월 상반기 장학금 전달 - 156회

  리더스타임즈(글로벌리더스클럽)에서  6월 상반기 156회 째 한달 생활비를    쓰레기가 많은 이 지역에 있는 아침일찍 나와서 하는   장래 희망은선생님입니다. “Angel for Kor-Fils’s Journey”  

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  2025-06-24

• President Lee and President Trump Hold First Phone Call, Vow Closer Korea-U.S. Alliance

    On the night of June 6, President Lee Jae-myung held his first summit phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. According to a written briefing from spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung, the two leaders agreed to closely cooperate for the continued development of the South Korea–U.S. alliance.   During the approximately 20-minute call, which began at 10 p.m., President Trump congratulated President Lee on his recent election victory. President Lee expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed the importance of the South Korea–U.S. alliance, describing it as the cornerstone of the nation's foreign policy.   The two leaders also discussed ongoing tariff negotiations between the two countries. They pledged to work toward a mutually satisfactory agreement and to encourage visible progress at the working-level talks.   President Trump extended an invitation for President Lee to visit the United States. In response, President Lee expressed his hope that the two leaders would meet frequently, underscoring the need for continued consultation between the allied nations. Both sides agreed to arrange an in-person meeting at the earliest opportunity, whether on the sidelines of a multilateral summit or through a bilateral visit.   Spokesperson Kang noted that the conversation was conducted in a friendly and candid atmosphere. The leaders shared various anecdotes from their respective election campaigns, including experiences related to assassination threats and political challenges. They expressed mutual understanding and agreed that strong leadership emerges from overcoming such adversity.   In a lighter moment, the two leaders also discussed their golf skills and agreed to enjoy a round together when schedules permit, as a symbolic gesture of their alliance. President Lee shared a story about receiving a hat signed by President Trump as a gift, to which Trump responded with interest, saying he looked forward to meeting Lee in person soon, praising his reputation.   Kang concluded that the call served not only as an opportunity to discuss current bilateral issues but also as a meaningful step in building mutual trust and rapport between the two leaders.

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  2025-06-23

• 5월 하반기 장학금 전달 - 154회

    클럽회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 ●리까(Ryca)12세 초등학교 6학년빈민촌에 살지만 명랑하고  아이입니다.영어공부하는 것을 좋아하는  잘 챙겨줍니다.장래희망이선생님이 되는 것입니다.  

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  2025-06-22

• Vice Minister Chung Byung-won Attends ASEAN-Related Senior Officials’ Meetings in Malaysia

    Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Byung-won represented South Korea as head delegate at a series of ASEAN-related Senior Officials’ Meetings (SOM) held in Penang, Malaysia, from June 10 to 11. The meetings included the ASEAN+3 (APT), East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) gatherings. Convened ahead of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July and the Leaders’ Summit in October, these discussions provided an opportunity to assess ongoing cooperation with ASEAN and to exchange views on key regional and global developments.   During the meetings, Vice Minister Chung reaffirmed the South Korean government’s continued commitment to prioritizing its partnership with ASEAN under the new administration. He expressed support for the "ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future" vision, adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit on May 26, emphasizing its alignment with South Korea’s regional policy goals.   At the ASEAN+3 Senior Officials’ Meeting on June 10, Chung welcomed the decision made by the ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers’ Meeting in March 2025 to revise the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM) agreement and introduce a Rapid Financing Facility (RFF). He also highlighted South Korea’s contributions to concrete cooperation initiatives under the ASEAN+3 framework, such asthe expanded CAMPUS Asia program involving Korea, Japan, and China, and the APT Center for Gifted Science Students.   Participants acknowledged the recent restoration of trilateral cooperation, marked by the 9th Korea-Japan-China Summit in May 2023 and the 11th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in March 2025. They agreed to deepen collaboration in key areas such as climate change, digital transformation, disaster management, and the fight against transnational crime.   Chung also took part in the EAS and ARF Senior Officials’ Meetings held on June 10 and 11, where he exchanged views on major geopolitical and security issues, including the Korean Peninsula, the South China Sea, Myanmar, Ukraine, and the Middle East. In light of the growing uncertainty and heightened tensions in the global security landscape, he underscored the importance of ASEAN-led mechanisms, particularly as the EAS marks its 20th anniversary this year, and reaffirmed South Korea’s support for ASEAN centrality and its willingness to contribute constructively to regional peace and stability.   On the sidelines of the meetings, Vice Minister Chung held bilateral consultations with several SOM counterparts, including the representative from Malaysia, which will serve as ASEAN chair in 2025. Discussions focused on strengthening ASEAN-South Korea cooperation, preparations for the upcoming foreign ministers’ and leaders’ meetings, and key bilateral issues.  

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  2025-06-20

• South Korea and OSCE Co-Host 3rd Inter-Regional Conference on Emerging Technologies and Security

      On May 26, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, in collaboration with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), co-hosted the 3rd Inter-Regional Conference on the Impact of Emerging Technologies. Held in Vienna, Austria, the conference brought together over 150 government officials and private-sector experts from Europe and Asia, both in person and online. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the implications of technological advancement for peace and security across both regions and explored ways to strengthen international cooperation in response.   In a video address during the opening session, Cho Koo-rae, Director-General of the Foreign Strategy and Intelligence Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the growing interconnectivity of security issues between Europe and the Indo-Pacific. He emphasized that building trust through inter-regional cooperation is essential to effectively address security threats posed by emerging technologies. Marking the 50th anniversary of the OSCE’s founding document, the Helsinki Final Act, Cho commended the OSCE for continuing dialogue with key partners like South Korea on international cooperation in the emerging technologies sector. He reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to working with the OSCE to counter transnational security threats.   The first session, titled “Opportunities and Challenges in the Military and Security Sectors Stemming from Emerging Technologies,” examined the military applications of emerging technologies and ways to ensure transparency and accountability. Participants reached a consensus on the need to establish international norms to promote the responsible use of such technologies.   A panel discussion during the session focused on the economic and social impacts of AI-driven information manipulation. Panelists voiced concerns about the growing sophistication of disinformation due to rapid advancements in AI and called for measures to enhance digital resilience and build trust among nations.   The second session explored a range of security challenges posed by emerging technologies, including complex threats targeting critical infrastructure. In a keynote speech delivered virtually, Yoon Jong-kwon, Director-General for International Security Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored the increasing physical and cyber threats to critical infrastructure. He stressed the urgent need to bolster resilience and deepen international cooperation to address these challenges effectively.   Since 2017, the South Korean government has partnered with the OSCE to convene high-level dialogues addressing transnational security threats. This year’s conference, held on the 50th anniversary of the OSCE’s founding, not only advanced cooperation between Europe and Asia on technology and security but also reaffirmed South Korea’s leadership and growing stature in international discussions on emerging global threats.

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  2025-06-02