President Lee Sends Condolences on Passing of Former Qatari Emir... Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik Dispatched as Special Envoy

On July 14, the Blue House announced that President Lee Jae-myung had sent a condolence message following the passing of the former Emir of Qatar and is dispatching Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik as a special envoy for mourning.

In previous instances of a Gulf state monarch’s passing, the Korean government has sent Cabinet Ministers or National Assembly members as special envoys. The Blue House explained, "As the Qatari side specifically requested Chief Kang as the special envoy, he will visit Qatar in that capacity." Chief Kang will depart for Qatar on this day and, after completing the official mourning schedule, will return to Korea on July 16.

Former Emir Hamad came to power in 1995 after ousting his father in a coup d’état and ruled Qatar until 2013. He is credited with leading Qatar’s modernization, including the establishment of Al Jazeera and hosting of the 2022 World Cup. After 18 years on the throne, he abdicated to his son, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013.

President Lee Jae-myung and Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik are entering the Senior Secretary Meeting at the Blue House on May 28, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

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