President Lee Hosts Luncheon with Korean Compatriots for 60th Anniversary of Koreans in Germany: "You Are the Core of Korea's Competitiveness"

Stopover in Frankfurt on Return Journey to Meet Over 100 Compatriots

"Miners and Nurses' Dedication Built Trust in Korea within German Society"

On August 2, 2026 (local time), President Lee Jae-myung met with local Korean compatriots in Frankfurt to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Korean nurses arriving in Germany. During the meeting, he expressed his respect and gratitude, stating, "The Republic of Korea remembers the sacrifices and dedication of the first generation of Koreans in Germany, who devoted their youth as miners and nurses."

President Lee Jae-myung delivers an encouraging speech at a meeting with compatriots held at a hotel in Frankfurt, Germany, on August 2, 2026 (local time). Photo by Yonhap News

Returning home after visits to San Francisco in the United States and three South American countries, President Lee held a luncheon gathering at a hotel in downtown Frankfurt with more than 100 Korean expatriates. Attendees included workers who had gone to Germany, representatives of Korean organizations, Korean language school teachers, and figures from the economic, educational, scientific, and arts communities. This year marks the 60th anniversary since Korean nurses first arrived at Frankfurt Airport in 1966. The event was arranged as the presidential plane made a stopover in Frankfurt for refueling on the way back to Korea.

President Lee said, "I am deeply moved to see all of you who have quietly protected the name of the Republic of Korea through many changes, serving as a bridge between Korea and Germany," and added, "I take this opportunity to express my deep respect and gratitude for your sacrifices, dedication, and extraordinary efforts." He went on to say, "What the first generation of Koreans in Germany achieved, working in deep mines and caring for patients in pain, was not merely economic accomplishment." He emphasized, "You demonstrated the diligence and sense of responsibility of Koreans to German society and built and strengthened trust in our country, the Republic of Korea."

Korean miners and nurses worked in German mines and hospitals during the 1960s and 1970s, earning foreign currency, and later settled locally, taking root in the Korean community there. President Lee also mentioned that in this unfamiliar society, they established Korean language schools to teach their children the Korean language and culture, and took care of each other's children. He remarked, "Korean language schools have served as a space connecting generations and as a focal point for the Korean community to protect one another," further saying, "By doing so, together with the next generation who have inherited Korean identity, you have made today's Korean community even stronger."

President Lee also assessed that the trust built by the first generation of Koreans in Germany is now translating into competitiveness for Korean companies and the next generation of expatriates expanding into Germany. Many Korean companies in automobiles, electronics, finance, logistics, biotechnology, and advanced technology are now active in Frankfurt and the state of Hesse. President Lee said, "All of you who are building trust locally are indeed the core of Korea's competitiveness," stressing, "A company's true competitiveness is not just in its name, but is fully realized only when it earns strong trust from the local community."

He also noted the growing interest in Korean culture within German society. "Interest that began with K-pop, movies, dramas, and cuisine is now expanding into Korean language, studying in Korea, employment, and engagement with our companies and technologies," he explained, stating, "If our companies demonstrate Korea's capabilities and our culture broadens the positive perception of Korea, then you, the compatriots, can further connect that capability and goodwill to solid trust."

President Lee also expressed his intention to actively reflect the voices of overseas Koreans in policy. He introduced that, in a comprehensive survey of public suggestions conducted at the beginning of this year, a total of 42 cases from Germany were received. He promised, "I will ensure that your voices lead to actual changes in policy and systems." He added, "Wherever in the world our compatriots may be, I will make every effort, with greater care and attention, to ensure that you can trust the government is listening, considering, and acting on your concerns."

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung are greeting and shaking hands with the young attendants at a gathering with expatriates held at a hotel in Frankfurt, Germany, on August 2, 2026 (local time). 2026.8.2 Yonhap News Agency
Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Meanwhile, Yoon-sun Cho, Chairwoman of the Korean Association Council of Southern Germany, delivered a welcoming speech, saying, "The President's visit is a warm message that our homeland remembers us and a deep comfort that we are connected in spirit." She added, "The sacrifices of the Korean miners and nurses in Germany are a precious foundation that enabled Korea to stand strong in the world." The luncheon was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hyun Cho, Commissioner for Overseas Koreans Affairs Kyung-hyup Kim, National Security Office Chief Sung-lak Wi, and Senior Spokesperson Yu-jung Kang of the Presidential Office. When President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung entered the venue, attendees greeted them with a standing ovation, and the children of expatriates presented them with bouquets.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.