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 the Korean community in Frankfurt to mark the 60th anniversary of the arrival of South Korean nurses in Germany, expressing his respect and gratitude by saying, "The Republic of Korea remembers the sacrifices and dedication of the first generation of Koreans who came to Germany and 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 meeting at a hotel in downtown Frankfurt with more than 100 Koreans, including former guest workers in Germany, members of the Korean Association, Korean language school staff, and representatives from the business, education, science, and arts communities. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Korean nurses first arriving at Frankfurt Airport in 1966. The meeting was organized as the presidential plane made a stopover in Frankfurt for refueling on its way back to Korea.

President Lee stated, "It is deeply moving to see you, who have steadfastly protected the name of Korea and served as a bridge between Korea and Germany over many decades," adding, "I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep respect and gratitude for your sacrifices, devotion, and remarkable efforts." He continued, "What the first generation of Koreans who came to Germany as miners and nurses achieved was not merely economic success. They demonstrated the diligence and sense of responsibility of Koreans to German society, and built and strengthened trust in the Republic of Korea itself."

The Korean miners and nurses worked in mines and hospitals in Germany during the 1960s and 1970s, earning foreign currency and subsequently laying down roots in the local Korean community. President Lee also mentioned that, despite being in a foreign society, they established Korean language schools to teach their children Korean language and culture and took care of one another’s children. "Korean language schools served as spaces connecting generations and were a center that held the Korean community together," he said, "and together with the next generation, who has inherited Korean identity, today’s Korean communities have become even stronger."

President Lee further assessed that the trust built by the first generation has now translated into the competitiveness of both Korean companies and the next generation living in Germany. Numerous Korean companies in the automobile, electronics, finance, logistics, bio, and advanced technology sectors have a presence in Frankfurt and Hesse. "The Korean compatriots who are building trust with the local communities are truly the core of Korea’s competitiveness," he said, "and the true competitiveness of a company is only complete when it earns deep trust within the local society, not just by its name."

He also highlighted the growing interest in Korean culture within German society. "Interest that began with K-pop, movies, dramas, and cuisine has expanded into Korean language, studying in Korea, employment, and our companies and technologies," he said. "If our companies showcase the capabilities of Korea and our culture broadens Korean appeal, then the Korean expatriate community can help turn that capability and favorability into lasting trust."

President Lee also announced his intention to actively reflect the voices of overseas Koreans in policy. He introduced the fact that 42 civil complaints from Germany were received this year during a comprehensive survey of overseas Koreans' needs and promised, "We will ensure that your voices result in actual policy and institutional changes." He added, "Wherever Koreans are in the world, I will work even more meticulously to ensure that you have faith that your government listens, contemplates, and responds to 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, in a welcoming speech, Jo Yoon-sun, President of the Federation of Korean Associations in Southern Germany, stated, "The President’s visit delivers the warm message that our homeland remembers us, and offers deep comfort by connecting us at heart. The devotion of the Korean miners and nurses in Germany laid the precious foundation for Korea's rise on the global stage." Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun, Director General of Overseas Koreans Kim Kyung-hyup, National Security Office Director Wi Sung-rak, and Senior Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung of the Blue House also attended the event. As President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung entered the venue, the attendees welcomed them with a standing ovation, and Korean children presented the presidential couple with flower bouquets.

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