President Lee Hosts Luncheon With Korean Community Marking 60 Years in Germany: "You Are Korea's Competitiveness" (Comprehensive)

Stopover in Frankfurt on Return Trip, Meeting with Over 100 Community Members
"Miners and Nurses Built Trust in Korea Within German Society"
"Korean Community in Germany Has Played a Key Role in the Development of Korean Democracy"
Frankfur

On August 2 (local time), President Lee Jae-myung met with members of the Korean community in Frankfurt to mark the 60th anniversary of the arrival of Korean nurses in Germany. He expressed his respect and gratitude, stating, "The Republic of Korea remembers the sacrifices and devotion of the first generation of Korean miners and nurses in Germany, who dedicated their youth to mining and nursing."

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

After completing official visits to San Francisco, United States, and three South American countries, President Lee made a stopover in Frankfurt for aircraft refueling and held a luncheon meeting with about 100 members of the local Korean community at a hotel in downtown Frankfurt. Attendees included former Korean miners and nurses, representatives from Korean associations and Korean language schools, and figures from the economic, educational, scientific, and artistic sectors. This year marks the 60th anniversary since Korean nurses first arrived at Frankfurt Airport in 1966. The meeting was organized as President Lee's delegation returned home, making use of the layover for refueling.

President Lee remarked, "It is deeply moving to see all of you, who have steadfastly kept the name of Korea alive and connected Korea and Germany, even as the world has changed many times over." He added, "I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound respect and gratitude for your sacrifices, dedication, and remarkable efforts." He continued, "What the first generation of miners and nurses achieved, working deep in mines and caring for sick patients, was much more than economic success." He emphasized, "You introduced the diligence and sense of responsibility of the Korean people to German society and reinforced trust in the nation of Korea."

The Korean miners and nurses in Germany worked in mines and hospitals throughout the 1960s and 1970s, earning foreign currency, then later settled locally to become the foundation of the Korean community. President Lee also referenced how, in this unfamiliar society, they established Korean language schools to teach their children and took care of each other's families. He said, "Korean language schools were places where generations were connected and served as a core for the community to come together and support each other." He continued, "Through this, the next generation—receiving the Korean identity—has contributed to making today's Korean community even stronger."

President Lee also noted that the trust built by the first generation of Korean miners and nurses has now become a competitive advantage for both Korean companies and younger generations in Germany. Many Korean enterprises in sectors such as automotive, electronics, finance, logistics, bio, and advanced technology are currently based in Frankfurt and the State of Hesse. President Lee stated, "You, who are building trust locally, are the very core of the Republic of Korea's competitiveness." He added, "The true competitiveness of a company is only complete when it earns strong trust within the local community, not just a recognizable name."

He also addressed the rising interest in Korean culture within German society. President Lee said, "What began with K-pop, films, dramas, and food has expanded to interest in the Korean language, studying abroad in Korea, employment, and Korean companies and technology." He commented, "If our companies showcase Korea's capabilities and our culture broadens affection for Korea, then you, the overseas Koreans, can transform those capabilities and affection into solid trust."

President Lee also pledged to incorporate the voices of overseas Koreans more actively into policymaking. He mentioned that, in a comprehensive survey of civil complaints by overseas Koreans conducted earlier this year, 42 cases were received from Germany. President Lee promised, "We will ensure that your voices lead to real changes in policies and systems." He added, "Wherever in the world our fellow Koreans may be, the government will listen, reflect, and act on their concerns, providing more attentive and careful support so that everyone can trust this process."

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung are greeting the attendees at a gathering of overseas Koreans held at a hotel in Frankfurt, Germany, on August 2, 2026 (local time). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Jo Yun-sun, Chairperson of the Council of Korean Associations in Southern Germany, said in her welcoming remarks, "The president's visit delivers a warm message that our homeland remembers us, offering deep comfort that we are connected at heart." She added, "The dedication of Korean miners and nurses in Germany is the invaluable foundation that allowed Korea to stand tall in the world." Among those attending the gathering were Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun, Overseas Koreans Agency Chief Kim Kyung-hyup, National Security Office chief Wi Seong-lak, and Senior Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. As President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung entered the event, the attendees welcomed them with a standing ovation, and young children from the community presented flowers to the presidential couple.

Meanwhile, in his closing remarks, President Lee stated, "The Korean community in Germany has played a vital role in the development of Korean democracy," according to Senior Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. "We will continue to uncover the truth about past hardships and prepare measures to prevent recurrence." For the cultural performance at the event, the Frankfurt Korean Choir—founded by Korean nurses in Germany and celebrating its 40th anniversary this year—performed songs including "Meeting," "In the Flower Garden," and "Longing for Mount Geumgang."

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