Asia Business Daily, Korea Diplomatic Association Sign MOU to Share Diplomatic Expertise

Asia Business Daily and the Korea Diplomatic Association have joined forces to share the expertise and experience accumulated by professionals in the field of diplomacy and broaden public understanding of major diplomatic issues.

Lee Sihyeong, president of the Korea Diplomatic Association, and Jang Beomsik, CEO of The Asia Business Daily, pose for a commemorative photo after the Korea Diplomatic Association–The Asia Business Daily business agreement signing ceremony at Park Cafe, Marriott Executive Apartments Seoul, in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 13th. From left: Jo Yeongju, managing editor for politics and society; Jang Beomsik, CEO of The Asia Business Daily; Lee Sihyeong, president of the Korea Diplomatic Association; and An Yeongjip, vice president of the Korea Diplomatic Association. Oct. 13, 2026. Photo by Kang Jinhyeong.

On October 13, the two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Marriott Executive Apartments Seoul in Seoul to promote exchanges and cooperation in diplomacy. Jang Beomsik, CEO of Asia Business Daily, and Lee Sihyeong, president of the Korea Diplomatic Association, signed the agreement. An Yeongjip, vice president of the Korea Diplomatic Association, and Jo Yeongju, politics and society editor at Asia Business Daily, also attended.

The agreement provides for the two organizations to jointly plan and host roundtable discussions on major diplomatic issues; for experts to give presentations and join discussions at events hosted by Asia Business Daily; and for expert contributions and appearances in video content, including on YouTube. Specific areas of cooperation will be worked out through consultations between the organizations.

Jang emphasized that diplomats' accumulated regional experience and knowledge of diplomacy and trade are needed to explain to readers developments in international affairs and how different countries are responding. Citing current issues such as the war in Iran and the Russia-Ukraine war, he proposed conveying diplomatic experts' insights through the media and drawing on them for roundtable discussions and contributions. "I hope you will make full use of Asia Business Daily as an outlet," Jang said.

He also said the company is creating a forum for international discussions in the field of digital finance. Noting the need for African, Central Asian, and Western countries to discuss financial supervision and regulations together, he said he would seek the association's assistance as the company prepares related events.

Lee said the association's members regularly follow issues in their areas of interest through media contributions and interviews. Vice President An added that the association could recommend experts suited to interviews and roundtable discussions based on members' areas of interest and experience. As understanding and perspectives can differ depending on where people have worked, he said the association would help connect the right people with each issue. "I hope the association can take on, one step at a time, initiatives that fit within Asia Business Daily's broader framework, wherever we can contribute and be helpful," Lee said.

Lee previously served as Trade Negotiations Coordinator, Ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and chairman of the Korea Foundation (KF). An previously served as South Korea's ambassador to Greece and Singapore.

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