By UN Journal Kayla Lee
 

President Lee Jae-myung held a dinner-and-meeting with Koreans in Malaysia on October 26, titled "A New History We Write Together, the Real Republic of Korea," in Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia, and offered words of encouragement to Koreans living there.

The meeting, part of President Lee's visit to Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit, was attended by approximately 200 people from various walks of life, including representatives of Korean community organizations, businesspeople, Korean language school officials, artists, and international organizations.

In his congratulatory remarks, President Lee emphasized, "Even the lyrics of a song refer to a foreign country as 'a land far away,' and Malaysia is a land that lies far away from Korea." He added, "We must create a Republic of Korea where people feel confident and unconcerned when asking about news from home."

He continued, "Each and every citizen of the Republic of Korea possesses great strength, and if we work together, there is nothing we cannot do." He praised the efforts of Koreans in Malaysia, saying they are the proud face of the Republic of Korea. He also promised, "I will ensure that you can exercise your rights with pride and without inconvenience."

In his welcoming remarks, Kim Jong-hwa, President of the Korean Association, stated, "I deeply remember the President's recent words that the Republic of Korea will now care for overseas Koreans in a country where overseas Koreans are concerned about their homeland." He added, "I believe in this promise and will serve as a strong bridge, contributing to the strengthening of friendship and revitalizing economic cooperation between our two countries."

Dr. Hong Seong-ah of the Malaysian University of Sciences said, "The Korean Wave is becoming a 'thread' connecting Korea and Malaysia beyond the Korean community."

Kim Beom-jin, CEO of La Fiorire Beauty Group, who provides beauty volunteer services to vulnerable groups in Malaysia, stated, "Through our sharing activities, we are sending a positive message that the Korean community and Malaysia are growing together."

In his closing remarks, President Lee Jae-myung stated, "As a cultural powerhouse that attracts global attention, I pay tribute to the true democracy demonstrated by our people. We will work together to create a true 'Republic of Korea' that the world aspires to emulate and that future generations will be proud of."

At the congratulatory performance, the KSMY Youth Orchestra, comprised of approximately 50 local Korean youth, including students from the Korean International School in Malaysia, performed "Arirang" and "On a Fine Day in October." Following the performance, singer and actor Jang Han-byeol, winner of a local Malaysian competition program, took the stage and passionately sang "Golden."