Overseas Korean Community Leaders Meet

Korean community leaders around the world gathered yesterday at Sheraton Grande Walker Hill Hotel in Seoul to address various issues, including construction of a pan-Korean worldwide network.

The annual meeting was the 8th of its kind, attracting 376 Korean community leaders from around the world. It will last for four days. The leaders will participate in diverse forms of discussions to tackle issues such as Korean language education, the suffrage rights of overseas Koreans, and the roles of overseas Korean communities.

Three-term state Senator from the state of Washington, Shin Ho-beom, will deliver a keynote speech today on the role of overseas Koreans and communities. The group will move down to Yesan County in South Chungcheong Province and will introduce model overseas Korean communities from Thursday to Friday. The chairman of the Overseas Korean Foundation Lee Gu-hong delivered the opening speech yesterday. He stressed, “The stronger the bond between Koreans and overseas Koreans, the stronger Korea will become. Our foundation promises our full support.”

On hand at the opening were President Roh, the First Lady, and other luminaries. It was the first appearance of the Korean president at the meeting.

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