Yoon Hosts Luncheon for Korean-German Workers Invited... "Foundation of South Korea's Industrialization"

140th Anniversary of Korea-Germany Diplomatic Relations and 60th Anniversary of Korean Workers in Germany Commemoration

President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed his gratitude on the 4th to Korean workers dispatched to Germany in the 1960s who worked as miners, nurses, and nursing assistants, saying, "Your sweat and dedication laid the foundation for South Korea's industrialization."

President Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon-hee made these remarks at a luncheon held under the title "To Those Who Made Korea Blossom" at the Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Korean workers dispatched to Germany, according to the presidential office. This is the first time a president has held a luncheon exclusively for the dispatched workers.

The presidential office introduced this as "a reflection of the president's will that the motherland should warmly care for and embrace compatriots who sacrificed themselves for the country."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon said, "I am pleased to host you in this meaningful year marking the 140th anniversary of Korea-Germany diplomatic relations and the 60th anniversary of Korean workers dispatched to Germany," expressing his gratitude to the attendees by saying, "Your sweat and dedication were the foundation of South Korea's industrialization."

He continued, "We will honor and remember your sweat and dedication in the name of the nation," adding, "The newly launched Ministry of Overseas Koreans in June will carefully support you to be a strong shield for you."

Before the luncheon, President Yoon and the First Lady viewed photographs depicting the on-site scenes of Korean workers in Germany and took group photos with the attendees, expressing their appreciation for the workers' efforts.

At the luncheon event, the 'Gl?ckauf Choir,' composed of 30 miners and nurses originally from the dispatched workers, performed songs including "Lorelei," "Bori-su," and "Doraji Taryeong."

In addition to President Yoon and the First Lady and over 240 domestic and overseas Korean workers dispatched to Germany, about 30 government and National Assembly officials attended the event, including Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jeong-sik, Minister of the Ministry of Overseas Koreans Lee Ki-cheol, Senior Secretary for Civil Society Kang Seung-gyu, Floor Leader of the People Power Party Yoon Jae-ok, and Chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Overseas Koreans Kim Seok-gi.

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