Seoul – Kim Seong-gon, the newly appointed president of the Association of Korean Entrepreneurs in China, unveiled a bold vision for the organization, positioning it as a potential bridge between the United States, and China. The announcement came during a general assembly and vision declaration ceremony held at the National Press Club in Seoul on February 20, 2026, according to reports from Yonhap News Agency and Dongpo News.
Kim’s five-part vision, outlined during his inaugural address, focuses on supporting Korean activities within China, leveraging China’s pragmatic approach to improve North-South Korean relations, fostering Sino-Korean friendship and peace on the Korean peninsula, and establishing Korean diasporas as peacemakers between the US and China. The ultimate goal, he stated, is to build “a world where everyone prospers,” a concept rooted in the principles of the Overseas Koreans Act.
The appointment of Kim Seong-gon, a four-term National Assembly member and former Secretary-General of the National Assembly, marks a significant shift for the association. He previously served as the chairman of the board of directors of the Overseas Koreans Foundation. Lee Ok-kyung, the current president of the association, was also confirmed for another term. The leadership changes signal a renewed focus on expanding the association’s role beyond purely economic interests, aiming for a broader impact on international diplomacy and peacebuilding.
The association’s new executive structure also includes the appointment of Seol Kyu-jong, former Vice Chairman of the North-South Korean Reunification Council in China, as Vice President, and Lee Hoo-jin, former President of the Korean Association in Qingdao, as Senior Vice President. Democratic Party lawmakers Seo Young-kyo, Park Jeong, and Yoo Dong-soo were appointed as advisors, bolstering the association’s political connections.
A Five-Part Vision for Global Engagement
Kim Seong-gon’s vision centers on the idea that the 7 million-strong Korean diaspora can contribute to global peace and prosperity, as enshrined in the Overseas Koreans Act. The five key pillars of this vision are:
- Supporting Korean Activities in China: Providing resources and support for Korean businesses and individuals operating within China.
- Leveraging China’s Pragmatism: Utilizing China’s practical approach to potentially improve inter-Korean relations.
- Fostering Sino-Korean Friendship and Peace: Strengthening ties between South Korea and China to promote stability on the Korean peninsula.
- Korean Diasporas as Peacemakers: Positioning Korean communities abroad as mediators and facilitators of peace between the US and China.
- Building a Prosperous World: Working towards a global society where everyone can thrive.
Expanding Beyond Economic Interests
The association’s shift towards a more diplomatic role is noteworthy given the current geopolitical climate. Relations between the United States and China remain complex, marked by competition in trade, technology, and security. The Korean peninsula also remains a flashpoint, with ongoing tensions related to North Korea’s nuclear program. Kim Seong-gon’s vision suggests an attempt to leverage the association’s unique position – with deep ties to both China and the Korean diaspora – to foster dialogue and cooperation.
Kim emphasized that the association should evolve beyond being a mere economic organization and become a platform for public diplomacy, as outlined in the Overseas Koreans Act. This ambition was echoed by other attendees at the vision declaration ceremony, including former National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun and Kim Deok-ryong, President of the World Federation of Korean Associations.
Key Attendees and Future Outlook
The February 20th event drew a significant crowd, including prominent figures such as former National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun, Kim Deok-ryong, President of the World Federation of Korean Associations, and lawmaker Park Jeong. The presence of these individuals underscores the importance placed on the association’s new direction and its potential impact on regional and international affairs.
The association’s next steps will likely involve developing concrete programs and initiatives to implement its five-part vision. This could include facilitating cultural exchange programs, organizing business forums, and engaging in Track II diplomacy efforts to promote dialogue between the US and China. The success of these efforts will depend on the association’s ability to navigate the complex political landscape and build trust with key stakeholders.
As the association embarks on this new chapter, its efforts to position Korean diasporas as peacemakers between the US and China will be closely watched. The potential for a non-governmental organization to play a constructive role in easing tensions between these two global powers remains to be seen, but Kim Seong-gon’s vision offers a novel approach to fostering peace and cooperation in a challenging geopolitical environment.
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