‘New space for middle powers to play a more active role’: South Korean leader
In an interview with The Straits Times, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung talks about the agency both countries have in a turbulent world, the deepening of bilateral ties, and his favourite Korean drama. Here are some edited excerpts
WHAT can middle powers like South Korea and Singapore do to forge new pathways in these turbulent times with a changing world order?
The current global crisis is complex and multifaceted. Longstanding international norms and institutions are under strain, while a new world order is rapidly taking shape.
Paradoxically, this moment of transition opens new space for middle powers to play a more active role.
Both (our countries) have consistently upheld the rules-based international order and free trade. I hope (they) will continue to lead in shaping the shared values and principles that the international community should pursue in the years ahead, particularly through multilateral cooperation in an era of change.
South Korea and Singapore will upgrade relations to a strategic partnership level as they mark 50 years of bilateral relations. What will be the key deliverables of the strategic partnership?
This upgraded partnership will enable deeper collaboration across multiple areas: high-level dialogue on foreign affairs and security; cooperation in defence and defence industries; and joint responses to non-traditional security threats, including cyber security, public health and transnational crime.
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Economically, South Korea – a leader in advanced technology – and Singapore – a pioneer in artificial intelligence and digital innovation – can become trusted partners in frontier fields such as AI, quantum science and clean energy. Cooperation in future growth sectors, including energy transition, is also expected to accelerate.
We will also work together to strengthen regional trade liberalisation through upgrading the Korea-Singapore and Korea-Asean FTAs (free trade agreements), and expanding the digital economy.
The South Korean government will continue close cooperation with the international community to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula and improve inter-Korean relations.
We deeply value Singapore’s ongoing partnership in this pursuit towards realising the vision for an era of peace, coexistence and shared prosperity on the peninsula and in the region.
You have just launched the Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange, designed to expand the influence of Hallyu 4.0 overseas. A 2024 survey showed two in three Singaporeans have a positive perception of South Korea, predominantly driven by Hallyu (Korean Wave), with top interests in film, cuisine and music/dance. How do you envision using Hallyu to foster closer ties with Singapore?
In Singapore, Korean dramas consistently rank among the most-watched programmes on streaming platforms, and K-pop performances are held almost every month – a clear sign of how deeply Korean culture has become part of Singaporeans’ everyday life.
I believe Hallyu can evolve into a channel for mutual understanding and communication beyond simple cultural consumptions – a bridge that deepens the friendship between our peoples.
The 2022 film Ajoomma, the first co-production between South Korea and Singapore, directed by a Singaporean and featuring Singaporean and South Korean stars, showcased the enormous potential of cultural collaboration between our two countries.
We can further broaden this space for empathy through co-produced creative content, joint exhibitions and public art projects.
On this foundation, South Korea and Singapore can further expand mutually beneficial cooperation that blends cultural and economic exchange, with K-culture at its core.
Singapore, as Asia’s financial and investment hub, will be an invaluable partner in nurturing the Korean Wave creative industries, which continue to demonstrate strong potential for expansion.
Ultimately, I hope South Korea and Singapore can together create an “Asean Wave” – a new cultural movement that advances shared cultural, economic and diplomatic interests.
From a cheeky photoshopped selfie with K-pop boy band BTS rapper RM, to a fun cameo as an airport marshaller in the promotional video for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, your playful side has shone through. In line with your Hallyu 4.0 vision, do you have any K-pop bias, and what was the last K-drama that caught your eye?
I’ve watched many Korean dramas, but recently the K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, set on Jeju Island, touched me deeply.
I told myself I’d just watch one episode, but I ended up completely absorbed and in tears.
The main character, Ae-sun, reminded me of my late younger sister, who was a janitor, affectionately called Ae-ja. (President Lee’s younger sister Lee Jae-ok, nicknamed Ae-ja, died in 2014.)
The drama beautifully captures the quiet dignity of ordinary South Korean lives. Even as the characters experience hardship and tragedy, the story is told with calmness and balance, which makes it all the more moving.
The scene of neighbours coming together to share the grief of losing a child especially conveys the message that “my life is connected to ours”. THE STRAITS TIMES
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