Interview with Kim Yongche, President of the Foundation «Korea-Africa»

Lee Hyo-jin (Lee Hyo-jin)

Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/foreignaffairs/20250520/south-koreas-soft-power-drives-closer-ties-with-africa
Photo: istockphoto.com

Korea's soft power embodied in its cosmetics and food products serves as an important bridge to deepen partnerships with African countries, said Kim Yongche, the Foundation's president. «Korea-Africa». . . .

«During my time in African countries, I noticed that Korean cosmetics and food products are selling better alongside household electronics, cars and mobile phones. — sectors in which Korea is traditionally strong». . . . — Kim said in a recent interview with The Korea Times.

Kim, who was Korea's ambassador to Libya and Nigeria and worked in South Africa, noted that Korean cultural content is gaining popularity across the continent.

«In Nigeria, for example, at least one Korean drama or film often appears in the top 10 of the Netflix rankings.». . . . — He said he was. — «Korean products such as framing and cosmetics appear in stores more and more often. These consumer goods help shape a more positive image of Korea among African consumers». . . .

He noted that growing rice consumption in some African countries, driven by urbanization and globalization, opens up new opportunities for Korean food exports, especially in terms of supplying high-quality rice varieties.

Kim took office as president of the foundation last September. Over more than three decades of diplomatic career, he has visited nearly 30 of Africa's 54 countries, gaining insight into the continent's diverse cultures and different ways of development.

He noted with regret that African countries are often portrayed in the Korean media in a negative light.

«Unfortunately, Africa is often written negatively here, highlighting conflicts and poverty.». . . . — He said he was. — «But in fact, much of the continent is peaceful and evolving. Many African countries seek economic growth and national unity.». . . .

Kim also stressed that Africa's potential cannot be underestimated.

«With an average economic growth rate of about 4% and a rapidly growing population, the continent's potential is enormous.». . . . — He said he was. — «of 193 States — 54 Members of the United Nations are African — That's more than 25%. This gives African countries significant representation and influence in shaping the global agenda.». . . .

He pointed to cultural exchanges as the cornerstone of Korean-African relations.

In this spirit, the Fund «Korea-Africa» He holds the seventh annual African Film Festival from Tuesday to June 15. What began as a small show in Seoul has now expanded to the cities of Busan and Chongju, known for hosting major international film festivals.

«The festival is free and open to everyone. Our purpose is our — Engage as many viewers as possible to enjoy African cinema». . . . — said Kim. — «We hope to gradually expand the event to a large-scale cultural festival, which will invite famous African filmmakers and stars.». . . .

In addition to cultural ties, Kim noted the growing interest of African countries in the Korean development model, especially in areas such as economics and strategic planning.

«Many Africans are interested in how Korea developed so quickly and successfully after the Korean War. They often refer to our investment in education, human capital and the manufacturing sector as key reasons. These are areas where we can share our experiences.». . . .

Another area of interest, he added, — It is a social cohesion and a sense of unity in Korea.

Participants in the African Union Model (AU) during an event at the National Assembly in Seoul, November 15, 2024. The event aims to raise awareness of Africa among young Koreans who are gathering to discuss various issues in the format of an international conference. / Provided by the Fund «Korea-Africa»

«The Spirit «One Team, Team Korea» Resonated with many Africans. They want to understand how we have achieved such a strong social integration.». . . . — said Kim. — «Some even discussed the introduction of military conscription systems similar to Korean as a way of uniting diverse ethnic groups through shared service experience.». . . .

Kim noted that many young Africans are becoming more involved in startups and the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, opening up another promising avenue for cooperation with Korea.

Looking back at the first summit «Korea-Africa»Held in Seoul in June 2024, Kim stressed the importance of maintaining the momentum he has created.

The summit brought together delegations from 48 African countries, including 25 heads of state, and was a milestone in Korea’s diplomatic engagement with Africa.

«The summit was more successful than anyone expected.». — He said. — «Many African countries have adopted a decision-making model. «top-down»It was especially important to welcome heads of state who could see firsthand the possibilities of cooperation with Korea.».

Banners of the first summit «Korea-Africa» At the KINTEX Exhibition Center, Koyan, Gyeonggi Province, the summit venue, June 3, 2024. Yonhap

During the summit, Korea pledged to increase its official development assistance to African countries to $10 billion by 2030. Plans were also announced at the summit to establish high-level advisory bodies to monitor and support the implementation of commitments made at the summit.

«While there have been some political ups and downs in Korea recently, our long-term partnerships with African countries remain strong.». — Kim said. — «I have always stressed that cooperation with Africa should be based on mutual benefit, not unilateral relations.».

Until the end of his term, Kim said he would prioritize supporting Korean companies interested in exploring opportunities in Africa, as well as promoting interpersonal exchanges.

«Our primary mission — strengthening interpersonal and cultural exchanges, economic ties, and supporting academic research and publications». — He said. — «Africa should no longer be seen as a recipient of aid. A strategic partner in building a more inclusive future».