President Lee officially invites 20 APEC member states to summit in Gyeongju

Tonight, we have an update on the APEC summit, which is scheduled to take place in South Korea later this year.

President Lee Jae Myung has officially invited leaders of member economies, and the dates for the summit are now set.

Our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin has more.

The leaders of 20 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member states have been officially invited to this year's APEC summit, set to take place in the South Korean city of Gyeongju from October 31st to November 1st.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told reporters on Tuesday that President Lee Jae Myung's invitation letters were sent on Monday through each country's diplomatic mission.

"In his letter, President Lee said this year's summit, under the theme 'Building a Sustainable Tomorrow,' will focus on strengthening regional connectivity, advancing digital innovation, and promoting prosperity. He expressed hope that these discussions would bear fruit at the summit."

Among the APEC members are the United States, China, and Russia, whose leaders are drawing particular attention over whether they will attend in person.

Kang said the final list of participants will be announced once it's confirmed.

There's also speculation that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un might be invited.

Just a day before, during his confirmation hearing at the National Assembly, Unification Minister nominee Chung Dong-young said he would work to create momentum toward extending an invitation to Kim.

When asked about this, the Presidential Office did not give a direct answer.

"North Korea is not an APEC member, so it was not among the 20 states invited or sent letters."

Leading up to the two-day summit, South Korea plans to hold the APEC Senior Officials' Meeting and a joint foreign and trade ministers' meeting in the last week of October.

Also scheduled are a range of business events, including the APEC Business Advisory Council and CEO Summit.

"The Presidential Office says it has set up a dedicated task force and will do everything it can to ensure a successful summit that contributes to growth across the Asia-Pacific region.

Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.