S. KOREA DISPATCHES DIPLOMATIC DELEGATIONS

Hello.

It's Thursday July 17th here in Seoul and you're watching Press Perspective.

I'm Min Sunhee.

Today we touch upon South Korea's diplomatic endeavors as it seeks to ensure mutual gains on the trade and security fronts with its global partners.

For more I have Ruy Valdes with Spanish news agency EFE Spain.

Ruy welcome.

I also have Malene Jensen with Danish weekly broadsheet Weekendavisen over in Denmark.

Malene it's great to have you on.

Malene, the Lee Jae Myung administration has begun dispatching diplomatic delegations overseas to bolster its bilateral interactions with its global partners and among the first four destinations are the EU headquarters in Belgium, France, the UK and India. What has been the response of the foreign media to such diplomatic endeavors by South Korea?

Ruy, the first four nations do not include the U.S. nor China. What do you suppose is South Korea's broader intention?

Malene, according to the New York Times, Mr. Trump's tariffs are encouraging America's Asian allies to "seek out better friends." What are pundits there saying about prospects of greater partnership between South Korea and Europe?

Malene, defense looks to be another area of cooperation between South Korea and Europe. Again, what are the prospects of South Korea emerging as an arms supplier for Europe?

Ruy, earlier this week, South Korea extended formal invitations to APEC leaders for this year's summit in Gyeongju. Is South Korea's diplomacy back on track?

Malene, earlier this week, President Lee Jae Myung addressed the audience of the 2025 World Congress of Political Science, which was held here in Seoul. What do you believe are the broader implications of this hosting especially keeping in mind South Korea's short-lived martial law in December and the political turmoil it caused?

Ruy, back here on the national front.

After meeting with bereaved family members of victims of tragic accidents including the Sewol Ferry disaster and the Itaewon crowd crush, President Lee Jae Myung called for a disaster response mechanism that is centered on the victims.

What were your takeaways?

Ruy, Korea's medical school students are returning back to the academic arena, ending a walkout that has lasted about a year and a half. What are some of the pending tasks for the new administration with regard to this particular issue?

All right.