Overseas Korean politicians gather to share and discuss experiences and challenges

There are more than 7 million overseas Koreans who make up a diaspora, and some of these, now citizens of their respective countries but of Korean descent, are representative figures in the political realm.

Ahn Sung-jin talked to a couple of them to understand what it means to have a Korean heritage and background.

Understanding global leadership through K-Spirit.

That's what this year's 11th Global Korean Politicians Forum aims to promote.

Hosted by the Global Korean Politicians Council and supported by the Overseas Korean Cooperation Center, the event brings together more than 50 incumbent overseas politicians of Korean descent to share their diverse experiences and promote mutual exchange.

These figures now represent different countries and regions, but as New Zealand's first Korean-born member of Parliament, who is in her 6th term, Melissa Lee says most of them maintain their Korean values and culture, and even the language for some.

"I am a Korean-born New Zealander who is a member of Parliament, and my thoughts and behavior and the way I am is shaped by my culture and my parents. These are the things that have shaped me, and I can't deny that; I cannot move away from it."

Some of the topics discussed included the role of Asian-Americans and Goryeo saram or ethnic Koreans of the former Soviet Union, as politicians in shaping policies or supporting the Korean diaspora abroad.

"Koreans in Russia are scattered across the territory, so I set a goal to unite the Korean diaspora in my city. We have already done a lot of work together with the Korean Cultural Center to hold events to unite Koreans who live in Russia."

The event also invited overseas Korean scholarship students to discuss leadership in a global age, despite challenges or discrimination.

With their Korean heritage, though these overseas Koreans may be advocating for a greater good and representing a wider audience, they say that deep down they will always be shaped by their roots as Koreans.

Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.