On August 2, 2026 (local time), President Lee Jae-myung stopped by Frankfurt, Germany on his way back from a tour of the United States and South America, saying he "came to refuel and decided not to just pass by." During a meeting with Korean expatriates, he delivered a message that "Korea and Germany are very similar," emphasizing Korea's development and the role of the diaspora community. First Lady Kim Hye-kyung also attended the gathering, adding her presence.
At a roundtable discussion held at a hotel in Frankfurt, President Lee opened by saying, "The Republic of Korea and Germany are very similar. Both countries have risen after overcoming the pain of war and division." He particularly noted that "Germany amazed the world with the Rhine Miracle, and the Republic of Korea with the Miracle of the Han River," connecting the dynamic development history of both nations.
President Lee emphasized the special significance of this year, which marks exactly 60 years since the first Pardok nurses arrived at Frankfurt Airport in 1966. He highly praised and expressed gratitude for the contributions of the first-generation expatriates who devoted themselves as driving forces in the nation's modernization.
President Lee then mentioned a specific figure, noting that "approximately 42 civil complaints have been received from Germany," revealing deep interest in the difficulties faced by expatriates. He pledged to "carefully and meticulously attend to your concerns so you can have confidence that the government listens to your stories, considers them, and takes action," expressing active government support intentions.