South Korea's Diplomatic 'Super Week': 4 Key Things to Watch at the APEC Summit
South Korea's Diplomatic 'Super Week': 4 Key Things to Watch at the APEC Summit - Key Takeaways
South Korean diplomacy faces a pivotal period in 2025. This timeframe, dubbed the 'super week,' is expected to put South Korea's diplomatic capabilities to the test. In particular, the APEC Summit presents a significant opportunity to showcase South Korea's foreign policy strategy to the world. Let's analyze four key points to watch at this meeting.
Seeking Enhanced Economic Cooperation
The APEC Summit is a core platform for promoting economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. At this summit, South Korea is expected to present concrete measures for promoting regional trade liberalization and investment expansion, and to strengthen cooperation with member states. In particular, it is likely to emphasize joint efforts to accelerate the transition to a digital and green economy, and propose sharing related technologies and know-how. President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea is expected to deliver a keynote address outlining South Korea's economic growth strategy and vision, and to encourage active participation from APEC member states. Furthermore, various bilateral meetings are expected to be held to specifically discuss economic cooperation measures with individual countries, and to explore new cooperation models that can enhance mutual benefits. These efforts are expected to broaden South Korea's economic diplomacy and contribute to regional economic growth.
Exploring Ways to Strengthen Security Cooperation
The APEC Summit is not only a forum for economic cooperation but also a platform for discussing regional security issues. As the instability of the recent international situation intensifies, APEC member states are increasingly emphasizing the importance of security cooperation. At this summit, South Korea is expected to secure international support for advancing the Korean Peninsula peace process and play a constructive role in regional stability. In particular, it is expected to express concerns about North Korea's nuclear and missile development and strengthen diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue through close cooperation with relevant countries. In addition, it is expected to seek joint response measures to transnational security threats such as cyber security and counter-terrorism, and to establish information sharing and cooperation systems with APEC member states. President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea is expected to present South Korea's security strategy and vision at the security-related session and call for joint international efforts for regional peace and stability. These efforts are expected to strengthen South Korea's security capabilities and contribute to regional peace and stability.
Demonstrating Leadership in Addressing Climate Change
Climate change is a global issue, and APEC member states are no exception to its impact. At this APEC Summit, South Korea is expected to express its active commitment to addressing climate change and participate in international joint efforts. In particular, it is expected to present concrete plans for achieving carbon neutrality goals and emphasize policies for renewable energy transition and energy efficiency improvement. It is also expected to pledge financial and technical support to support developing countries' climate change responses and strengthen climate change response capabilities through cooperation with APEC member states. President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea is expected to present South Korea's climate change response strategy and vision at the climate change-related session and call for joint international action. In addition, it is expected to propose a climate change response initiative at the APEC level and encourage active participation from member states. These efforts are expected to strengthen South Korea's climate change leadership and contribute to international efforts for sustainable development.
Strengthening Diplomatic Capabilities by Leveraging Soft Power
South Korea's cultural influence, or soft power, is increasingly valuable as a diplomatic asset. At this APEC Summit, South Korea is expected to further strengthen its relationship with member states through cultural exchange and cooperation. In particular, it is expected to support the spread of K-wave content and strengthen cooperation on cultural heritage preservation and utilization. It is also expected to expand education and human exchange programs and strive to promote mutual understanding among APEC member states' citizens. President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea is expected to promote South Korea's cultural charm at cultural exchange-related events and strengthen cultural ties with APEC member states. In addition, it is expected to contribute to enhancing South Korea's national image and raising its status in the international community through cultural diplomacy. These efforts are expected to promote South Korea's diplomatic diversification and help strengthen cooperation with APEC member states in various fields. From October 17th to 19th, 2025, the Segye Ilbo and Research View conducted a 'Manifesto Public Awareness Survey.' The survey was conducted on 1,000 adult men and women aged 18 or older nationwide using an ARS automated response telephone survey method, and the margin of error was ±3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.
