1. The 22nd meeting of the Overseas Koreans Policy Committee was held on January 30, chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul. The Committee discussed “The First Basic Policy Plan for Overseas Koreans (2024-2028)” and relevant government agencies’ directions for overseas Koreans-related issues.

o The participants included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Unification, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Office for Government Policy Coordination, the Overseas Koreans Agency, etc.; those from the Overseas Koreans Cooperation Center and other relevant organizations; and civilians such as overseas Koreans, experts, etc.

o Prior to the meeting, Foreign Minister Cho awarded certificates of appointment to the civilian members of the Overseas Koreans Policy Committee. Their term on the Committee will last from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025.

o The Overseas Koreans Policy Committee was operated under the Prime Minister pursuant to a presidential directive since 1996, and has been a committee under Minister of Foreign Affairs since September 2021. With the enactment of the “Framework Act on Overseas Koreans” in May in 2023 and its enforcement from November of the same year, the legal framework of the Committee was finalized.

2. At this meeting, the first of its kind since the enactment of the “Framework Act on Overseas Koreans” and the establishment of the Overseas Koreans Agency in 2023, the Committee passed the First Basic Policy Plan for Overseas Koreans. This mid- to long-term Policy Plan will be implemented by the Korean government from 2024 to 2028.  

o The tasks outlined in the First Basic Policy Plan for Overseas Koreans include strengthening the policy for overseas Koreans, fostering the identity of overseas Koreans, enhancing protection of and support for overseas Koreans in line with Korea’s national prestige, establishing Korean networks abroad and contributing to the realization of its vision to become a global pivotal state.

3. Foreign Minister Cho emphasized that the 7 million overseas Koreans are valuable partners in realizing the government's vision of becoming a global pivotal state and strengthening diplomatic capabilities. He mentioned that the Korean government's efforts to prioritize support for overseas Koreans have borne fruit with the establishment of the Overseas Koreans Agency in June last year.

o Foreign Minister Cho commended the role and performance of the Overseas Koreans Agency, which has achieved tangible results in providing consular services for overseas Koreans and communicating well with overseas Korean communities since its establishment.  

4. The Korean government decided to establish and implement more systematic and sustainable policies for overseas Koreans based on the First Basic Policy Plan for Overseas Koreans in a bid to render better support to overseas Koreans. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to closely cooperate with other relevant ministries and agencies to build global network through which overseas Koreans and the Republic of Korea can move further forward together.