Lee pledges 'better South Korea' to Belgian diaspora in first stop of Europe tour

President Lee Jae Myung promised the Korean diaspora in Belgium on Tuesday (local time) that South Korea would show them "a better country than ever before," kicking off his European tour with a community meeting in Brussels.

Lee arrived at Melsbroek military airport at around 3:40 p.m. before heading to a hotel in central Brussels for the gathering. When an attendee noted that no sitting or former South Korean president had ever held a community meeting with the Belgian diaspora, Lee said he was "surprised" and went on to deliver the pledge.

"They say you become a patriot when you go abroad," Lee said. "You naturally take an interest in domestic affairs, and you end up being compared — whether you like it or not — with other countries. The way you are treated changes depending on your home country's standing and credibility in the world. I imagine you felt that quite dramatically over the past two or three years."

"That is why the home country must do well," he added. "Koreans living overseas should be proud of South Korea."

The remarks appeared to reference former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of emergency martial law on Dec. 3.

Lee said the diaspora's perspective on South Korea was likely sharpened by living in an advanced country like Belgium. "The world's perception of South Korea has changed dramatically in a short time," he said. "We went from a poor country that struggled on foreign aid to suddenly pulling ahead economically, and now doesn't it feel like South Korea is at the center of global culture? It really is a remarkable leap forward."

"We must go even further from here," he continued. "I believe in South Korea's underlying strength."

Lee also said the government had a responsibility to support the achievements Koreans abroad were pursuing. "We may not be able to hand out cash directly, but there are some things we can do through policy," he said. "Above all, I believe the greatest support we can offer is building up South Korea's standing as a nation."

On the role of overseas diplomatic missions, Lee said they should go beyond handling government-to-government affairs and serve as a platform for cultural and industrial outreach as well as a hub for Korean nationals abroad.

Im Eun-hee, president of the Korean Association in Belgium, welcomed Lee in her opening remarks. "I believe the Korean community here has been able to grow into a small but solid community trusted in Belgium thanks to the development and standing of our home country, South Korea," she said. "I hope your visit to Belgium — the heart of Europe — will bear great fruit, and the diaspora community will redouble its efforts to serve as a bridge between the two countries."