The ‘Overseas Koreans Policy Forum’ hosted by the World Korean Journalists Association (WKJA, Chairman Kim Myung-gon) at the Seoul Press Center on May 13th served as an important platform to gauge the policy direction of the next South Korean government concerning overseas Koreans. Aimed at representing the voices of 7.5 million overseas Koreans and leading to practical policy changes, the forum featured Democratic Party Assemblyman Lee Ki-heon and Reform Party Policy Special Envoy Kim Doo-soo as panelists. They presented their respective parties' policy visions and specific pledges regarding overseas Koreans and engaged in in-depth discussions on key issues facing the overseas Korean community, moderated by Kim Gil-soo, CEO of Texas KS MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT.
The WKJA emphasized the background of the forum's organization, stating that it was "to directly hear the vivid voices of overseas Koreans and convey them to the next government to promote practical policy changes."
Notably, the positions of each party discussed at this forum hold significant weight as they could serve as crucial criteria in setting the official overseas Korean policy direction of the upcoming government. Regrettably, the People Power Party did not participate as a panelist due to the non-organization of their election structure, for which the WKJA expressed its regret.
The forum proceeded in a question-and-answer format based on various issues and long-standing requests from the overseas Korean community that were collected in advance. The panelists from both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics, including improvements to the overseas voting system, streamlining and easing financial transaction systems, support measures for the domestic entry of next-generation overseas Koreans, the abolition of the principle of automatic dual citizenship for those born abroad, lowering the age for acquiring dual citizenship, support measures for overseas Korean media, ways to utilize overseas Koreans as assets for peaceful unification and diplomacy, the dissolution of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC) and the reduction of overseas PUAC member numbers, and the allocation of proportional representation seats for overseas Koreans.
The representatives from both parties diligently answered both prepared questions and those raised on-site, demonstrating their attentiveness to the opinions of the overseas Korean community.
[Key Q&A Content from the Policy Forum]
Regarding the question of improving the overseas voting system, both parties acknowledged the poor overseas voting environment and recognized the need for system improvements. However, they mentioned that the introduction of postal and online voting systems is difficult to achieve in the short term due to administrative and institutional procedures, stating that they would pursue continuous improvements with a long-term perspective.
Concerning the streamlining and easing of financial transaction systems, they explained the current operation of internet banking and the progress of establishing the fourth internet-only bank, expressing optimism about the vitalization of online banking. In particular, they agreed that the current limit on bringing in foreign currency ($10,000 USD) is outdated and requires urgent improvement, hinting at raising it to a realistic level while supplementing measures to prevent foreign currency outflow and tax evasion.
Regarding support measures for the domestic entry of next-generation overseas Koreans, they expressed their intention to improve the inefficiency of the Overseas Koreans Agency's budget execution. They promised to actively support the settlement of next-generation overseas Koreans in South Korea by reducing unnecessary operating expenses and increasing the budget for internship expansion and support for their entry into the homeland.
On the issue of abolishing the principle of automatic dual citizenship for those born abroad, they pointed out that the issue arises from the conflict between the principles of jus sanguinis (bloodline citizenship) and jus soli (birthplace citizenship). They stated they would consider expanding the freedom of choice of nationality or flexibly adjusting the timing of renouncing citizenship for those whose purpose is not to evade military service. However, they added that building national consensus is important.
Regarding lowering the current age of 65 for acquiring dual citizenship, they agreed on the need to revise the law in line with the declining population and global trends. However, to address the contradiction of enjoying benefits without residing in South Korea after acquiring dual citizenship, they stated they would also consider imposing a mandatory period of domestic residence and civic duties, aiming to lower the dual citizenship acquisition age to the 40s.
As for support measures for overseas Korean media, they mentioned the practical difficulties of establishing an Overseas Koreans Promotion Foundation. They stated they would pursue indirect support by leveraging overseas Korean businesses beyond central government support and establish a dedicated department for overseas Korean media within the Overseas Koreans Agency.
Regarding ways to utilize overseas Koreans as assets for peaceful unification and diplomacy, they highly valued the potential for improving relations by utilizing overseas Koreans in the current strained inter-Korean relations and expressed their willingness to support the active efforts of overseas Koreans.
On the dissolution of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC) and the reduction of overseas PUAC member numbers, while acknowledging critical views on the role of the PUAC, they emphasized that as a constitutional body, its dissolution would require a national referendum. As a realistic alternative, they suggested that the new president could adjust the number of PUAC members or promote institutional reforms to enable the PUAC to substantially contribute to peaceful unification.
Finally, regarding the allocation of proportional representation seats for overseas Koreans, they emphasized the importance of active participation in voting by overseas Koreans, stating that a high voter turnout would be the biggest factor in allocating proportional representation seats.
[Future Prospects and Evaluation]
This policy forum is evaluated as having served as an important opportunity to strengthen communication between the overseas Korean community and the South Korean political sphere and to contribute to the advancement of the rights and interests of overseas Koreans and the development of the Korean ethnic community. In particular, it holds significant meaning as a platform to glimpse the future policy direction of the next government regarding overseas Koreans.
The WKJA stated its commitment to continue its efforts to ensure that the diverse voices of the overseas Korean community are reflected in policies. Attention is now focused on whether the various opinions presented at this forum will translate into actual policies and bring positive changes to the lives of the 7.5 million overseas Koreans.
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