Lee Sang-deok, Administrator of the Overseas Koreans Agency, visited Essen and Berlin, Germany, for two days from May 17, holding discussions and communicating with Korean workers dispatched to Germany and other overseas Koreans. This marked the first time that the Administrator visited a local site to engage with overseas Koreans.
On May 17, Administrator Lee visited the Korean Miners Memorial Hall in Essen. He toured the historical records and exhibits related to the dispatched Korean workers, examining their lives and footprints from that period, reflecting on the meaning of their dedication. This hall is recognized as a space commemorating the devotion of the dispatched workers and serves as a cultural hub for the Korean community in Germany.
Subsequently, he invited about 50 overseas Koreans, including former dispatched workers and those from the Essen region, to the memorial hall for a discussion.
In his welcoming remarks, Administrator Lee stated, "The dedication and sacrifice of the dispatched Korean workers laid the foundation for Korea's modernization and economic growth." He added, "I express my deep gratitude and respect to all of you who played a significant role by toiling in Germany during a difficult time for our homeland, and for taking on a central role in the Korean community in Germany, greatly contributing to its development."
He also informed them that the Agency is "selecting and promoting 'Overseas Korean of the Month' to ensure that the contributions of overseas Koreans, including the dispatched workers, are not forgotten, and that their historical contributions are accurately recorded and passed on, so that our citizens can have a positive perception of overseas Koreans."
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