Lee Jae-Yong to Attend Osaka Expo… Opening a New Chapter in Korea-Japan Private Diplomacy
Lee Jae-Yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, is set to attend the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo, which will take place in Osaka, Japan, in May. This move positions him as a 'private diplomat' representing Korea on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between Korea and Japan this year.
According to the business world on the 9th, Chairman Lee plans to attend the 'National Day' event hosted by the Korean Pavilion during the Expo. The Korean Pavilion will run 'Korea Day' week from May 13 to 17, during which Chairman Lee will visit Japan.
“From the Joseon Tongsinsa to K-Pop”… Direct Attendance at 'Korea Day' Week
'National Day' is an event where participating countries prominently showcase their traditions and cultures. The Korean side plans to promote Korea's charm in Japan through the reenactment of the Joseon Tongsinsa procession, which was a diplomatic envoy during the Joseon Dynasty, as well as K-Pop performances. This event is an official diplomatic stage that includes representatives from both governments, raising high expectations that Chairman Lee will serve as a bridge in the economic sector.
Moreover, this year marks a significant milestone as it is the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan. As the bilateral relationship gradually shows signs of recovery, Chairman Lee’s presence at the Expo is expected to widely promote technological and cultural competitiveness while further deepening private exchanges between the two countries.
Meetings with Japanese Business Leaders… Mobilizing 'LJF' Network
Chairman Lee's visit to Japan will not be limited to merely attending the event. He is scheduled to meet successively with key figures from the business sector in Tokyo and Osaka in early April, coinciding with the busy personnel changes in major Japanese companies.
This April visit marks an annual tradition that has continued since the time of late Chairman Lee Kun-Hee.
The late chairman valued cooperation with Japanese companies and built a unique network. In 2023, Chairman Lee Jae-Yong continued this legacy by personally leading an exchange meeting between Samsung and Japanese partners known as 'LJF (Lee Kun-Hee and Friends from Japan)' at the Samsung headquarters in Seoul.
Expanding Operations in Japan… New Management Base Established in Tokyo
This trip also includes final coordination for attending the Osaka Expo, but it has a significant purpose of strengthening cooperation between Samsung and Japanese companies.
Reports indicate that Samsung Electronics has recently established a new management base in Tokyo, which will be utilized by Chairman Lee and key executives. This move is a strategic initiative aimed at expanding collaboration with local businesses and enhancing market understanding.
Chairman Lee’s actions this time are expected to go beyond mere attendance at short-term events. Analysts suggest that this could be a strategic step to broaden relations with Japan across economic and cultural domains while strengthening Samsung's diplomatic role on a global scale.
Image sources: Lee Jae-Yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics / News1, Osaka Expo preparation site / gettyimageskorea
