Global Forum

K-pop and K-culture served as a bridge for the younger generation, melting away language barriers and even the summer heat.

“Until now, I had not thought much about overseas Koreans. I only occasionally encountered their stories through broadcasts, but through this forum, sitting face-to-face with overseas Korean youth and engaging in conversation made me reflect on myself. I was deeply moved by their passionate interest in the Republic of Korea and their efforts to reconnect with Korean roots. The discussions and friendships we shared will remain a precious memory of my school years.” (Si Hyun Lee, School of Law, Incheon National University)

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of Liberation, the “2025 Next-Generation Overseas Koreans Homeland Invitation – Global Forum between INU Students and Overseas Korean Youth”, co-hosted by Incheon National University and the Center for Overseas Koreans Cooperation, was successfully concluded with enthusiastic participation on July 27 and August 10.

Organized as part of efforts to expand exchanges with overseas Koreans following the establishment of the Office for Overseas Koreans, the event was designed to strengthen ties between 7.5 million overseas Koreans and young people in Korea, promoting sustainable exchange and mutual development. More than 330 participants—including INU students, overseas Korean youth, supporters, and event staff—joined the two sessions.

The event began with a pre-forum gathering to promote friendship between INU students and overseas Korean youth, followed by keynote presentations by Professors Buyong Kim and Jong In Kim of the Department of Northeast Asian International Commerce and Logistics at INU on the topic of “Co-Prosperity between the Republic of Korea and Overseas Korean Communities.” This was followed by four group discussions, with simultaneous interpretation in Russian and English, which added to the significance of the global forum.

Even in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, overseas Korean youth from Russia, the CIS, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia engaged with INU students, finding common ground through K-pop and K-culture.

Sharing the same roots, the younger generations overcame language barriers and the heat to engage in serious discussions on the meaning of the 80th anniversary of Liberation, the realities of overseas Korean communities, attracting overseas Koreans back to Korea, the possibility of dual nationality, and the need for institutional support from the homeland. At the same time, they shared laughter and built friendships.

After the discussions ended, participants exchanged Instagram accounts as they said their farewells. One overseas Korean youth commented, “It was meaningful to share thoughts with INU students, and I hope more overseas Koreans will have the opportunity to participate in such gatherings in the future.”

Jin Bae Hong, Director of External Affairs at Incheon National University, stated, “On the 80th anniversary of Liberation, we sincerely welcome the overseas Korean youth who came to Incheon National University in search of Korean roots. We will continue to support efforts to identify ways to co-prosper with overseas Koreans, based on the pride and achievements of the Republic of Korea.”

Global Forum