By UN Journal Lee Jon-young

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the launching ceremony of the 2nd Korea-China Youth Group for Future Friendship Promotion at the Open Communication Forum on the 1st floor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 1.

Among numerous applicants, 30 youths from both countries (20 Korean students, 10 Chinese students) were selected for the ‘Youth Group for Future Friendship Promotion.’ Over the course of five months, they will engage in various public outreach activities online and offline to promote mutual goodwill between Korea and China.

In his welcome address, Kang Young-shin, the Deputy Director-General for Northeast Asian Affairs, expressed hope that as representatives of the future generations of Korea and China, the participants will play a crucial role as bridges of communication. He kindly encouraged them to facilitate mature and healthy development of bilateral relations between Korea and China.

Ai Hongge, the Minister Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Korea, stated in his address that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Korea and China have achieved significant progress in various fields. Recognizing that the future of Korea-China relations lies in the hands of the youth, he emphasized the importance of the ‘Youth Group for Future Friendship Promotion’ in carrying out its mission to contribute to the development of Korea-China relations.

Meanwhile, Korean-Chinese cultural content influencer 'Captain Brother' (with 350,000 subscribers, YouTube Creator) and Lee Sira, a youth advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the event to engage in communication with the ‘Youth Group for Future Friendship Promotion.’ 

Captain Brother shared insights based on his experiences, including his study abroad in China, advising on what to consider for their future activities. Additionally, there was a Q&A session where he answered questions from the youth regarding the promotion of Korea-China relations and friendship.

During the 'communication with youth' session, Lee Sira, the youth advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, introduced the Ministry’s various youth programs currently underway. She also shared her opinions on ways to enhance outcomes through coordination between the activities of the ‘Youth Group for Future Friendship Promotion’ and youth programs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ‘Korea-China Youth Group for Future Friendship Promotion’ is expected to contribute to fostering communication between the two nations, especially exchanges among the youth, and further enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries.