South Korean President Yoon Delays Germany and Denmark Trips Amid Domestic Issues

President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized to German and Danish leaders for postponing his scheduled visit this week. During separate phone calls with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on the afternoon of the 20th, President Yoon explained, “The visit had to be postponed due to various reasons, including domestic and overseas issues.”

In his phone call with Prime Minister Frederiksen, President Yoon explained, “As communicated through diplomatic channels, the visit to Denmark had to be unavoidably postponed due to various reasons, including domestic and overseas issues,” and asked for understanding. Prime Minister Frederiksen said, “We fully understand your position” and “We welcome President Yoon’s visit to Denmark at any time.”

During the call, both leaders reaffirmed that the two countries have cooperated closely as “Comprehensive Green Strategic Partners.” They also acknowledged shared expectations and perceptions about the development of bilateral relations, such as strengthening the Green Growth Alliance and cooperation in advanced science and technology, while preparing for the visit to Denmark. They agreed to continue to promote related projects as planned, regardless of the postponement of the visit.

Before speaking with Prime Minister Frederiksen, President Yoon had a phone call with President Steinmeier. He also explained the unavoidable postponement of the visit to Germany for various reasons and asked for Germany’s understanding. President Steinmeier said, “We fully understand your position” and “We sincerely hope that we can reschedule President Yoon’s visit to Germany at an appropriate time through mutual consultation.”

Both leaders acknowledged that the “Korea-Germany Joint North Korean Cybersecurity Recommendation,” announced on the 19th, proceeded as planned, regardless of the postponement of the visit. They agreed to continue to promote the cooperation projects discussed during the preparation for the visit to Germany and to continue to develop cooperation between the two countries, focusing on security, advanced technology, and cyber areas.

Both leaders agreed, “Let’s further develop the friendly cooperative relationship between two countries, which has lasted for over 140 years.” They also decided to keep in touch and communicate closely through regular communications in the future.

Meanwhile, President Yoon originally planned to visit Germany and Denmark in the form of a state and official visit during this week. However, the visit was postponed considering various political factors, including expanding the medical school quota and a livelihood issue.