President Lee Jae-myung praised 7 million overseas Koreans for connecting South Korea with the world at the 20th World Korean Day ceremony in Songdo, Incheon, on the 28th. He said South Korea’s growing international standing had increased the diaspora’s importance and described government support as an investment that enables the country and overseas communities to strengthen one another. Lee noted that the 7 million Koreans live in 181 countries, creating local footholds for South Korea worldwide. The ceremony brought together Korean associations, overseas business leaders, next-generation diaspora members, adoptees, Sakhalin Koreans and returnees, alongside more than 1,200 attendees. World Korean Day is observed on October 5 and became a legal commemorative day in 2007. Lee also said challenges facing overseas Koreans should inform institutional improvements, with promising proposals reflected in policies and budgets.