Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.
Korea sends invitations to 20 APEC members for upcoming summit
Construction of the media center for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, scheduled for the end of October, is underway at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center in North Gyeongsang Province, on July 1. Yonhap
By Anna J. Park
Presidential office forms task force to ensure successful APEC summit in October
The Korean government has officially invited leaders and representatives from the 20 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to its upcoming summit scheduled for Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 in Gyeongju, a historic city in the southeastern part of the country.
The official outreach sets the stage for high-level discussions on trade and growth across the Asia-Pacific.
According to the presidential office on Tuesday, official invitations were sent Monday to 20 of the 21 APEC member economies. Korea, serving as this year’s host, was not included in the list of invitees.
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said the invitation letter emphasized APEC’s contributions over the past 30 years to sustainable economic growth and regional prosperity. It also outlined Korea’s vision for this year’s summit, themed "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper," focusing on enhancing regional connectivity and advancing digital innovation.
“Some member countries have already expressed their intention to participate, either formally or through prior verbal communication,” Kang noted during a press briefing held at the presidential office, adding that a select number of non-member countries will also be invited as special guests.
Kang Yu-jung, presidential spokesperson, speaks during a press briefing held at the presidential office in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
Kang added that in the lead-up to the summit, Korea will host several key preparatory events during the final week of October, designated as APEC Leaders’ Week. These include the APEC Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting and the Joint Ministerial Meeting on Foreign Affairs and Trade. A series of business-focused gatherings, such as the APEC Business Advisory Council meeting and the APEC CEO Summit, are also scheduled to take place in Gyeongju.
"From the outset of his administration, President Lee Jae Myung has prioritized the successful hosting of the APEC summit. To that end, the presidential office has established a dedicated task force, composed of senior aides, to oversee comprehensive preparations — ranging from scheduling and infrastructure to agenda setting, event production and cultural programming," the presidential spokesperson said.
The presidential office pledged to continue efforts to host a successful summit aimed at fostering innovative economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, fourth from left, oversees preparations for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, as he visits the Gyeongju National Museum in Gyeongju, Friday. Yonhap
When questioned about the precise role of the APEC task force within the presidential office — with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office leading summit preparations — the spokesperson clarified that the task force functions as a collaborative body, coordinating efforts across multiple government agencies.
“While the Prime Minister’s Office is taking the lead, the presidential task force team is functioning as a platform for coordination and communication among the related government agencies," she said.
Addressing concerns over potential logistical challenges, including accommodations for the large number of attendees, Kang acknowledged public worries about delays in venue preparations.
“We’re aware of the concerns about the slow progress of certain infrastructure projects and are closely monitoring the situation,” she said, adding that accommodations for official delegations are known to be mostly secured, and that the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry is taking the lead in arranging lodging for business participants.
The government expects approximately 4,000 delegates from member nations and over 3,000 business leaders to attend, with total attendance projected between 20,000 and 30,000.