Source: MFA – Cyber Deterrence Meeting | Korea-Pacific Islands SOM | MoEL – Overseas Employment Conference
Overview
On May 21, 2026, the South Korean government was simultaneously active on three international fronts: a cyber deterrence conference in Seoul with delegates from 30+ countries; the 8th Korea-Pacific Island Countries Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) in Nadi, Fiji; and a domestic conference connecting 17 Korean overseas missions for youth employment support. These three events collectively reflect Korea’s expanding global agenda across cybersecurity, climate diplomacy, and human capital development.
1. Likeminded Cyber Deterrence Group Meeting
- Venue: Lotte Hotel, Seoul
- Host: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ambassador Yoon Jong-gwon, International Cyber Cooperation)
- Participants: 30+ countries, 70+ attendees (US, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, EU, Singapore, etc.)
- Agenda: Cyber threat trends; AI and emerging technology impacts; joint response strategies; UN global cyber norms mechanism
- Key emphasis: Strengthening overall cyber ecosystem resilience; activating public-private cooperation
2. 8th Korea-Pacific Island Countries Senior Officials Meeting
- Venue: Nadi, Fiji
- Co-chairs: Vice Minister Jeong Eui-hye (Korea MFA) and Ambassador Joseph Ma’ahanua (Solomon Islands)
- Participants: 18 PIF member states + PIF Secretariat
- Korea’s announcement: Confirmed contribution to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF)
- Priority requests from Pacific side: Energy and climate cooperation; support for Pre-COP31 in Fiji (October)
- Bilateral meetings held with: Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Fiji
3. 2026 Overseas Employment Conference
- Organizers: Ministry of Employment and Labor + Ministry of Foreign Affairs + HRD Korea
- Dates: May 21–22, 2026
- Participants: Officials from 17 Korean overseas missions in 11 countries
- 2025 result: Approximately 7,700 Korean youth supported through overseas employment programs
- Focus for 2026: Identifying higher-quality job opportunities abroad; strengthening safety support systems
- Mentoring session: 80 youth participated; overseas career experiences shared by senior mentors
Sources: MFA (cyber deterrence) | MFA (Pacific SOM) | MoEL (overseas employment)
Source: https://www.korea.kr/briefing/pressReleaseView.do?newsId=156762948&call_from=rsslink