SEOUL, Jan. 26 (Yonhap) — South Korea is prioritizing enhanced cultural cooperation with China following recent summit talks, according to Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol. The government aims to leverage the strengthened diplomatic ties to foster deeper exchange.
President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to Beijing in early January marked his second summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Lee stated that the summit established a strong foundation for the complete restoration of bilateral relations between South Korea and China.
“With the summit successfully laying the groundwork for enhanced economic cooperation, we will also advance cultural cooperation to reinforce it,” Koo stated while chairing a meeting of economy-related ministers. This initiative seeks to capitalize on improved South Korea-China relations.
During the meeting, Koo highlighted the significance of the South Korean president’s visit to China, the first in nine years, as a pivotal moment in restoring bilateral ties and establishing a future-oriented framework for collaboration. This renewed focus aims to boost both economies and cultural understanding.
“The government plans to gradually restore cultural exchanges across various fields, encompassing arts, sports, tourism, games, music, film, and broadcasting, alongside expanding people-to-people exchanges,” he elaborated. This comprehensive approach is intended to repair and strengthen the cultural bridge between the two nations.
Relations between Seoul and Beijing have faced challenges in recent years, including perceived restrictions on Korean cultural content. These concerns emerged following Seoul’s 2016 decision to host a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) antimissile battery, though China has never formally acknowledged imposing such restrictions. This cultural cooperation initiative could serve to alleviate these tensions.
Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol speaks during a meeting of economy-related ministers at the government complex in Seoul on Jan. 26, 2026. (Yonhap)
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