[INTERVIEW] Germany, Korea forge strong bonds for future cooperation: ADeKo chairman

ADeKo Chairman Kim Hyo-joon, right, speaks with German Ambassador-designate to Korea Georg Schmidt before a press day event in Seoul to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Korea and Germany, Monday. Yonhap

By Kim Hyun-bin

Korea and Germany have seen significant growth in recent years backed by mutual trust and opportunities that have defined the relationship for 140 years, according to ADeKo Chairman Kim Hyo-joon.

The chairman shared insights into the enduring partnership between the two nations and the potential for future collaboration during an interview with The Korea Times in Seoul, Monday.

Korea established diplomatic ties with Germany in 1883.

Since then, the bond between the two countries has only grown stronger, thanks to economic and technological cooperation, as well as cultural exchanges. What sets the partnership apart is the strong trust and cooperation that underpins it. Germany was one of the first countries to extend assistance to Korea during the Korean War (1950-1953) laying the groundwork for a robust relationship today.

At present, both Korea and Germany are economic giants in their respective regions. Germany boasts industrial leadership in Europe, while Korea stands out for its technological prowess. This synergy has led to a significant exchange of goods and services, with over 500 German companies operating in Korea, employing more than 110,000 individuals. The economic success of both nations is evident in their respective positions as leading trading partners.

“From Korea's perspective, about 25 percent of its exports to Europe go to Germany. From Germany's perspective, next to China, Korea is a significant country in terms of exports to Asia. So, if you look at it, Korea is the largest country after China in both directions, and this success from both sides is very meaningful,” Kim said.

“There aren't many countries like Korea and Germany that have achieved economic growth, social stability and harmony represented by the Miracle on the Han River or the Miracle on the Rhine.”

Looking ahead, the chairman emphasized the importance of navigating geopolitical changes and increasing uncertainties. He highlighted the need for new international governance mechanisms, emphasizing a transition from geopolitics to geo-technics.

The vision entails countries with technological leadership, such as Germany and Korea, forming horizontal connections and strategic realignments to play pivotal roles in future global governance. Key sectors like AI, biotechnology, next-generation fuel cells, hydrogen fuel and aerospace engineering offer ample opportunities for collaboration.

“This way, we can expect new leadership in global governance in the future. So, in a cautious sense, there is a widespread belief that countries with technological leadership in industries such as AI, content, bio, next-generation fuel cells, hydrogen fuel, aerospace engineering, and others can work together and establish a strategic framework,” he said.

Kim underscored the well-established trust between the two nations, noting that during difficult times, Germany was the first and only country to lend a helping hand to Korea. This trust, which has persisted for decades, must be maintained and strengthened through continuous efforts to enhance cooperation.

“After the war, when Korea was going through difficult times in a harsh reality, Germany was the first and only country to reach out with a helping hand. Korean miners, about 8,000 of them, and then nurses, about 10,000 of them, went to Germany. Based on that, we formed an agreement on economic cooperation, technological cooperation, and development in the late 1960s,” Kim said.

He mentioned several initiatives aimed at fostering future leaders and strengthening connections including the new exchange project. These efforts focus on education and cultural exchange, laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration between the two nations.

The chairman expressed a strong desire to continue strengthening the Korea-Germany relationship, pointing out that the coming years hold great potential for both nations. By leveraging their strengths, trust and shared interests, the two nations can lead the way in global governance and innovation, ensuring that their partnership remains vibrant for generations to come.

Chairman Kim concluded the interview with optimism, highlighting the immense potential for further collaboration between Korea and Germany, a partnership grounded in history and poised for a promising future.

“What's more important is that, in addition to the relationships between governments, our relationship, and connections, it's not just about pursuing our interests. It's about sharing those interests and building a trusting relationship so that we can move forward together,” Kim said.