[Editorial] Overseas compatriots

In a meeting with representatives of Korean communities abroad this week, President Park Geun-hye pledged to draw on the talents of overseas compatriots to enhance the nation’s international competitiveness. Park said she would provide ample opportunities for overseas Koreans with global minds and outstanding abilities to contribute to the advancement of their homeland. She went further to emphasize that her administration’s four major goals of economic revival, people’s happiness, cultural prosperity and peaceful Korean reunification could be achieved only through the joint efforts of Koreans at home and abroad.

It is true that overseas Koreans, whose number now exceeds 7 million, have helped Korea grow as a major member of the global community and it will continue to need their help in moving forward to join a group of leading nations. But Park’s remarks appeared to have fallen slightly short of striking the balance in policy approaches to Korean communities across the world. It would have made a better case, if she had encouraged Korean expatriates to continue and strengthen efforts to achieve meaningful accomplishments in the countries where they live.

Any overseas Korean dedicated to making contributions to his or her homeland deserves our praise and gratitude. But it cannot be said that most compatriots abroad try to succeed mainly for the purpose of benefiting Korea. The more usual case may be that their success inadvertently results in good things for Korea.

According to this view, the Seoul government should put in as much effort as is possible to help overseas Koreans become valuable members of foreign societies hosting them to sharpen the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.

It would be ideal to establish a framework that enables Koreans abroad and their homeland to benefit each other. Efforts continue to be made to enhance overseas Koreans’ solidarity with Korea and upgrade the database of talented Koreans around the world. Programs should be worked out to offer practical support for compatriots overseas after collecting their views.

The meeting of representatives of Korean communities abroad, which is being held in Seoul through Friday, should be nurtured further beyond a fraternal gathering to serve as a bridge for ensuring mutual benefits.

Consideration must also be given to support for overseas Koreans returning home, especially descendants of Koreans who left the country during Japan’s colonial rule in the early 20th century. Effective measures tailored to meet their needs should be implemented to integrate them into society.