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South Korean Envoys Deliver Letter, Discuss Health Crisis, and Propose Joint Projects in Honduras

Updated (2 articles)
  • President Lee Jae Myung's special envoys, Reps. Boo Seung-chan and Lee Hoon-ki of the ruling Democratic Party, and new Honduran President Nasry Asfura pose for a photo during their meeting on Feb. 4, 2026, in this photo provided by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    President Lee Jae Myung's special envoys, Reps. Boo Seung-chan and Lee Hoon-ki of the ruling Democratic Party, and new Honduran President Nasry Asfura pose for a photo during their meeting on Feb. 4, 2026, in this photo provided by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Kang Yu-jung speaks during a press briefing on Jan. 22, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Kang Yu-jung speaks during a press briefing on Jan. 22, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Kang Yu-jung speaks during a press briefing on Jan. 22, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Kang Yu-jung speaks during a press briefing on Jan. 22, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size

Lee Appoints Democratic Party Lawmakers as Special Envoys President Lee Jae Myung selected Reps. Boo Seung‑chan and Lee Hoon‑ki to travel to Honduras from Tuesday to Thursday, tasking them with delivering a personal letter and outlining Seoul’s foreign‑policy priorities [2]. The envoy dispatch was announced by spokesperson Kang Yu‑jung in a written briefing on Sunday [2]. Their mission aims to reinforce diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation under Honduras’ new administration [2].

Envoys Meet Newly Inaugurated President Nasry Asfura Upon arrival, the delegation held a courtesy call with President Nasry Asfura, who was sworn in a week earlier with backing from U.S. President Donald Trump [1][2]. During the meeting, the envoys presented Lee’s correspondence urging stronger bilateral ties [1]. Asfura, a former businessman, emphasized his agenda of job creation and crime reduction while receiving the Korean officials [1].

Discussions Highlight Honduras’ Critical Health System Shortages President Asfura warned the envoys about severe gaps in Honduras’ health infrastructure, citing medicine shortages, limited hospital capacity, long waiting lists, and delayed diagnoses for serious illnesses [1]. He framed the health crisis as a priority for any future cooperation [1]. The Korean side acknowledged the concerns and expressed willingness to explore assistance through development channels [1].

South Korea Proposes Joint Projects Through Development Cooperation Fund Seoul signaled interest in launching joint initiatives via its economic development cooperation fund or grant programs [1]. The envoys plan to meet with the Korean expatriate community and Korean business operators in Honduras to identify mutually beneficial projects [1]. Both parties view the collaboration as a pathway to address Honduras’ development needs while expanding South Korean presence in Central America [1].

Sources

Timeline

Jan 27, 2026 – Nasry Asfura, a Trump‑backed businessman, is sworn in as Honduras’ president, ending a stretch of left‑wing leadership and pledging job creation and a crackdown on crime. [2]

Feb 1, 2026 – President Lee Jae Myung designates Democratic Party lawmakers Boo Seung‑chan and Lee Hoon‑ki as special envoys, tasking them with delivering a personal letter, outlining South Korea’s foreign‑policy approach, and seeking deeper diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation with the new Honduran administration. [2]

Feb 4‑6, 2026 – The South Korean envoys travel to Honduras, schedule courtesy calls with President Asfura and the National Congress president, and prepare to engage the Korean expatriate community and local businesses to expand bilateral ties. [1][2]

Feb 5, 2026 – The envoys hand over President Lee’s letter to President Asfura, discuss joint projects through South Korea’s economic development cooperation fund, and Asfura warns that Honduras’ health system suffers severe medicine, hospital, and diagnostic shortages, causing long patient waiting lists. [1]

Feb 5, 2026 – After the meeting, the delegation meets with Honduran‑based Korean residents and business owners to explore cooperation opportunities and reinforce community connections. [1]