Easing Public Sentiment as Diplomatic Foundation President Lee Jae Myung told Shanghai officials at a welcome dinner on Jan. 6 that South Korea and China must work to reduce negative public sentiment and cultivate “good neighborly, friendly” relations, framing goodwill as essential for bilateral progress [1][2]. He warned that “unfounded and unnecessary misunderstandings” have long soured attitudes in both societies and impede cooperation [1][2]. Lee linked the need to improve public attitudes directly to the ability to resolve shared economic challenges.

Economic Cooperation Positioned as Top Priority Lee declared that expanding economic cooperation should be the foremost agenda, covering sectors such as culture, foreign affairs, military ties, and people‑to‑people exchanges [1][2]. He expressed intent to align South Korean interests with China’s 2026‑30 economic development plan to foster new growth drivers [1][2]. The emphasis signals Seoul’s strategy to pursue practical trade and investment gains alongside diplomatic outreach.

Historical Ties Leveraged for People‑to‑People Links Highlighting Shanghai’s role in the Korean independence movement, Lee announced plans to visit the former provisional government headquarters and commemorate the 150th birthday of independence leader Kim Koo [1][2]. He thanked Shanghai authorities for preserving these sites, arguing that shared historical memory can reinforce contemporary goodwill [1][2]. The visits aim to deepen cultural connections that complement the economic agenda.

Local Officials Offer Tangible Support for Korean Firms Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining, hosting the dinner, pledged to create new business opportunities for Korean companies and other foreign enterprises, echoing Lee’s call for reduced conflict and expanded cooperation [1]. The pledge includes fostering people‑to‑people exchanges and supporting Korean firms in Shanghai’s economic policies [1]. This municipal commitment translates diplomatic rhetoric into concrete commercial incentives.