President Lee Jae-myung's New Digital Diplomacy: Bilingual SNS Messages Spark Global Conversation

President Lee's SNS Diplomacy: A New Era of Communication
Did you know that President Lee Jae-myung has just shaken up Korea's diplomatic playbook? By ordering that all social media messages related to foreign affairs be posted in both Korean and the language of the counterpart country, Lee is signaling a bold commitment to mutual respect and direct communication. This policy was first showcased during the recent G7 summit in Canada, where Lee’s posts about bilateral meetings with leaders like Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru appeared in both Korean and Japanese. The move is not just a one-off gesture but the start of a new digital diplomacy era for Korea, aiming to reach not only overseas Koreans but also the citizens of partner countries directly.
Background: Why Language Matters in Modern Diplomacy

For decades, diplomatic communication has often been limited to official statements in English or the home language. But in a hyperconnected world, social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have become crucial for real-time engagement. President Lee’s directive recognizes that language is more than just a tool—it's a sign of respect and a bridge for understanding. By posting in the language of the other country, Korea’s messages reach a wider audience and foster a sense of inclusion. This approach is rooted in Lee’s digital diplomacy philosophy, which seeks to break down barriers and promote people-to-people ties, not just government-to-government relations.
How the Policy Unfolded at the G7 Summit
During the G7 summit, Lee’s bilingual posts quickly drew attention. After his meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister, both leaders posted messages in each other's languages. Japanese citizens responded with comments like 'I hope Korea-Japan relations become even closer' and 'Let’s walk the path of peace together in East Asia.' On the Korean side, replies to Ishiba’s posts included sentiments such as 'Let’s continue our good relationship' and 'Let’s help each other for the future.' The positive online exchange highlighted the power of direct, multilingual communication in diplomacy. The presidential office confirmed that this practice will become standard for all future overseas visits and diplomatic events.
Community and Media Reactions: From Enthusiasm to Skepticism
Korean online communities like Theqoo, DC Inside, and FM Korea buzzed with discussion. Many users praised the move as forward-thinking, with comments like 'Finally, a president who understands global communication!' and 'This is how you build real friendships.' Some skeptics, however, questioned whether the effort would be sustainable or merely symbolic, noting that translation quality and cultural nuance are crucial. On Naver and Tistory blogs, writers analyzed how this policy could set a precedent for other countries, while also reflecting on the challenges of managing multilingual content in real time. Overall, the response was largely positive, with a sense of national pride in Korea’s proactive diplomatic stance.
Cultural Insights: Why This Matters to International Fans
For international fans of Korean culture and politics, this development is more than a headline—it’s a window into Korea’s evolving global identity. Korea has long been known for its soft power, from K-pop to K-dramas, but this move signals a new emphasis on hard power through digital diplomacy. By prioritizing language and inclusivity, Korea is inviting the world into its conversations, making diplomacy more transparent and relatable. For young global readers, this is a reminder that international relations are no longer confined to closed-door meetings—they’re happening in real time, on platforms everyone uses.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Korea’s Digital Diplomacy
President Lee’s bilingual SNS policy is just the beginning. The presidential office has stated that this will be a core principle for all diplomatic communication moving forward. The hope is that these efforts will not only strengthen bilateral ties but also inspire other nations to adopt similar practices. As digital diplomacy becomes more central to international relations, Korea’s experiment could set a global standard for openness, respect, and direct engagement. So, next time you see a diplomatic post from Korea, check for that second language—it’s a small detail with big implications for the future of global dialogue.
Discover More

Hwang Ui-jo’s World Cup Plea: Can a Fallen Star Return to Korea’s National Team?
South Korean striker Hwang Ui-jo, convicted for illegal filming, appeals for leniency to play in the 2026 World Cup. His case divides fans and raises questions about redemption, justice, and the future of Korean football.

Kim Yong-tae's Bold Reform Tour: Can the Conservative Party Change Its Fate in 2025?
Kim Yong-tae, the young reformist leader of Korea's main conservative party, is touring key regions to push for dramatic party reforms, meeting with influential figures like Governor Kim Jin-tae and listening to local voices as he faces both internal resistance and national scrutiny.