Lee named as presidential special envoy

By Kim Hyun-bin

The government is starting to appoint major conglomerate chiefs as special envoys to campaign for Busan's bid to host the World Expo in 2030, according to government and industry officials, Thursday.

The presidential office announced Thursday it has decided to appoint Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong as a special envoy to help rally support for Busan.

"I heard that Vice Chairman Lee has decided to become a special envoy for Busan's bid to host the Expo," a high-ranking official from the presidential office said.

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

Regarding SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, who is also chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the official said, "I will inform you of other conglomerate chiefs' appointments when the time comes."

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee and SK Group Chairman Chey will visit the U.K. and Japan this month to raise support for holding the World Expo 2030 in Korea's southeastern port city and call for the two countries' leaders to support the bid.

Lee is said to be pursuing a meeting on Sept. 5 with U.K. Foreign Minister Liz Truss, who is likely to become the U.K.'s next prime minister. However, the schedule has not been confirmed yet.

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won

"I think Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong will go on a business trip to Europe and visit several countries during the Chuseok holiday (in support of the Expo bid)," Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said at a press conference, Tuesday.

Chey will visit Japan this month to promote Busan's bid for the Expo. He is seeking to have a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and he will also visit Osaka, where the 2025 Expo will be held.

In addition to Lee and Chey, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo and Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin are also reported to be appointed as special presidential envoys to support the bid for the Expo.

"If business leaders are granted special envoy status they can utilize their companies' private networks, which is an effective strategy to achieve results. Also, the special envoys are representing Korea so it is more likely to be accepted by other nations when seeking cooperation," a senior industry official said.