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President Lee Jae-myung delivers remarks during a luncheon meeting with Korean residents at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 23. / Source: Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung met with Korean residents in Johannesburg on Saturday and pledged improvements to overseas voting procedures, including the introduction of electronic voting, to ensure that Koreans abroad can exercise their democratic rights without difficulty.

Lee, who is in South Africa for the G20 Summit, said at a meeting with the local Korean community that the government would “make sure overseas Koreans face no obstacles in exercising their sovereignty.” It was the first such gathering with Koreans in South Africa since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.

Lee noted that although the South African Korean community numbers around 4,000, the government had not done enough to give them opportunities to fulfill their responsibilities and roles as Korean citizens. He said the government must better support Korean community organizations, including local Korean associations, to ensure overseas citizens are not marginalized.

He also spoke strongly in favor of electronic voting. “There are no particular problems with electronic voting — even political parties elect their leaders through it,” Lee said. “Most safety issues appear to have been resolved.” He promised to reduce the burden on overseas voters, saying, “We will work to prevent situations where people must travel for one or two nights just to register and vote because there is no polling place nearby.”

Lee added that the government would thoroughly assess the situations facing overseas Koreans and actively support their activities so they can maintain pride and avoid feeling left out as citizens of the Republic of Korea.

On X, formerly Twitter, Lee praised the Korean community for embodying the Ubuntu spirit — “I am because you are” — and said he was proud of those who “elevate Korea’s national standing through coexistence and solidarity.” He expressed deep gratitude to Koreans who have long served as a bridge between Korea and South Africa.

About 70 people attended the luncheon, including leaders of Korean community organizations, business figures, Korean School officials, cultural and artistic professionals and members of the National Unification Advisory Council.