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In an op-ed for Le Figaro published a day before his summit with French President Emmanuel Macron, he wrote that the French Revolution's ideal of popular sovereignty deeply influenced the evolution of Korean democracy.
He said the recent peaceful \"Revolution of Light\" reaffirmed popular sovereignty and argued that democracy is the fundamental bond linking the two societies.
He noted that French thinkers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Montesquieu influenced Korea's political and intellectual traditions, underscoring the value-based ties between Seoul and Paris.
He also stressed the need for cooperation as the international order shifts. With divisions and uncertainty on the rise, partnerships among democracies are not optional but a strategic necessity, he said, adding that the 140-year Korea–France relationship matters beyond diplomatic heritage and has played an important role in shaping the international order.
He added that France's strategic autonomy and commitment to multilateralism complement South Korea's democratic foundations and its emergence as a technological powerhouse.
Referring to France's current role as chair of the Group of Seven (G7), he said that in this era of uncertainty the choices both countries make will be important for building a more stable international order.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron will begin a one-night, two-day state visit to South Korea starting that day.
