: 21 May. 2026, 21:41
Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik speaks during a press conference at the Blue House in central Seoul on March 18. [YONHAP]
The presidential chief of staff is looking into a trip to Canada early next month as part of his role as the presidential special envoy for strategic economic cooperation, sources shared on Thursday, likely linked to Ottawa’s submarine procurement project.
According to the sources, chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik aims to participate in a Korea-Canada forum focused on energy, security, and supply chains taking place in Canada either late May or early June.
This potential visit seems aimed at assisting Korean shipbuilders in securing Ottawa’s submarine procurement project valued at 60 trillion won ($39.9 billion).
At present, Korea’s Hanwha Ocean-HD Hyundai Heavy Industries consortium is competing against Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems for this contract, with Canada set to announce the chosen bidder by late June.
“Our government is seeking various measures to strengthen and expand cooperation with Canada, which is rich in resources, on energy, supply chains and resources,” a presidential official said, adding that no final decision had been made regarding the forum or its attendees.
Yonhap
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