Song Young-gil told RIA Novosti that Russia remains an important partner for Seoul and plays a decisive role in peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Song Young-gil, a lawmaker from South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party, called Russia a key country and an important partner. He told RIA Novosti that Russia plays a decisive role in peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, with many areas for historical and economic cooperation between the countries.
Song said he met Vladimir Putin during the Russian president’s 2013 visit to South Korea and met him several times afterward. Putin presented him with Russia’s Order of Friendship at the Kremlin in February 2013.
In 2017, Song visited Moscow as a special envoy of President Moon Jae-in and delivered a message from Moon to Putin. He later headed a presidential committee on northern economic cooperation, which included developing ties with Russia.
President Lee Jae-myung appointed Song special adviser for peace and diplomacy on October 2, 2026. Yonhap and Seoul Economic Daily also reported the appointment. In September, The Fact published photographs of Song writing Russian phrases during a National Assembly session.