NICE, France — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has arrived in France for a four-day state visit that is expected to broaden cooperation between Seoul and Paris across technology, defense, business and culture.

Lee’s visit began with his participation in the Lumiere Summit, an international gathering focused on the future of film and video content. He is scheduled to hold formal bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on September 8.

New Focus on Film and Digital Content

The Lumiere Summit is bringing together politicians, policymakers and representatives of the international film industry to examine how technological change is transforming entertainment.

Artificial intelligence, competition from social-media platforms and difficulties in financing creative productions are among the issues being discussed.

Lee and Macron are co-chairing the summit, highlighting the growing importance both countries attach to their creative industries and the changing global media landscape.

The meeting also gives Seoul and Paris an opportunity to combine their cultural influence with cooperation in emerging technologies.

Strategic Partnership Expands Beyond Culture

The visit comes after South Korea and France elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership earlier in 2026.

The two governments have been seeking closer cooperation in areas including artificial intelligence, aerospace, biotechnology and defense.

Lee’s meetings in France are therefore expected to extend well beyond cultural issues, with economic and strategic cooperation forming an important part of the agenda.

Business Leaders to Join Talks

A business roundtable scheduled for September 8 will bring together executives from about 20 South Korean and French companies.

The discussions are expected to explore opportunities for investment and commercial cooperation at a time when both countries are looking to strengthen advanced industries.

Areas such as AI, aerospace and biotechnology could become particularly important because they combine economic growth with strategic technological capabilities.

North Korea Also on Seoul’s Agenda

Security issues remain an important part of Lee’s European diplomacy.

While in France, the South Korean president has reaffirmed his intention to play what he describes as a “pacemaker” role in encouraging dialogue between North Korea and the United States.

Lee has argued that renewed diplomacy could help prevent further development of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities and reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The issue gives the France visit a broader geopolitical dimension, particularly as Seoul seeks greater international support for its approach toward Pyongyang.

Middle East Crisis Adds Another Dimension

The two countries are also facing wider international security challenges.

France and South Korea have previously expressed concern about attacks affecting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities in the Middle East. Their cooperation therefore extends into discussions over regional stability and the security of international energy routes.

For Seoul, developments around the Strait of Hormuz are especially important because South Korea is heavily dependent on imported energy.

France Sees South Korea as an Important Asian Partner

France has been seeking stronger relationships with key Asian partners as it expands its role in the Indo-Pacific.

South Korea, meanwhile, sees European partnerships as increasingly valuable for technology, defense and economic diversification.

Closer cooperation with France could give Seoul another channel for strengthening European support while allowing Paris to deepen its economic and strategic presence in East Asia.

Cultural Diplomacy Gains Momentum

The film summit also demonstrates how cultural industries are becoming part of broader international diplomacy.

South Korea’s global entertainment industry has expanded rapidly through cinema, television, music and digital platforms. France has traditionally maintained a strong cultural and film sector and has been an important advocate for cultural diversity.

Cooperation between the two countries could therefore create new opportunities in film production, digital distribution, artificial intelligence and intellectual-property development.

What Comes Next

Lee’s France visit will continue through September 9, with additional meetings planned with French political leaders and international officials.

The September 8 meeting with Macron is expected to be the central diplomatic event, while the business discussions could provide a clearer picture of future investment opportunities between the two countries.

The visit highlights an expanding South Korea-France relationship that increasingly connects technology, defense, business, culture and international diplomacy.

For Seoul, the trip provides an opportunity to strengthen ties with a major European power. For Paris, closer cooperation with South Korea offers another route toward deeper engagement with one of Asia’s most technologically advanced economies.