This is not only an honor but also a responsibility

- How do you feel about being elected to serve as a Prosecutor of the Migrant Network under the Seoul Immigration Office for the 2026-2027 term?

When I received the election results, with the highest number of votes of confidence for the position of Prosecutor, I was truly moved and proud. In particular, this is the first time a Vietnamese person has been entrusted with this position in the Migrant Network under the Seoul Immigration Office.

However, alongside the joy, I am also fully aware that this is a major responsibility. The network brings together representatives from many foreign communities living in Seoul. Therefore, the position is not only a personal responsibility but also requires me to work fairly, transparently and responsibly toward the community.

I see this as an opportunity to turn my own experiences of studying, working and living in the RoK into more practical contributions to the Vietnamese community in particular and the migrant community in general.

Tran Ngoc Lam, a member of the Executive Committee of the General Association of Vietnamese People in the RoK. (Photo provided by the character)

- As a member of the Executive Committee of the General Association of Vietnamese People in RoK, how will you connect this role with your new responsibilities?

The two roles complement each other in terms of community connections. Through the General Association of Vietnamese People in RoK, I have opportunities to meet and listen to the concerns and needs of Vietnamese people. Meanwhile, through the Migrant Network, I can engage more broadly with foreign communities as well as Korean authorities.

I want to make use of these connections to work with other network members to share experiences, seek appropriate solutions and raise issues of concern to the communities.

Of course, I always see myself as representing the common voice of the migrant community within the framework and functions of the Network, rather than representing only the Vietnamese community. This is also a principle I will uphold while carrying out my responsibilities.

An additional voice for the Vietnamese community in the Seoul Migrant Network, RoK. (Photo provided by the character)

“Vietnamese people are increasingly establishing their role in Korean society”

- How do you assess the participation of Vietnamese people in social activities in RoK today?

The Vietnamese community in RoK is now large and diverse, including international students, workers, members of multicultural families, businesspeople and others. Each group also has different information needs.

Having an additional channel for direct assistance will make it easier for Vietnamese people to access official information, particularly on matters related to residence, documents, administrative procedures and policies for foreigners.

I also hope that through my role, I can help communicate information in a clear and accurate manner, reducing the situation in which Vietnamese people receive incomplete or inaccurate information from unofficial sources.

Tran Ngoc Lam (back row, first from left) was elected to serve as a Prosecutor of the Migrant Network under the Seoul Immigration Office for the 2026-2027 term. (Photo provided by the character)

I believe the image of Vietnamese people in RoK is undergoing very positive changes. Vietnamese people come to RoK not only to study, work or do business, but are increasingly taking the initiative to participate in social activities, cultural exchanges and contribute to the local community. Many Vietnamese individuals have made noteworthy contributions in various fields.

The fact that a Vietnamese person received the highest number of votes of confidence from members of the Migrant Network to serve as a Prosecutor is also a sign that Vietnamese people are gaining an increasingly stronger voice and greater standing within the foreign community in RoK.

I think this is both a source of joy and a responsibility for every Vietnamese person living here. We need to continue complying with the law, actively integrating into society, and building an image of a civilized, united and responsible community that contributes to the host society.

Tran Ngoc Lam (second from left, bottom row) participates in a community activity in Seoul. (Photo provided by the character)

I want to contribute through concrete actions

- Having taken on this new position, what activities do you plan to focus on to support the Vietnamese community in particular and the foreign community in the RoK in general?

For now, there is a practical change directly related to support for foreigners in Seoul. The Seoul Immigration Office is expected to move to a new building at the end of this month. A Global Team will provide direct assistance at the new office, offering guidance and consultation and helping foreigners with document-related procedures. Previously, people primarily accessed consultation services through the 1365 hotline. Having a support team directly at the immigration office will provide an additional convenient channel through which foreigners can receive specific guidance, particularly in cases requiring direct explanations or assistance with procedures.

I believe this is a very positive change. In my new role, I hope to work with other members of the Migrant Network to gain a better understanding of the practical needs of different communities, thereby helping connect people with the support mechanisms being implemented.

For the Vietnamese community, I hope everyone will continue striving in their studies and work, complying with the law and actively participating in the host society. This is also a practical way to ensure that Viet Nam and Vietnamese people are increasingly respected by Korean and international friends.

- Thank you very much!

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