FKI News

FKI and US Chamber of Commerce Host the 35th Korea-US Joint Plenary

On December 10 (EST), FKI and the US Chamber of Commerce hosted the 35th Korea-US Joint Plenary in Washington D.C. This event was an opportunity for Korean and US business leaders to gather in Washington, about a month after the US presidential election.
The discussion covered topics such as promoting innovation, strengthening cooperation in emerging technologies, Korea’s strategy to become a biotechnology hub, and how the US Congress views Korea-US relations. Leaders from both countries emphasized the need for a strong technological alliance to navigate the era of economic security and strengthened cooperation in key industries such as batteries and semiconductors.

FKI Hosts Roundtable on “Is the Korean Economy Ready for the New US Government?”

With former President Trump’s success in his reelection bid, a major global economic shift is anticipated. Against this backdrop, FKI held a roundtable discussion on November 11 titled “Is the Korean Economy Ready for the New US Government? Insights From Former Trade Negotiators.” The event featured experienced speakers who have been involved in major policy responses from both the Trump and Biden administrations. They shared insights on the changes in Korea-US trade relations and strategies for Korean businesses.

FKI Issues Emergency Statement for the Revival of the Korean Economy

On November 21, FKI issued an emergency statement for the revival of the Korean economy at the LOTTE Hotel in Sogong-dong, with 16 business executives from major companies including Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, and LG. The statement called for support from the National Assembly, the government, and the public to restore economic confidence. The National Assembly was urged to focus on legislation aimed at revitalizing the economy rather than on regulatory amendments. The statement also requested the government to implement bold regulatory reforms and provide unwavering support for advanced industries like AI and semiconductors. The executives agreed to work together with the people to help boost the Korean economy in this era of industrial transformation.

FKI Hosts Special Discussion on “Challenges for Korea to Recapture Semiconductor Supremacy”

On October 14, FKI invited former ministers of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to discuss “Challenges for Korea to Recapture Semiconductor Supremacy.” The former ministers reviewed Korea’s semiconductor industry strategies to avoid the pitfalls faced by Japan’s Toshiba and US semiconductor giant Intel. They agreed that Korea must pursue bold innovation and receive full government support to maintain its position as a semiconductor powerhouse.

FKI Publishes a Report on Supporting Policies for Advanced Industries in Major Countries

On October 7, FKI released a report comparing supporting policies for representative companies in the semiconductor, secondary battery, and display industries across major countries. The report emphasized the urgency of enhancing nationallevel support for Korea’s strategic industries amid the reshaping of global supply chains driven by US-China tech rivalry. This trend has lowered the competitiveness of Korean companies in the global market, raising concerns about their declining growth potential.

FKI and Keidanren Hold the 31st Korea-Japan Business Leaders’ Meeting

As the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations approaches in 2025, business leaders from both countries gathered to discuss the future of their bilateral relations. On October 18, FKI and the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) held the 31st Korea-Japan Business Leaders’ Meeting at the FKI Tower Conference Center in Yeouido. The joint statement issued at the meeting emphasized the importance of futureoriented cooperation between the two countries, focusing on topics such as sustainable social development, trade and investment, and commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

FKI, Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and KB Financial Group Host 2024 Starcorn Festa

On October 28, FKI, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and KB Financial Group held the opening ceremony of the 2024 Starcorn Festa at Gwanghwamun Square. The Starcorn Festa is a joint publicprivate project that aims to provide opportunities for small, innovative businesses with entrepreneurial spirit to become global stars. In his welcoming address, FKI Chairman Jin Roy Ryu said, “Through this event, we will create opportunities for small businesses to grow into successful enterprises and build an ecosystem conducive to business growth.”

FKI Hosts “3rd Gadsaeng Hankki (A Korean Take on the Lunch With Warren Buffett)” with Raeeun Sung, Vice Chair of Youngone Group

On November 28, FKI hosted the third session of “3rd Gadsaeng Hankki,” a special lunch similar to Warren Buffett’s charity lunch, at the Youngone Group Myeongdong Building. The event featured Raeeun Sung, Vice Chair of Youngone Group, regarded as a nextgeneration leader in the economic field. In a twohour conversation with young participants, she shared valuable insights on the theme of “Living a God-Tier Life: Dreams, Challenge, and Passion.”

FKI and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance Host the 2024 Entrepreneurship Colloquium

From November 4 to 6, FKI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, held the 2024 Entrepreneurship Colloquium at a training facility in Taean. The event brought together 80 student leaders from FKI’s economic education programs, the Young Leaders’ Club and the Elite Intensive Course. Under the theme “Life is Entrepreneurship,” the colloquium included discussions with leaders, an entrepreneurial best practice competition, expert lectures, company visits, and networking opportunities.

FKI Releases the 2024 Survey and Analysis Report: ESG at Leading Companies

FKI released the 2024 Survey and Analysis Report: ESG at Leading Companies, based on a survey of the top 500 companies by revenue (247 responses). The report includes information on 2023 corporate social contributions, new social contribution programs, awareness of social contributions, current ESG status, and ESG management activities. It highlights that corporate spending on social contributions reached its highest level in five years in 2023, with the environmental sector being the most common focus for new initiatives.

FKI Invites US Professors to Attend Joint Seminar Hosted With Korea Economic Research Institute

On October 15, FKI Chairman Jin Roy Ryu hosted a joint seminar at the FKI Tower Conference Center with 22 professors from top US universities, including Professor Hye-young You of Princeton University and Professor In-song Kim of MIT. The seminar, jointly organized with the Korea Economic Research Institute and Princeton’s Niehaus Center for Globalization and Governance, discussed the impact of post-US election changes on international order and their implications for the Korean economy and businesses.