A Diplomatic Home Run from Washington D.C.:
Opening New Pathways for Korea-U.S. Cooperation
Sponsoring the 2026 Congressional Baseball Game (CBG)

A 117-Year Tradition, A New Bridge for the Korea-U.S. Economic Alliance

Founded in 1909, CBG has become one of Washington's most iconic annual traditions, bringing together Republican and Democratic members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives as players on the baseball field. Drawing some 10,000 attendees, including members of Congress, government officials, employees of sponsoring organizations, and their families, the bipartisan event serves as a unique platform for public engagement and diplomacy. Following last year's participation, FKI once again joined as an official sponsor. To mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, FKI elevated its sponsorship to the highest tier this year, significantly expanding the scope of its U.S. outreach.
Leading the outreach effort was Jin Roy Ryu, Chairman of FKI, accompanied by senior executives from Korea's leading companies investing in the United States, including Samsung Electronics, SK, Hyundai Motor Group, LG, POSCO, HD Hyundai, LS, and KBI Group. Through a coordinated outreach campaign—including promotional videos shown on the stadium's Jumbotron, a large-scale investment map display, an exclusive skybox reception, and participation in the official pre-game reception—the delegation reinforced the message that Korean companies are key partners in America's economic growth.

Chairman Jin Roy Ryu's Ceremonial Opening Declaration: Sharing Korea's Success Story

The highlight of the event was when the voice of Korean business took the center stage on the playing field. Before an audience that included all 65 CBG members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and a packed stadium, Chairman Jin Roy Ryu delivered the ceremonial opening declaration on behalf of Korea's business community. His heartfelt congratulations on the 250th anniversary of the United States were met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
A one-minute promotional video produced by FKI was screened on a loop on the stadium's Jumbotron, drawing the attention of spectators throughout the evening. The video highlighted that the United States introduced values such as freedom, democracy, and free enterprise to Korea 75 years ago, and that these became the foundation for Korea's success story. The video clip also left a strong impression by underscoring Korean companies' present-day contributions to the U.S. economy through job creation and the revitalization of local communities.

Exclusive Receptions and Outreach to Key Investment Districts

FKI's on-site outreach campaign was comprehensive. Following the ceremonial opening, FKI hosted an exclusive reception in the stadium's skybox for approximately 70 guests, including officials from Congress and Departments of the Treasury, Energy, and War, which provided yet another opportunity to highlight the importance of the Korean economy and the contributions of Korean companies to the U.S.
FKI's official promotional booth, located on one of the stadium's busiest footpaths, provided visitors with traditional Korean folding fans as commemorative gifts. The booth also featured a backwall that displayed an oversized map of the United States, illustrating the geographic footprint of Korean investment across the 50 states.
The official CBG Autograph Reception, held the day before the game, was another valuable opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers representing states such as Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Michigan. Korean companies have made significant investments in these states and the reception served as an opportunity for business leaders to strengthen relationships with policymakers face-to-face.
The outreach carried particular significance as Korea and the United States move toward the full implementation of key bilateral cooperation initiatives. The relationships cultivated throughout the event are expected to help Korean companies navigate policy challenges more effectively and facilitate the successful implementation of future investment projects in the United States.