The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) opened the 49th KCCI Jeju Forum at The Shilla Jeju hotel on the 15th, bringing together about 500 business leaders to seek solutions for Korea's economic growth. The Jeju Forum, which began with the "1st CEO College" in 1974, is Korea's largest summer forum for business leaders, held annually by the KCCI.
This year's forum runs for four days under the theme "Korea's Economic Growth in the Era of AI Transformation." The event was attended by KCCI Chairman Choi Tae-won, along with regional chamber leaders including Busan Chamber Chairman Yang Jae-saeng, Daegu Chamber Chairman Park Yoon-kyung, and Incheon Chamber Chairman Park Ju-bong.
About 500 of Korea's leading business figures also attended the forum, including Samsung Electronics President Park Seung-hee, SK Vice Chairman Lee Hyung-hee, Hyundai Motor Vice President Shin Seung-gyu, LG Vice President Park Jun-sung, GS E&C CEO Kim Tae-jin, Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Vice President Chung Kyung-sun, Maeil Dairies Vice Chairman Kim Sun-hee, and KCCI Small and Medium Enterprise Committee Chairman Yoon Seok-geun (Ilsung IS Chairman). They gathered to discuss key challenges facing Korean industry, including AI, technological hegemony, a sustainable future, and social value.
Notably, National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik joined on the first day this year, signaling a willingness to communicate with the business community. It was the first time an Assembly Speaker attended the event.
Full lectures begin on the second day, the 16th, under the theme "Leaders' Challenges." Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan will present the government's key strategies and directions for businesses under the topic "Three Battlegrounds for Our Economy." Following him, Seok Cha-ok, a Seoul National University professor and CEO of Galux who pioneered AI drug development, will propose leaders' strategies for turning technological limitations into business opportunities. Kim Hyung-woo, CEO of Travel Wallet who led innovation in overseas remittance and payment services, and Choi Hong-guk, general CEO of Olgot who pioneered the K-food market with frozen gimbap, will also take the stage.
The third day, the 17th, focuses on AI. Lee Jae-wook, director of the Seoul National University AI Institute, will shed light on the present and future of AI in Korea, while Chang Jin-suk, MD partner at BCG Korea, will introduce corporate survival strategies in the AI era. In particular, Chairman Choi Tae-won will hold a direct dialogue with Director Lee Jae-wook and semiconductor expert Kwon Suk-jun, a professor at Sungkyunkwan University. The discussion will cover a wide range of topics, from AI transformation (AX) methods for traditional manufacturing to raising children in the AI era, and will be broadcast live via the KCCI's official YouTube channel.
On the final day, the 18th, the forum addresses changes and challenges across society. Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young will lecture on K-culture industry policy directions, followed by lectures from Chung-Ang University professor Ma Kang-rae on strategies to address population decline and regional extinction, Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Vice President Chung Kyung-sun on expanding corporate social roles, and singer Sean on giving.
"We have prepared lectures from top speakers across various fields so that business leaders can gain broad insights for growth amid a rapidly changing domestic and global economic environment," said Kang Myung-soo, head of the KCCI's Member Cooperation Division. "We hope this forum offers CEOs nationwide an opportunity for insight and healing."
