SEOUL/BEIJING (TechGenez) – South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will travel to China from January 4–7, accompanied by one of the largest business delegations in years, featuring over 200 executives from Samsung, SK, Hyundai, LG, and leaders from the nation’s top conglomerates and emerging industries, industry sources said Wednesday.
The delegation, organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), includes more than 200 executives, signaling Seoul’s determination to deepen economic partnerships with Beijing amid evolving global trade dynamics and geopolitical shifts.
This marks the first major KCCI-led mission to China in over six years, underscoring renewed efforts to expand cooperation in supply chains, digital sectors, and sustainable development.
Delegation Composition
The high-level group is expected to feature chiefs from South Korea’s four dominant chaebol:
- Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong
- SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won (also KCCI chairman)
- Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun
- LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo
Additional participants include GS Group’s Huh Tae-soo, Posco’s Chang In-hwa, LS Group’s Koo Ja-eun, and CJ Group’s Sohn Kyung-shik, head of the Korea Enterprises Federation.
Beyond traditional manufacturing, the delegation spans gaming (Krafton), entertainment (SM Entertainment), and fashion (Hyungji), reflecting broader economic interests in consumer markets and cultural exchanges.
Chey Tae-won will lead the business contingent, playing a central role in dialogues with Chinese counterparts.
Visit Itinerary and Objectives
The four-day state visit includes a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, followed by events in Shanghai.
Key activities:
- Korea-China business forum focusing on manufacturing resilience and new consumer markets
- Memorandum of understanding signings in critical minerals, investment, digital industries, and green growth
- One-on-one matchmaking sessions hosted by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA)
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung highlighted expectations for “tangible results improving livelihoods,” particularly in supply chains and eco-friendly initiatives.
Strategic Significance
The visit, Lee’s first to China since taking office in June 2025, aims to balance economic pragmatism with regional security concerns. Bilateral trade exceeded $250 billion in 2024, with China remaining South Korea’s largest partner despite U.S. alliance priorities.
Analysts view the delegation as a signal of thawing ties after strains from U.S.-China rivalry and COVID-era restrictions.
The last comparable mission occurred in December 2019 during a trilateral summit with Japan.
Challenges
- Geopolitical risks persist, including U.S. tariffs and North Korea tensions. Chinese demand slowdown could limit gains.
- Cultural and entertainment inclusions face scrutiny amid Hallyu restrictions in China.
Quotes
Kang Yu-jung: “Considerable progress expected in areas directly benefiting citizens.”
Chey Tae-won (anticipated forum remarks): “Long-term mutual growth through strengthened links.”
Broader Trends
- Korea-China trade resilient despite global decoupling, with EVs and batteries key growth areas.
- K-pop and gaming exports to China up 15% in 2025.
- Bilateral investment hit $10 billion annually.
Outlook
- The visit could yield $5-10 billion in deals, per KOTRA estimates.
- Success may pave annual high-level missions.
- As Asia’s fourth-largest economy seeks balance, Lee’s China trip tests pragmatic diplomacy in a polarized world.
