[2024 Alternative Investment Forum] Seo Yuseok, Chairman of the Korea Financial Investment Association, "Thorough Preparation Needed for K-Value Up"

Highlighting the Importance of Asset Allocation Strategy
Meticulous Plans to Activate Alternative Investments

Seo Yuseok, Chairman of the Korea Financial Investment Association, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the '2nd Asia Economy Alternative Investment Forum' held on the 12th at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jinhyung aymsdream@

Hello. I am Seo Yoo-seok, Chairman of the Korea Financial Investment Association. I sincerely congratulate the hosting of the ‘Asia Economy 2nd Alternative Investment Forum’.

My thanks go to Asia Economy CEO Woo Byung-hyun and National Pension Service Chairman Kim Tae-hyun for taking precious time out of their busy schedules. I also extend my gratitude to everyone who worked hard to prepare for this event.

At the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics, the performance of our Korean national team amazed the world. While the archery team showed overwhelming skill, this competition was especially remarkable for strong performances across various sports including shooting and fencing. Unlike the Tokyo Olympics where 4 out of 6 gold medals were concentrated in archery alone, this time our team won 5 gold medals in shooting and fencing alone, achieving a balanced success across multiple disciplines and a total of 13 gold medals.

This demonstrated Ray Dalio’s investment adage, “Diversifying your portfolio reduces risk while maximizing returns,” perfectly in the field of sports. In the current situation where volatility in global financial markets is increasing day by day, the importance of portfolio diversification, that is, the 'asset allocation strategy,' is becoming more prominent.

When establishing an asset allocation strategy, alternative investments that provide long-term stable returns and risk diversification effects, in addition to traditional asset investments, have now become a necessity rather than a choice. Due to the global low interest rate trend and declining returns on traditional assets in recent years, the alternative investment market has achieved remarkable growth.

However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid interest rate hikes by various countries and geopolitical risks such as wars have brought the alternative investment market to an unprecedented crisis.

To turn this crisis into an opportunity, a more meticulous and strategic approach to revitalizing alternative investments is needed now more than ever. Just as the shooting and fencing teams, who rose to the world’s top after four years of relentless effort following the disappointment of the Tokyo Olympics, our capital market must also prepare thoroughly for 'K-Value Up' by seeking appropriate investment opportunities and establishing strategies to prepare for the future ahead.

This forum, held under the theme ‘Global Alternative Investment Trends and Korea’s Opportunity Creation,’ will be a valuable occasion to hear diverse opinions from experts across various fields on global economic outlooks and alternative investment trends, and to consider future investment opportunities and strategies.

The Korea Financial Investment Association will also continue to explore support measures based on the needs of the industry, investors, and expert opinions to ensure the activation of alternative investments. With such continuous efforts, I firmly believe that one day our capital market will shine as a ‘golden’ presence on the global stage.

Once again, congratulations on the hosting of the Asia Economy Alternative Investment Forum. I would like to express my gratitude once more to Asia Economy CEO Woo Byung-hyun for organizing this meaningful event and to all attendees. Thank you.