Visit to Samsung Employment Academy on the 20th
Ahead of Second Trial Verdict on Public Official Election Act
Intended to Offset Concerns Over Judicial Risks
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who has recently been mentioning 'moderate conservatism' and expanding connections with the industrial sector, will meet Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong on the 20th. This move appears to aim at addressing economic issues, removing judicial risks that hinder the presidential election path, and raising the youth employment agenda to win the support of the 2030 youth demographic.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th. 2025.2.26 Photo by Kim Hyun-min
According to a Democratic Party official on the 5th, Lee will visit SSAFY, a youth employment support academy operated by Samsung Electronics and the Ministry of Employment and Labor, on the 20th to meet Chairman Lee and other SSAFY operators. Located in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, SSAFY runs employment support and software education programs for young people.
Given the nature of the venue as a 'youth employment academy,' the main topic of discussion between the two is expected to be youth employment. This can also be interpreted as a move to gain favor among the 2030 youth demographic amid the possibility of an early presidential election. A Democratic Party official stated, "We expect in-depth discussions and support measures for young people facing the greatest difficulties in entering society amid the economic crisis."
Previously, former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum also visited the SSAFY Seoul campus in 2021 and met Chairman Lee, who was then vice chairman. Samsung Group has agreed to participate in the government's 'Youth Hope ON' project and promised to create 30,000 youth jobs over the next three years. Lee is also expected to make requests related to youth employment.
Attention is also focused on whether discussions on economic issues such as the Semiconductor Special Act will take place. When asked if there would be any impact regarding the decision on the Semiconductor Special Act, a Democratic Party official said, "Samsung Electronics plays a pivotal role in semiconductor exports," adding, "While trade issues and economic matters are not set as discussion topics, they remain open for discussion."
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the continuation of the first trial related to the Daejang-dong breach of trust and Seongnam FC bribery case at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on March 4, 2025. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung
There is also a view that Lee's schedule is a political strategy to offset concerns surrounding judicial risks. With the second trial related to allegations of violating the Public Official Election Act scheduled for sentencing on the 26th, the SSAFY visit was arranged. Political commentator Park Sang-byeong said, "Before the verdict comes out, public opinion is crucial," and added, "Within the party, it is important for Lee to show that he is taking care of the economy and embracing the moderate camp to win public opinion." He further explained, "It is also about demonstrating through actions the idea that 'growth comes before distribution,'" and added, "If the regime changes, it could send a message that the new government will make such efforts."
However, there are claims that the meeting with Chairman Lee may not have a significant effect as the meaning of 'moderate conservatism' that Lee talks about becomes vague. Professor Shin Yul of Myongji University's Department of Political Science and Diplomacy said, "With the talk about K-NVIDIA, many people might have questioned whether the moderate conservatism the Democratic Party talks about is really like this," and added, "Lee meeting Chairman Lee may not have as much impact as expected."
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