Professor Kim Daejong of Sejong University Delivers Special Lecture on Korean Economy under Trump’s Second Term

In-depth Focus on Korea-US Trade and Exchange Rate Impacts

Sejong University announced on June 10 that Professor Kim Daejong from the School of Business Administration delivered a special lecture titled "Outlook for the Korean Economy under Trump’s Second Term" at the headquarters of HanmiGlobal in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on June 2.

Jonghoon Kim, Chairman of HanmiGlobal, and Daejong Kim, Professor at Sejong University

In the lecture, Professor Kim Daejong stated, "With the Lee Jaemyung administration’s 20 trillion won supplementary budget and interest rate cuts, a boost in the construction industry is expected. It is anticipated that revitalizing the construction sector will be promoted as a major economic policy to revive the domestic economy."

He continued, "The Korean economy is facing significant difficulties due to Trump’s 25% high tariffs and domestic market stagnation. During President Trump’s era, both Korea’s security and economy are at great risk. Korea has a trade dependency of 75%, ranking second in the world. Of Korea’s export destinations, China accounts for 33%, the United States 20%, and Japan 6%. Korea needs to expand its trade centered on the United States," he pointed out.

Professor Kim proposed, "As the United States pursues an America-first policy, Korea should expand its trade and foster the defense and shipbuilding industries."

HanmiGlobal’s strategy is to use the recovery phase in domestic and overseas markets as a foundation for mid- to long-term growth. The company plans to concentrate its project management capabilities on various construction projects, including infrastructure, housing, and smart cities, to ensure both quality and efficiency.

Professor Kim stated, "As the possibility of an end to the war in Ukraine is cautiously being raised, demand for reconstruction and new projects in the global construction market is expected to surge."

In particular, if overseas construction projects increase in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, HanmiGlobal’s global network and project management expertise are expected to serve as strong competitive advantages.

Accordingly, HanmiGlobal is strengthening cooperation with overseas subsidiaries and partner companies, and is advancing its risk analysis system for high-risk countries to ensure both global scalability and stability.

Professor Kim Daejong diagnosed, "The construction industry serves as a pillar supporting the livelihoods of ordinary people," and added, "Only by fostering the construction industry as a strategic sector through cooperation between the Lee Jaemyung administration and the private sector can the recovery of the ordinary economy be achieved."