"We Must Create the Ultra-Gap K-APEC Ourselves"
On July 16 in Gyeongju, Prime Minister Minseok Kim delivered the keynote speech at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Summer Forum, stating, "This Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit is more than just a diplomatic event. It is an opportunity for Korea to present a new model for international events to the world by combining our ultra-gap industrial capabilities with our cultural vision." He emphasized, "We must create the 'Ultra-Gap K-APEC' ourselves."
Prime Minister Kim said, "This summit must become a turning point for Korea, not only overcoming internal strife but also advancing beyond mere economic recovery to become a leading cultural nation." He stressed, "It can be the starting point for a new Republic of Korea, where the people come together again and businesses rise to the challenge once more."
He stated, "Gyeongju was the capital of Silla for a thousand years and is a city where the spirit of integration and culture is alive." He added, "Now, we can present to the world a new national model unique to Korea, combining democracy and science and technology on top of this heritage."
Prime Minister Minseok Kim is delivering the keynote speech at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Summer Forum held in Gyeongju on the 16th. Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry
"KOSPI’s Upward Trend? ... Now Is the Time to See the Essence, Not an Illusion"
Regarding the current economic situation, Prime Minister Kim said, "We are facing a more complex structural crisis than the 1997 foreign exchange crisis." He explained, "Back then, corporate fundamentals were intact, but now, we have entered a downturn in the economic cycle as well."
He noted, "Although the KOSPI has been on an upward trend since the change of administration, this may be an illusion caused by a shift in public sentiment rather than the result of structural change." He warned, "Optimism that ignores the essence is dangerous." He further emphasized, "Assuming that things will be fine as they are is, in itself, missing the structural crisis."
Prime Minister Kim stated, "The next three to six months will be a critical turning point for the Korean economy," and said, "We must respond head-on to the new global tariff regime proposed by the Trump administration."
He stressed, "The tariff issue is not simply a matter of trade friction, but a problem directly tied to the survival of Korean industry." He added, "In this process, not only strategic cooperation with the United States but also diplomatic continuity with Japan is important."
Prime Minister Minseok Kim is delivering the keynote speech at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Summer Forum held in Gyeongju on the 16th. Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Korea’s Dream: Transition to a Leading Cultural Nation
Prime Minister Kim said that this APEC Summit should serve as an opportunity to reset the 'Korean Dream.' He stated, "Now is the time for us to move beyond merely overcoming internal strife or achieving economic growth and to leap forward as a leading cultural nation." He added, "After discussions with President Jaemyung Lee, we began to consider the 'Cultural Nation Theory' as Korea’s future national model."
He presented a vision of "a nation where culture is the most beautiful, rather than a military or economic powerhouse," and said, "Now is the time to present to the world a new order that combines K-culture, artificial intelligence (AI), technology, and democracy." He added, "K-APEC is the symbolic starting point."
Prime Minister Kim emphasized that APEC must not end as a government-led diplomatic event, but should become a nationwide public event and an integrated, future-oriented complex event that goes beyond a simple summit meeting.
He said, "Just like the gold-collecting campaign after the foreign exchange crisis, this K-APEC should also be a participatory event in which every citizen takes on a small role." He stressed, "In that sense, the role of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry is crucial."
He added, "We must ensure the success of this APEC Summit," and said, "Let us surprise ourselves and move the world with preparations and strategies that exceed the expectations of everyone visiting Korea and Gyeongju."
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