'Future Development Plan Forum for Korea's Kim Industry' Held at the National Assembly
"Establishment of a Public Corporation Needed... Doing Our Best to Build Institutional Foundations"
Geumju Moon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, held a "Future Development Plan Forum for Korea's Kim Industry" on the 17th at the 8th Conference Room of the National Assembly Members' Office Building. Provided by Geumju Moon's office
Moon Geumju, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Goheung, Boseong, Jangheung, and Gangjin in South Jeolla Province, held the "Future Development Plan Forum for Korea's Kim Industry" on the 17th at the 8th Conference Room of the National Assembly Members' Office Building, taking steps to establish measures for the sustainable development of the Kim industry.
The forum was organized to diagnose the structural challenges faced by the Kim industry, including price instability, lack of transparency in distribution processes, and income imbalance among producers, and to discuss practical and sustainable development strategies.
In particular, discussions focused on the necessity of establishing a "Korea Kim Industry (Distribution) Corporation," with an emphasis on national-level responses and consistent policy implementation strategies.
In his opening remarks, Moon stressed, "The Kim industry has now become more than just a regional specialty; it holds significant industrial importance as a national strategic export product. In order to resolve the structural issues of the Kim industry and strengthen its international competitiveness, it is urgent to establish institutional foundations, such as the creation of a public corporation."
The forum began with presentations by Kim Jongik, Chairman of Korea Kim Industry Development, on "Development Policies for the Kim Industry under the Sovereign Government and Plans to Promote the Korea Kim Industry Distribution Promotion Corporation," and by Lee Seunghwan, CEO of Korea Kim Seedling, on "The Current Status and Challenges of Korea's Kim Industry."
Chairman Kim suggested, "To strengthen the ecosystem of the Kim industry and foster Kim as a leading national brand, a national-level control tower overseeing the entire Kim industry is necessary."
CEO Lee emphasized, "Kim has established itself as Korea's leading high value-added seafood export industry, playing a vital role in revitalizing regional economies and creating jobs. However, as the private sector alone now faces limitations, a specialized public institution with management functions must follow."
The subsequent panel discussion featured experts from diverse fields, including Yoon Sanghun, Director of Export Processing Promotion at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries; Lim Hankyu, Professor at Mokpo National University’s Department of Marine and Fisheries Resources; Park Jihwan, CEO of Haekwang Trading; and Kang Seonggil, Head of Daecheon Fishing Village in Shinan County. They engaged in in-depth discussions on strengthening the competitiveness of the Kim industry and institutional support measures.
The panelists agreed, "Although the Kim industry is rapidly growing as an export-oriented sector, its sustainability is threatened by internal limitations such as imbalances in the distribution structure, information asymmetry between producers and processors, and price volatility. Systematic national-level support and policy coordination are necessary."
Moon stated, "Based on the various opinions presented at the forum, I will begin in earnest the discussion on establishing the 'Korea Kim Industry (Distribution) Corporation,' along with effective legal and institutional improvements. I will do my utmost to lay the institutional foundation to foster the Kim industry as a national strategic industry."
Meanwhile, the forum was attended by experts from government, academia, and industry, who demonstrated keen interest in strengthening the competitiveness of the Kim industry and the need for institutional support.
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