Minseok Kim: "A 'Zero Point Shift' Needed in Korea-U.S. Relations Amid Supply Chain Restructuring"

Prime Minister Delivers Keynote Speech at AmCham Policy Seminar
"We Will Pursue Strategic Development Centered on ABCDE Industries"

Prime Minister Minseok Kim stated, "The Korea-U.S. relationship now stands on a new foundation, beyond the frameworks of the past," adding, "Amid rapidly changing international dynamics and the restructuring of global supply chains, it is time for a 'Zero Point Shift'." This suggests that while the Korea-U.S. alliance has traditionally been centered on military and security cooperation, it should now evolve into a "future alliance" that places greater emphasis on shared values and industries. In a context where trade uncertainty has increased due to the tariff policies of the Trump administration and the intensifying U.S.-China conflict, he underscored the need for a new approach to the Korea-U.S. relationship, emphasizing the importance of cooperation.

Prime Minister Minseok Kim is delivering the keynote speech at the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) policy seminar held at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 22nd. Photo by Heejun Jang

Prime Minister Kim made these remarks at the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AmCham) policy seminar held at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 22nd. He stated, "Korea and the United States share universal values such as constitutionalism and democracy, and have evolved into a true value-based alliance through decades of deep people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in strategic industries." He stressed, "Now, based on new perspectives and imagination, the two countries must not only become stronger together but also design a greater future together." He added, "It is time to move beyond 'Make America Great Again' and instead 'Make Korea and the World Greater,' creating a future where Korea and the world become greater together."

Delivering a keynote speech on the theme of "The New Normal of Korea-U.S. Relations," Prime Minister Kim introduced the economic policy direction of the Lee Jaemyung administration and presented plans to foster the so-called "ABCDE industries." These refer, in order, to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Bio, Contents and Culture, Defense, and Energy.

Prime Minister Kim explained, "The new administration is designing its economic policies with a focus on the values of democracy, inclusiveness, and innovation," and continued, "Through a pragmatic approach centered on fostering strategic industries such as the so-called 'ABCDE industries,' expanding foreign investment, regulatory reform, and strengthening international economic cooperation, we aim to enhance global competitiveness."

He repeatedly emphasized the need for Korea and the United States to strengthen industry-centered cooperation to resolve trade uncertainty. Prime Minister Kim stated, "The new government's economic vision will be realized through partnership-based cooperation with global companies," and added, "In particular, the strategic partnership with the United States will serve as a key pillar in this process."

James Kim, chairman and CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AmCham), is delivering the opening remarks at the AmCham policy seminar held on the afternoon of the 22nd at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Jang Heejun

AmCham organized the event under the theme "Policy Environment Changes and the Role of Business Following the Launch of the New Administration." More than 140 key figures from government, industry, and academia attended, engaging in broad discussions on the impact of government policy direction and Korea-U.S. economic cooperation on the business environment. The panel discussion, which featured Kim Hankyu, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, Kim Taehyung, CEO of Invest Korea, and Lee Wanghui, professor of political science and international relations at Ajou University, addressed topics such as the core direction and uniqueness of the Lee Jaemyung administration's policies, promising areas for cooperation to attract foreign investment, and issues related to tariff negotiations.

James Kim, chairman and CEO of AmCham, emphasized, "The ongoing Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations represent a strategic opportunity to deepen economic cooperation between the two countries and accelerate shared objectives." He added, "In order to create a more balanced and sustainable trade environment, it is essential for Korea to pursue regulatory reforms unique to its market."