President Lee to Send Letters of Appreciation to Companies Expanding Hiring, Including Samsung, SK, and Hyundai Motor

Recruitment Plans for 2025: Eight Major Conglomerates to Hire 44,000 New Employees
Over 4,000 More Hires Than Initially Planned in the Second Half of This Year
Samsung Announces Mid- to Long-Term Employment Plan: 60,000 Hires Over Five Years
Support for SMEs to Shift Focus from Companies to Job Seekers

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoonshik announced that President Lee Jaemyung has decided to send letters of appreciation to companies that have expanded their hiring.

Yonhap News Agency

During a briefing at the presidential office in Yongsan on the 19th, Kang stated, "Ahead of Youth Day on the 20th, we are running 'Youth Policy Week,' and we plan to send letters of appreciation to companies that have increased their hiring beyond initial plans." The specific message and timing of the letters have not yet been finalized.

According to the presidential office, as of the previous day (the 18th), eight major conglomerates-Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, Hanwha, LG, POSCO, Lotte, and HD Hyundai-have announced their recruitment plans for new employees in 2025, with the total number reaching approximately 44,000. By company, Samsung plans to hire 12,000, SK 9,000, Hyundai Motor 7,200, Hanwha 5,600, LG 3,700, POSCO 3,000, Lotte 2,000, and HD Hyundai 1,500. Kang explained that these eight companies are expected to hire more than 24,000 people in the second half of this year, an increase of over 4,000 from their original plans.

Some companies have also presented mid- to long-term employment plans. Samsung announced it will hire 60,000 people over the next five years, POSCO and Lotte each plan to hire 15,000, and HD Hyundai will hire 10,000. Kang expressed deep gratitude, saying, "Despite challenging economic conditions, they have created new jobs and delivered a message of hope to young people." He also requested, "Starting with these eight companies, please expand youth hiring to the top 30 and top 100 companies as well."

The Korea Enterprises Federation will host a joint job fair for mutual growth in the business community on October 21. This will be the first such fair in 15 years since the 2010 event. Around 300 outstanding partner companies of major conglomerates such as Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, and LG will participate. The target for on-site hiring during the fair is more than 1,500 people. Kang stated, "Based on the experience of the government and businesses working as 'one team' during the U.S. tariff negotiations, we will also join forces to address youth employment issues."

Kang reiterated plans to improve systems to expand youth participation. He said that a 'Youth Future Advisory Group' (tentative name) will be established under the presidential office, with himself as the head, to continuously identify and coordinate youth policy agendas. Kang added, "We are preparing to increase the proportion of youth participation in various committees under the president, prime minister, and ministers from the current 5.4% to around 10%."

Regarding solutions to the manpower shortage in small and medium-sized enterprises, Kang explained that the focus of support is being considered for a shift from 'companies' to 'job seekers.' He said, "In particular, small and medium-sized enterprises in regional areas face greater recruitment difficulties. We are considering a transition from providing subsidies only to companies to directly supporting young people who actually get jobs." He added, "Our goal is to lead approximately 450,000 young people who are currently outside the workforce into employment."

Kang drew a clear line regarding some concerns raised ahead of the National Assembly audit about 'pressuring companies.' He stated, "Selecting witnesses for the National Assembly is the Assembly's role, while the presidential office has its own responsibilities. We will work with companies to create more jobs and respect the National Assembly's oversight function."

The presidential office plans to continue introducing companies that expand new hiring and deliver the president's appreciation in person. Kang said, "We will open a new chapter for the economy through youth job creation, and we will do our utmost to build a 'true Korea' where hope is created through the voices of young people."