Ryu Jin, FKI Chairman: "Hiring Young People Is a Corporate Social Responsibility and the Best Investment"

'Win-Win Cooperation Job Fair' Held at COEX Magok
Ryu Jin Urges Companies: "Actively Hire Talented Individuals"
Over 500 Companies Participate Both Online and Offline
Survey Reveals Both Youth Unemployment and Recruitment Difficulties
Federation of Korean Industries: "Employment Mismatch Becoming Structural"

Ryu Jin, Chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries, emphasized at the '2025 Win-Win Cooperation Job Fair' held at the COEX Magok Convention Center on October 21 that "hiring young people is not only a social responsibility for companies, but also the best investment for the future."

At the event, which was jointly organized by the Federation of Korean Industries, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and the Korea Commission for Corporate Partnership, Chairman Ryu delivered the opening remarks. He described this job fair for win-win cooperation as "a meaningful occasion that goes beyond simply connecting jobs, where young people and companies grow together to create a sustainable future for Korea." He urged companies to "share their vision and actively hire talented individuals who can grow together with them."

This job fair was organized as an extraordinary measure in response to the urgent need to address the recent freeze in the youth employment market, with the government, major corporations, and partner companies joining forces. A total of about 500 companies participated both online and offline. Major Korean conglomerates such as Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, LG, Lotte, and POSCO also took part.

The Federation of Korean Industries also revealed that, during preparations for the fair, it conducted a survey and confirmed that the current youth unemployment crisis and the recruitment difficulties faced by mid-sized and small businesses are extremely serious.

According to a survey commissioned by the Federation of Korean Industries and conducted by the polling agency Monoresearch among 1,020 young people, 7 out of 10 respondents (66.7%) said they had experienced a period of unemployment. Additionally, 4 out of 10 respondents (39.0%) stated that their period of unemployment lasted more than six months. Regarding the outlook for the job market over the next five years, nearly half (47.4%) replied that they expect fewer job opportunities.

In a survey of 215 participating companies (a response rate of 48%), 58% answered that "it is not easy to recruit talent" when asked about the perceived difficulty of hiring young people, making it the most common response. The Federation of Korean Industries pointed out that "the employment mismatch is becoming structural, as young people face difficulties due to prolonged periods of job searching and concerns about a shrinking job market, while companies also struggle to secure the talent they need."

Kim Younghoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, stated, "The young generation is making every effort amid fierce competition, but in a reality where only experienced workers are hired, it is difficult for them to even get an interview." He added, "It is the responsibility of the older generation to increase job opportunities where young people are respected and can grow." He continued, "The government and companies will work as one team to actively support our youth so they can build their careers and dream of the future."

Noh Yongseok, Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups, said, "I hope that through this job fair, young talents will gain valuable information about small and medium-sized enterprises that partner with major corporations and offer quality jobs, and that this will lead to employment." He added, "We plan to expand the 'Win-Win Job Creation Project,' in which large companies support tailored education and employment for their partner companies."

Lee Dalgon, Chairman of the Korea Commission for Corporate Partnership, also commented, "This job fair is a venue for win-win cooperation where large companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, and the government join forces to solve recruitment difficulties and create jobs for young people. I hope it will be a meaningful opportunity for outstanding companies and talented young people to meet and grow together." He added, "The Korea Commission for Corporate Partnership will continue to work tirelessly to establish a virtuous cycle where cooperation between large and small companies leads to talent acquisition for businesses and employment opportunities for young people."

Meanwhile, the job fair featured various programs to support young job seekers, including a corporate recruitment hall, a Ministry of Employment and Labor youth employment policy promotion hall, a recruitment hall specialized for AI-driven small and strong enterprises, a career and employment competency hall, and a recruitment hall for outstanding small and medium-sized enterprises selected by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

The Federation of Korean Industries plans to continue operating the online job fair through the Saramin recruitment platform until December, so that companies and young job seekers across the country who are unable to attend the on-site event can also participate.