[2025 Women Leaders Forum] President Lee: "Supporting Women to Play Central Roles in Innovation"

"Courage and Achievements of Women Leaders... Driving Force for a Fair and Equal Society"
Over 300 Political, Government, and Industry Leaders Gather to Explore Women's Leadership

"Women, Lead the Great Transformation"

The so-called "era of great transformation" has begun, marked by the instability of the multilateral trade system and the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. In this era, women are being called upon to take on new roles, while also being presented with opportunities to demonstrate leadership at the center of change. To realize these opportunities, both structural changes across society and women's self-driven growth and solidarity are necessary. Amid rapidly changing circumstances, a forum was held to strengthen women's leadership and discuss policy support and ways to shift social perceptions. Since its inception in 2012, the Women Leaders Forum, now in its 14th year, was held under the theme "Women, Lead the Great Transformation."

Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, attended the "2025 Women Leaders Forum" hosted by The Asia Business Daily at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 6th, and read aloud a written congratulatory message from President Lee Jae-myung. 2025.11.6 Photo by Jo Yongjun

On November 6, President Lee Jaemyung delivered a written congratulatory message at the "2025 Women Leaders Forum" hosted by The Asia Business Daily at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul, stating, "I will wholeheartedly support and encourage women to confidently raise their voices and play central roles in every field." President Lee further emphasized, "Regardless of gender, age, background, or educational attainment, I will strive to create a society where everyone can fully realize their dreams and potential, and work together to build a happier world for all."

President Lee stated, "Today, women are at the center of innovation and change," and added, "Abundant creativity, warm sensitivity, and a keen perspective on society and people are having a positive impact on our community." He continued, "The courage and achievements of women leaders have become symbols of hope and are driving forces for Korea to become a fairer and more equal society. I hope this forum will serve as a reminder of the importance of solidarity and cooperation." The congratulatory message from President Lee was read aloud by Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, who attended the forum.

With more than 300 participants from the political, governmental, and industrial sectors, the forum was held successfully. As waves of transformation sweep through global society in areas such as trade order and industrial technology, participants spoke with one voice about the need to foster female talent who will lead new paradigms and present a vision for a better world through expanded social participation by women.

Jang Beomsik, CEO of The Asia Business Daily, Won Minkyoung, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Lee Inseon, Chairperson of the National Assembly Gender Equality and Family Committee, Oh Sehoon, Mayor of Seoul, Joo Hyunghwan, Vice Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy, along with other distinguished guests and speakers, attended the "2025 Women Leaders Forum" hosted by The Asia Business Daily at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on November 6. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Won Minkyoung, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, stated in her congratulatory remarks, "Gender equality has become a core element not only of human rights, but also of corporate growth and competitiveness. Companies that achieve gender equality in recruitment, compensation, and promotion across management reportedly see higher-quality decision-making, innovation, and profitability. When diverse perspectives and leadership come together, organizations become more creative and resilient to change." Minister Won added, "We will continue to promote various policies, including proactive employment improvement measures by companies, public disclosure of employment equality and wage data, enhanced support for preventing career interruptions and re-entry, and expanded diversity education within organizations. I hope this forum will become a venue where the government, businesses, and civil society can discuss and spread sustainable growth strategies centered on gender equality."

Oh Sehoon, Mayor of Seoul, said in his encouragement speech, "When women's participation and leadership are added in this era of upheaval, our society will be able to leap forward much faster and on a much larger scale. I hope today will be a meaningful opportunity to find new momentum for such progress." Mayor Oh emphasized, "A city where everyone can enjoy happiness in a balance between work and life and fully realize their potential-that is the future Seoul envisions. When women grow, society grows. The Seoul Metropolitan Government will stand firm with you on this path, with that belief."

Joo Hyunghwan, Vice Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy, stated, "As the technological potential of AI is combined with institutional support, the foundation for gender equality in the workplace and shared caregiving at home will be established, opening the door wide to an era where women can fully realize their potential and lead society. This can also create a turning point in addressing demographic issues such as low birthrates and an aging population."

Jang Beomsik, CEO of The Asia Business Daily, Won Minkyeong, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Oh Sehun, Mayor of Seoul, and Joo Hyeonghwan, Vice Chairman of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee, along with other attendees, are taking a commemorative photo at the "2025 Women Leaders Forum" hosted by The Asia Business Daily at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on November 6, 2025. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Jang Beomsik, CEO of The Asia Business Daily, said in his opening remarks, "AI is shaking up entire industries, and the rapidly changing international order is transforming corporate survival strategies. The driving force behind this wave of massive change is women's leadership. Delicate insight and inclusive leadership are the most powerful forces for social progress." He encouraged, "Each and every one of you here is a protagonist in creating Korea's new future and a leader of this great transformation."

The keynote speech at the forum was delivered by Anne Kari Hansen Ovind, Norwegian Ambassador to Korea, on the topic of "Norway's Inclusive Leadership for a Sustainable Future." In the first session, Yoo Myunghee, former Director-General for Trade Negotiations, reviewed major recent changes in trade policy and explored what leadership should look like in an era of great transformation.

In the afternoon session, Moon Aeri, Chairperson of the Korea Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology, analyzed the industrial and social structural changes that the AI transformation will bring and highlighted the reasons and value for fostering female talent. Park Jihee, CEO of Cocozzi, Lee Jungyoon, CEO of Village Baby, and Heo Cheonga, CEO of Ordinary Magic, participated as panelists to discuss ways to overcome the era of low birthrates through "tech parenting" utilizing AI technology.