What Four-Character Idiom Did the SME Sector Choose for Next Year? "Jagangbulshik" (Unceasing Self-Improvement)

This Year's Four-Character Idiom: "Gogunbuntu" (Struggling Alone Against Adversity)

The small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector has chosen the four-character idiom "Jagangbulshik" (自强不息), meaning "unceasing self-strengthening," as the phrase that best represents the business environment outlook for next year. For this year, the selected idiom was "Gogunbuntou" (孤軍奮鬪), which means "fighting valiantly with limited resources."

The outcry from self-employed business owners is severe. Many stores are closing down, saying "It's harder than during the COVID-19 pandemic," but there are no new entrepreneurs starting businesses, so a virtuous cycle is not happening. Even after cleaning, tightening, and making everything neat, Hwanghak-dong Kitchen Street remains deserted with no one coming to start a business. Photo by Jo Yongjun

On December 21, the Korea Federation of SMEs (Chairman Kim Ki-moon) announced the results of its "SME Business Environment Outlook Four-Character Idiom Survey," conducted with 1,000 SMEs. "Jagangbulshik" (自强不息) was selected as the idiom representing the business environment outlook for next year, receiving 30.2% of the votes.

"Jagangbulshik" signifies "strengthening oneself and making continuous efforts without rest." This reflects the determination of SME owners to overcome crises by enhancing their capabilities, even amid rapidly changing internal and external conditions.

A company based in Seoul stated, "It will be difficult for a while amid the global economic and security crises, but certain industries such as construction may gain momentum if the Russia-Ukraine war ends. We aim to strengthen ourselves and prepare for any opportunities, no matter how small." A company based in Gyeonggi Province pledged, "We will enhance our competitiveness by reducing production costs through digital automation."

For this year, more than half of respondents (66.5%) selected "Gogunbuntou" (孤軍奮鬪), meaning "overcoming difficult situations with a small number of people or limited strength," as the idiom that best describes the business environment.

A Seoul-based company responded, "Externally, the cost of raw material procurement increased due to high exchange rates, while internally, uncertainty regarding domestic politics and trade negotiations grew." Another Seoul-based company said, "The management crisis facing SMEs is not a problem of just one or two years, but an accumulated issue. Amid accelerating competition, small businesses are facing an even greater survival crisis."

Kim Ki-moon, Chairman of the Korea Federation of SMEs, stated, "This year was a year of 'Gogunbuntou' due to high exchange rates, high tariffs, and sluggish domestic demand. However, in 2026, we can see the determination of SMEs to 'Jagangbulshik'-to remain steadfast amid internal and external challenges and enhance their own competitiveness. The SME sector will not simply perceive upcoming changes as crises, but will actively turn them into opportunities for growth and new challenges."