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 business sector has chosen the four-character idiom "Jagangbulshik" (自强不息), meaning "unceasing self-improvement," to represent its outlook on the business environment for next year. For this year's business environment, the selected idiom was "Gogunbuntu" (孤軍奮鬪), which means "struggling alone against adversity."

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 "Four-Character Idiom Survey on the Business Environment Outlook for SMEs," which was conducted with 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises. "Jagangbulshik" (自强不息) was chosen as the idiom for next year's business environment, receiving 30.2% of the votes.

"Jagangbulshik" means "to strengthen oneself and strive without rest." This reflects the determination of SME owners to overcome crises by enhancing their capabilities, even as internal and external conditions change rapidly.

A company based in Seoul stated, "Although it will be difficult for the time being due to global economic and security crises, some industries such as construction may see renewed vitality if the Russia-Ukraine war ends. We want to strengthen ourselves and prepare for even small opportunities that may arise." A company based in Gyeonggi Province pledged, "We aim to enhance our competitiveness by reducing production costs through digital automation."

For this year's business environment, more than half of respondents-66.5%-selected "Gogunbuntu" (孤軍奮鬪), which means "overcoming difficult situations with few people or limited strength."

A Seoul-based company responded, "Externally, the cost of procuring raw materials increased due to high exchange rates, and internally, there was heightened uncertainty regarding domestic politics and trade negotiations." Another Seoul-based company said, "The management crisis for SMEs is not a problem of just one or two years; it has been accumulating, and as competition accelerates, small businesses are facing an even greater existential threat."

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