South Korea's leading business lobbies called for aggressive investments in artificial intelligence (AI) to secure global competitiveness in 2026. Chey Tae-won, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), emphasized building swift investment capabilities in AI and green sectors amid challenges like low growth and geopolitical uncertainties. Other groups highlighted the need for eased regulations and stronger public-private cooperation.
On December 29, 2025, in Seoul, South Korea's major business lobbies issued New Year's messages urging AI-focused economic growth for 2026. Chey Tae-won, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and head of SK Group, stated, "In order to secure global-level competitiveness in the AI and green transformation sectors, it is essential to build the capability to pursue major investment projects swiftly." He noted that such efforts are crucial amid challenges including low growth and uncertainties in global geopolitics.
Chey has advocated for revising local fair trade laws to enable chipmakers to raise funds for major projects, such as easing shareholding regulations for subsidiaries aimed at attracting outside investment. "We need to improve the predictability of local policies so that businesses, which are the main drivers of growth, do not face hurdles when carrying out investments or pursuing innovation," the KCCI chief said, adding that companies should not face heavier regulations as they grow in size.
Ryu Jin, chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), another key lobby, stressed the need for strengthened public-private cooperation in AI. "The FKI will present a new growth path for the Korean economy, including institutional innovations to strengthen competitiveness in new growth sectors such as AI," he said in a separate message.
Yoon Jin-sik, head of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), projected continued global economic uncertainty in 2026 and pledged to support Korean firms' overseas expansion by developing AI-based export infrastructure.
These statements reflect a consensus that South Korea must ease regulations and foster collaboration to harness the AI boom for sustained growth.
