Arirang TV

James Kim, Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM), appeared on Arirang TV’s “Talk Room” to share in-depth insights into the behind-the-scenes of the “2025 APEC CEO Summit” and Korea’s global competitiveness.

On the broadcast, Chairman James Kim introduced his experience serving as an executive member of the organizing committee for the “2025 APEC CEO Summit,” explaining that hosting APEC became an opportunity to showcase Korea’s business potential.

He noted that while APEC made clear Korea’s potential to serve as a regional business hub, structural improvements are needed for global companies to actually establish themselves in Korea. Pointing out that Singapore has 5,000, Hong Kong 1,400, and Shanghai 900 multinational headquarters, whereas Korea has fewer than 100, he said, “What is needed is a leap from 100 to 1,000, not from 100 to 120.”

As obstacles, he cited ▲ Labor inflexibility ▲ Taxation ▲ CEO personal liability risk (CEO Risk). He assessed that systems in which foreign CEOs feel the risk of personal punishment during business operations are a major barrier to entering Korea. However, he added that the current administration is very open to solving these issues and is actively in dialogue with the labor ministry, among others.

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He further explained that large-scale U.S. investments by Samsung, Hyundai Motor, and SK are forming the foundation of KoreaU.S. economic cooperation, and said that AMCHAM supports companies in both countries by working to reduce non-tariff barriers (NTBs), engaging in policy discussions with the government, and facilitating the signing of MOUs.

Chairman James Kim said that his bicultural background as a Korean American is a major asset in serving as a bridge between the two countries. He also explained that when the two sides’ views clash, his foremost guiding principle is “understanding what each side wants.”

“Talk Room,” which features in-depth conversations with global leaders across politics, the economy, culture, the arts, IT, and science, airs on Arirang TV every Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. and is also available on Arirang TV’s official YouTube channel.