Choi Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, stated, "I am envisioning a partnership that goes beyond the level of cooperation with Japan and develops into an economic community."
Choi (Chairman) made these remarks while appearing as a lecturer on EBS's 'Great Lecture' on the 14th. Choi (Chairman) is delivering lectures on EBS from the 12th to the upcoming 16th, under the theme of "AI and New Capitalism, and Youth." The topic of the third lecture, which aired on this day, was "Solidarity with Japan: Why We Must Discuss It Now."
Choi (Chairman)'s diagnosis is that an international order similar to the era of past imperialism is unfolding as tensions between the United States and China intensify. Choi (Chairman) said, "Under the WTO (World Trade Organization) system, South Korea could have managed on its own without needing to align with anyone," adding, "Now, caught in the crossfire of (US-China tensions), we must protect ourselves, but I question whether we can truly safeguard ourselves alone."
Choi (Chairman) identified energy as a field where the two countries should prioritize cooperation. He noted, "The combined scale of fossil fuel imports by both countries reaches approximately 300 billion dollars annually," explaining that "there is potential to reduce costs by about 5% to 10% through joint purchasing and storage." He further added, "We can also cooperate in nuclear power generation and renewable energy," stating, "In the future, we must jointly develop and utilize hydrogen as well."
He called for cooperation rather than competition in the fields of AI (artificial intelligence) and semiconductors. Choi (Chairman) remarked, "AI is a business that requires massive capital investment," asking, "Is there any reason to develop it separately on our own and reduce efficiency?" He also emphasized, "In the semiconductor sector, South Korea has strengths in finished product manufacturing, while Japan has strengths in materials, components and equipment (so-bu-bang)," stating, "It is a relationship of mutual cooperation and complementarity, not necessarily one of competition."
Choi (Chairman) cited the similarities between the two societies as a reason why Japan is a suitable partner for economic solidarity. Both South Korea and Japan are facing issues of low birth rates, aging populations, and low growth, and given their cultural and geographical proximity, they are well-positioned to seek common solutions.
He stressed, "It would be difficult to find another country on Earth that is culturally close and an immediate neighbor like South Korea and Japan," adding, "If we cannot do it with Japan, it will be even harder with other countries." He further stated, "I believe it would be much better if markets suffering from similar circumstances move together," saying, "We must have the mindset to stand shoulder to shoulder, coordinate our steps, and continuously seek opportunities."
He also emphasized that South Korea-Japan economic solidarity could serve as an opportunity to redesign South Korea's future, going beyond simple bilateral cooperation. Choi (Chairman) said, "Ultimately, it is about designing a new country that will grow again," adding, "If the younger generation also presents new ideas and thinks together with us, we can brighten the future of South Korea."
in INDUSTRY
