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President Lee Jae-myung holds a business roundtable at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on August 19, ahead of his U.S.-Japan trip. From left: Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman Jang Jae-hoon, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, President Lee, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, Doosan Enerbility Chairman Park Ji-won, and National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac. / Source: Presidential Office

President Lee Jae-myung on August 19 met with top business leaders, including SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, ahead of the Korea-U.S. summit slated for August 25. The gathering, held at the presidential office in Yongsan, focused on maximizing economic outcomes during Lee’s upcoming U.S. visit.

Lee encouraged companies to secure tangible achievements during the trip, stressing, “I hope the business leaders accompanying me will deliver substantial results on the ground.” In response, Lee Jae-yong pledged that, beyond U.S. investment, Samsung would continue domestic investments to create quality jobs and foster high-value industries.

The two-hour meeting brought together key industry figures, including Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Dong-kwan, Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Won-tae, Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman Jang Jae-hoon, Doosan Enerbility Chairman Park Ji-won, and Celltrion Group Chairman Seo Jung-jin.

President Lee acknowledged the role of business leaders in recent tariff negotiations with Washington, saying their efforts helped yield unexpectedly favorable results. “The government’s top priority is reviving the economy and laying the foundation for sustainable growth. Although both government and industry face challenges from changing export conditions, we must turn this crisis into an opportunity,” he said.

Federation of Korean Industries Chairman Yoo Jin noted that the tariff deal removed uncertainty, restoring growth prospects for Korean companies, while Celltrion’s Seo stressed the need for startup investments to nurture young entrepreneurs.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung clarified that specific U.S. investment figures were not discussed but confirmed that shipbuilding and tariff issues remain key summit agenda items.

Lee also commented on pending labor and corporate law reforms in parliament, signaling that Korea must meet global standards on labor rights while balancing this with easing corporate regulations, including potential adjustments to breach-of-trust laws.