Hwang Byung-gu, chairman of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce USA (KACCUSA), has been elected as the first private-sector steering committee chair of the World Korean Business Convention.

In the first election held under a new system in which private steering committee members directly elect the chair—marking the end of the government-appointed structure—Hwang defeated rival candidate Park Jong-bum, chairman of the World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations, by a single vote, 19 to 18. His election signals the beginning of a privately led governance structure for the convention.

Yoon Duk-chang, president of the Asia-Pacific Korean Food Importers Association and former president of the Singapore Korean Association, who ran as Hwang’s running mate, was elected vice chair.

According to the Overseas Koreans Agency, the election was conducted via anonymous online ballot at 10 a.m. on Feb. 25 (Korea time), in accordance with prior notice. Of the 42 eligible voters confirmed at the 56th Steering Committee meeting on Jan. 29, approximately 40 participated. Lee Gi-cheol, commissioner of the Overseas Koreans Agency, and Vice Commissioner Kim Min-cheol reportedly abstained from voting to maintain neutrality.

The election followed a revision of operating regulations approved at the Jan. 29 meeting, which changed the process so that the steering committee chair—previously held by the head of the Overseas Koreans Agency—would be elected from among private-sector steering committee members.

Hwang said he felt a heavy sense of responsibility as the inaugural chair under the private-sector-led system. “I will enhance tangible business outcomes within the Hansang network and develop it into a global economic platform that supports the overseas expansion of Korean small and medium-sized enterprises,” he said.

During his campaign, Hwang pledged to transform the World Korean Business Convention from a one-time annual event into a year-round “Global K-Hansang Network” platform fostering continuous engagement.

His key pledges included elevating the convention into a strategic hub within Korea’s global economic network; strengthening high-quality networking by identifying “hidden business leaders”; institutionalizing mentoring and investment matching programs for next-generation entrepreneurs; expanding alignment with government budgets and policies; and establishing dedicated leadership structures.

A native of Cheongsong in North Gyeongsang Province, Hwang operates a Phalaenopsis orchid farm in Orlando, Florida. In 2022, he served as organizing committee chair of the 21st World Korean Business Convention held in Anaheim, California.

The election is widely viewed as a symbolic turning point, marking the transition of the World Korean Business Convention from a government-led structure to one centered on private-sector leadership. Following the regulatory changes, a secretariat reporting directly to the steering committee chair has been established, and the operation of the business exhibition will shift to a publicly bid outsourcing model, expanding private-sector autonomy.

Under Hwang’s leadership, the organization now faces the task of stabilizing its new governance structure, expanding its global network, and institutionalizing the convention as a continuous platform.

Given the narrow margin of victory and the historic nature of the first private-sector election, attention within the overseas Korean community is focused on how Hwang’s leadership will redefine the convention’s direction and global standing.

Commissioner Lee of the Overseas Koreans Agency said the election marks “a historic milestone in transforming the World Korean Business Convention into a true global business hub,” adding that the government will concentrate on providing administrative and policy support while enabling the private sector to fully exercise its capabilities.

The 24th World Korean Business Convention, to be operated under private-sector leadership, is scheduled to be held in late September at Songdo Convensia in Incheon, South Korea.

Source: Dongpo News (https://www.dongponews.net)