Korea-U.S. Southeast Economic Cooperation Strengthened at April’s Korea Chamber of Commerce Meeting

Kim Hyung-ryul, President of the Federation of American Chambers of Commerce in Korea

The World Korean Business Congress will be held in Atlanta on April 17th.

Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Hyundai Motor, LG Ensol, etc.

Southeastern US economy centered on global companies

Cultivating the identity of 2-3 generations of Koreans through the World Korean Business Congress

An island boy with nothing but the sea behind him

Challenging the American continent from land again

Respecting employee opinions…building management and hotel success

◆ Business Leader ◆

“The World Korean Business Conference will contribute to economic cooperation between Korea and the state of Georgia. There is great anticipation for the conference in Georgia as well.”

Kim Hyeong-ryul, chairman of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce Federation (KACC), emphasized the economic value of this year’s conference during an interview with Maeil Business Newspaper on the 14th. Chairman Kim noted, “This is the second time the conference is being held in the U.S., and Georgia is a central economic region in the southeastern United States. We hope that through this conference, not only will Korean SMEs expand into the U.S., but also that Georgia companies will invest in Korea.”

This year’s conference will take place from April 17 to 20 at the Gas South Convention Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The theme of the conference is “Leap into the Korean Business Economy, Korea to the World with Korean Business! To the Future!” The event is co-hosted by Maeil Business Newspaper, MBN, the Overseas Koreans Foundation, the Small and Medium Business Administration, and the KACC. Chairman Kim will serve as co-chair for the second consecutive year. Atlanta is like a second hometown for Chairman Kim.

— You have been running a business in Georgia for over 30 years.

▷ Georgia has a population of 12 million with an average income exceeding $70,000 per person. It is a hub for commerce and transportation in the southern U.S., with 18 of the Fortune 500 companies, including Coca-Cola, Home Depot, UPS, and Delta Air Lines. The state’s strategic location, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Port of Savannah, as well as its road and rail infrastructure, is why Hyundai Motor Group built an electric vehicle factory there.

— There is significant interest in the Korean Business Conference in Georgia.

▷ Korean businesses have made significant contributions to Georgia. Last year, Georgia’s exports to Korea were $990 million, while imports from Korea were $16.62 billion. Over 140 Korean companies, including Hyundai, Kia, SK On, LG Energy Solution, and Hanwha Q CELLS, have entered Georgia. The Korean community is also growing rapidly, with over 150,000 Koreans living in Atlanta and surrounding areas like Buford, Duluth, Suwanee, and Johns Creek. Given this context, it’s no surprise that there is strong local interest in the conference, where Korean businesses from around the world will gather in April. Former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal will serve as honorary chairman, and current Governor Brian Kemp will attend the opening ceremony on April 17. The conference is expected to have a positive impact on the economy of Georgia and the southeastern U.S.

— This is your second time serving as co-chair, following the 2023 conference. How are you preparing?

▷ The highlight of the Korean Business Conference is the corporate exhibition, where business deals are made. Over 450 booths have already been reserved, with a goal of 500. We have recruited 250 buyers and plan to increase this number further. Many U.S. companies, including the headquarters of Nu Skin in Utah, will participate as buyers. High-ranking economic officials from Georgia, New Jersey, Texas, Arizona, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and Utah will also attend. The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry plans to set up a promotional booth for the 2025 APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju this October. We have prepared programs explaining how to participate in U.S. federal government procurement projects. The conference will serve as a stepping stone for Korean SMEs entering the U.S. market.

— You have been successful in Atlanta. What’s the secret to your success?

▷ I was born on an island. Behind me was only the sea. From a young age, I developed a spirit of challenge by looking out at the ocean. I expanded my stage of challenge from the island to the mainland (Seoul), and then from the mainland to the continent. In 1987, I left Korea with the “American Dream” in my heart. All I had was my youth; I had nothing to lose. I worked hard, believing that I could achieve economic freedom if I just worked diligently. Through challenges, I tested my abilities and limits. I adapted faster than others, and luck was on my side. I also received a lot of help from Korean Americans. Building on the success of my building management business, I expanded into hotels. The Wyndham Garden Hotel in Atlanta became a local landmark.

— What do you emphasize to your employees?

▷ In the early days of my immigration to the U.S., I faced many trials and errors due to cultural differences between Korea and the U.S. The answer was time. As the years passed, I built trust with Americans, and their culture became familiar to me. I always emphasize to my employees the importance of having an owner’s mindset. I provide clear incentives in return. I strive to create a free and trusting environment by believing in my employees and respecting their opinions, rather than maintaining a hierarchical structure.

— What are your thoughts on the development of the Korean community?

▷ It’s crucial for second- and third-generation Koreans to develop their identity. My daughter, born in the U.S., is currently studying Korean at Sogang University after graduating from college. She is learning Korean and Korean culture. The government should strengthen programs for educating the next generation of Koreans and enhancing exchanges with their homeland. The World Korean Business Conference should also encourage more participation from second- and third-generation Koreans. As the conference has been held for over 20 years, the children of first-generation Korean business leaders are now in their 30s and 40s. It’s time for networking among second- and third-generation Korean business leaders through the conference.

Kim Hyeong-ryul, Chairman
△ Born in 1963 in Sinan, Jeollanam-do
△ Graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Architecture in 1987
△ Founded CleanNet USA in 1993
△ Served as Chairman of the Atlanta Council for Democratic Peaceful Unification from 2018 to 2024
△ Founded H Group Hospitality in 2022
△ Served as Chairman of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce Federation since 2022
△ Co-chaired the 21st World Korean Business Conference in 2023 and will co-chair the 23rd conference in 2025

[Jeong Seung-hwan, Business Reporter / Photo by Lee Chung-woo]

*Jeong Seung-hwan, Business Reporter fanny@mk.co.kr

**Original Article:

Strengthening Economic Cooperation between Korea and the U.S. Southeast at the April Korean Business Conference