FKI chief promotes Korean firms' economic contributions to US at congressional charity baseball game

The Federation of Korean Industries participated as a sponsoring organization in the Congressional Baseball Game for Charity, held Wednesday at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

The Congressional Baseball Game, which dates to 1909, is an annual event in which sitting senators and House members take the field as players representing their respective parties. The tradition has continued for 117 years.

The FKI used the occasion to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence and to promote Korean companies' economic contributions to the United States, conducting outreach activities targeting members of both chambers.

FKI Chairman Ryu Jin delivered the ceremonial game-opening declaration before 65 bipartisan player-lawmakers and spectators, conveying a congratulatory message on America's 250th birthday on behalf of the Korean business community.

A one-minute video was also screened, showing how the spirit of freedom, democracy and free enterprise that the United States planted in Korea 75 years ago has become the foundation of Korea's global success story — and highlighting the economic contributions Korean companies have made in the United States.

Ryu then hosted a reception at the ballpark for local lawmakers and opinion leaders, continuing his pitch for the Korean economy and Korean companies. The gathering drew roughly 70 attendees, including not only congressional officials but also administration figures from the Treasury, Energy and Defense departments.

The delegation included Chairman Ryu as well as senior executives from major Korean companies with US investment operations — Samsung Electronics, SK Corp, Hyundai Motor Group, LG Corp, POSCO, HD Hyundai, LS and KBI Group.

The group also attended the official CBG reception the day before the game, meeting with senators and House members competing as players and coaches. They focused particularly on lawmakers from key districts — Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and Michigan — where Korean companies have concentrated large-scale manufacturing facilities, working to strengthen a bipartisan private-sector diplomacy channel.

Jung Chul, the FKI's chief research officer and president of the Korea Economic Research Institute, said the CBG participation "carries special significance given that it coincides with the 250th anniversary of American independence." He added that the timing was "highly appropriate for building a favorable atmosphere in the United States, as discussions are under way to advance the bilateral cooperation projects discussed at last year's summit talks between the two countries."

He said the networks built with American political and business circles through this initiative "are expected to ease various institutional and policy obstacles and facilitate smooth project execution as Korean companies' US investment projects move into full swing."