Samsung, SK hynix government-affairs chiefs attend US founding anniversary dinner amid semiconductor investment pressure

Senior executives from South Korea's top conglomerates gathered Thursday at a gala dinner marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, reaffirming economic ties between Seoul and Washington.

The "Appreciation Gala for the 250th Anniversary of the United States," held at the FKI Tower Conference Center in Yeouido, Seoul, brought together the government-affairs chiefs of Samsung Electronics and SK hynix — the two companies at the center of South Korea's semiconductor investment strategy toward the US.

Samsung Electronics was represented by Kim Won-kyung, president and head of global public affairs, while SK hynix sent Jung Yeo-jin, executive vice president.

Both executives came to their respective companies from government: Kim from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Jung from the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Each was recruited externally as their company moved to strengthen its global strategy.

Jung, who only began reporting to SK hynix last month, made her first appearance at a major domestic business gathering Thursday, signaling the start of her public-facing role as a corporate executive.

She was seated at a table alongside Robert M. O'Neill, a veteran whose family has served in USFK across two generations.

"This is the first time I have attended a public event with senior executives from major companies," Jung said. "Going forward, I will be responsible for developing public affairs strategy with key foreign government agencies on behalf of SK hynix."

Jung previously held a series of positions at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, including director of youth policy, director of climate and environment budget, secretary to the deputy prime minister for economic affairs, director of foreign exchange policy and director of foreign currency funding. Earlier this year, following a government reorganization, she served as director of strategic economic coordination at the ministry.

Much of her career focused on international finance — she played a key role in preparing for the Korean won's inclusion in the World Government Bond Index (WGBI) and managing the foreign exchange market. She also worked as an economist at the IMF for four years beginning in 2016.

SK hynix recently broke ground on an advanced packaging production facility in Indiana, and with additional investment under consideration amid tariff pressure, Jung's role is expected to center on shaping strategy in response to shifts in the US policy environment.

As SK hynix expands its US footprint through the establishment of an AI company there, the chipmaker plans to draw on Jung's global expertise.

Also attending Thursday's event were Kim Dong-jo, executive vice president at Hyundai Motor, and Ko Yun-ju, head of LG Group's LG Global Strategy Development Institute.

Among the business leaders present were Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) council members Shin Dong-bin, chairman of Lotte Group; Cho Won-tae, chairman of Korean Air; Kim Yoon, chairman of Samyang; Lee Jang-han, chairman of Chong Kun Dang; and Kim Jeong-su, chairman of Samyang Roundsquare. Also in attendance were Koo Ja-eun, chairman of LS; Choi Yun-beom, chairman of Korea Zinc; and Heo Jin-su, vice chairman of Sangmidang Holdings.

US Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel, making her first official public appearance since taking up her post, said the military and economic bonds between the two countries "have never been more important," adding that the two nations could "grow together on a solid foundation and bring real benefits to both sides."

FKI Chairman Ryu Jin said in his welcoming remarks that "the hope created by the courage and sacrifice of war veterans has led to today's proud Republic of Korea — to freedom and prosperity." He expressed gratitude to veterans and USFK personnel, and said, "The Korea-US alliance is evolving beyond military security into an economic and technological alliance. I hope the two countries will continue to write a brilliant new chapter in history together as allies."

Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of USFK, said the Korea-US alliance had grown "from shared sacrifice on the battlefield into a global partnership that today spans not only defense but also economics, technology and culture."

After the dinner, singer In-soon-ee and the Eighth Army jazz band took the stage for a joint performance that drew sustained applause.