Herald Business Forum 2026 seeks path for South Korea's economic leap

"The Herald Business Forum will not stop at forecasting the future — it will serve as a catalyst for South Korea's economy to take on new challenges."

Choi Jin-young, CEO of Herald Media Group, made the remarks Tuesday in his opening address at Herald Business Forum 2026, held at the Dynasty Hall of the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. "Over the past 10 years, the Herald Business Forum has been a space to reflect together on the changes and challenges facing Korean industry," he said. "We will continue to seek solutions that can help our economy take the next leap forward."

Now in its 10th year, the Herald Business Forum has established itself as a platform for analyzing key issues across South Korea's economy and industry and offering timely solutions. This year's forum, held under the theme "Beyond Follower: Transitioning to a Leading Economy," brought together business leaders to discuss corporate vision and growth strategies amid rapid shifts — including the AI revolution, global supply chain realignment and intensifying competition in advanced industries.

Choi noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of South Korea's accession to the OECD. "Thirty years ago, we were a country catching up to the developed world," he said. "Now is the time to ask not how quickly we can follow, but what new path we can offer the world."

"Since the first forum in 2017, the global economic and industrial order has changed at a remarkable pace," Choi said. "Through COVID-19, the digital transformation, supply chain restructuring and the US-China technology rivalry, we have arrived at a moment where AI is reshaping the landscape of industry and the economy."

He acknowledged that South Korea had achieved strong growth through a fast-follower strategy — rapidly absorbing the technologies and industries of more advanced economies — but said that approach had reached its limits. "Simply moving fast along a path others have built is no longer enough," he said. "South Korea must now create its own new technologies, markets and standards."

Choi argued that the country's path to becoming a leading economy lies in connecting the strengths it already possesses. "We must combine world-class semiconductor competitiveness, manufacturing capability, digital infrastructure, and talented people and industrial ecosystems with AI," he said. He added that this year's forum would offer a concrete look at the new possibilities that combination could unlock.