Overview
- Two days after Seoul and Washington released a fact sheet lowering U.S. tariffs on Korean cars and parts to 15% from 25%, President Lee met conglomerate chiefs to press follow‑up steps and sustain domestic spending.
- Samsung outlined 450 trillion won over five years, including the Pyeongtaek P5 chip line slated to start operations in 2028, new AI data centers in South Jeolla and Gumi, and a pledge to hire 60,000 people in Korea each year for five years.
- Hyundai Motor Group committed 125.2 trillion won for 2026–2030 focused on AI, SDVs, robotics and production upgrades, will cover 2025 U.S. tariff costs for tier‑one suppliers, and targets vehicle exports of 2.47 million by 2030.
- SK Group plans 128 trillion won in domestic investment through 2028 with four fabs at its Yongin chip cluster, saying total outlays there could rise toward 600 trillion won depending on AI‑driven demand, and is working on an AI data center in Ulsan.
- President Lee vowed regulatory easing and potential financial tools such as purchasing subordinated bonds or taking first‑loss risk to spur high‑risk R&D and capital spending, while LG reaffirmed 100 trillion won in 2024–2028 investments.