By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) co-hosted an “AMCHAM Insights” session on September 23 with Bae, Kim & Lee LLC (BKL). Held at BKL’s headquarters in Jongno, the event drew more than 140 senior executives from Korean and multinational companies.
The program featured a high-level Fireside Chat on U.S.-Korea relations, a panel discussion on the Lee Jae-myung administration’s policy priorities, and a networking reception that brought together leaders across industries.
The evening opened with a Fireside Chat between AMCHAM Chairman & CEO James Kim and Sung Kim, President of Hyundai Motor Group (Senior Advisor (Non-resident) at BKL).
Their discussion focused on some of the most pressing issues in U.S.-Korea relations, including ongoing tariff negotiations, Korean companies’ expanding investments in the United States and the need for visa reforms, as well as deeper cooperation in supply chain resilience, advanced technology, and clean energy.
A particular point of concern was the imbalance in U.S. auto tariffs; while tariffs on Japanese automobiles have been lowered to 15%, those on Korean automobiles remain at 25% - a disparity with major implications for Korean industry and investment.
Drawing on his distinguished career as U.S. Ambassador to Korea and Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, as well as his leadership experience at Hyundai Motor Group, Sung Kim offered candid insights into how foreign policy and security issues shape global corporate strategy.
In his remarks, AMCHAM Chairman & CEO James Kim underscored the urgency of the moment, saying, “We are at a critical moment in the U.S.-Korea relationship. With tariff policies under debate in Washington, supply chain security at the forefront, and new opportunities in advanced technology and clean energy, our alliance has never been more vital. As Korea’s new administration sets its priorities for growth and competitiveness, AMCHAM is committed to ensuring our member companies can navigate these changes and seize the opportunities ahead.”
