Samsung will invest KRW 450 trillion in the domestic market over the next five years. Hyundai Motor Group will also inject KRW 125.2 trillion during the same period. With the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations forecasting an annual investment of up to USD 20 billion (approximately KRW 29 trillion) in the U.S., concerns have risen about reduced investments and job losses in Korea, prompting companies to take action.

President Lee Jae-myung held a 'Korea-U.S. Tariff Negotiation Follow-up Private Sector Joint Meeting' with major conglomerate leaders at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 16th to discuss plans for expanding domestic investments. Attendees included Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun, Celltrion Chairman Seo Jung-jin, and Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Yeo Seung-joo.

Samsung announced after the meeting that it would invest KRW 450 trillion domestically over five years. Initially, it plans to construct the Pyeongtaek Plant Line 5, an advanced semiconductor factory. Samsung Electronics intends to complete this plant, which will require an investment of over KRW 50 trillion, by 2028.

Hyundai Motor Group, considered the biggest beneficiary of the tariff negotiations, announced it would invest KRW 125.2 trillion domestically from next year until 2030. This is an increase of KRW 36.1 trillion compared to the KRW 89.1 trillion invested in the previous five years. SK Group plans to invest KRW 128 trillion by 2028, and LG Group will invest KRW 100 trillion domestically over five years.

President Lee expressed gratitude for the tariff negotiations, stating, "The ones who worked the hardest were the business leaders," and added, "There has never been a case where the government and businesses have cooperated so well. It is entirely thanks to your dedication and efforts."

President Lee continued, "There is concern that domestic investment might decrease if U.S. investment is too strong, but I trust you will manage it well to alleviate such concerns," and emphasized, "Please pay more attention to domestic investment and especially to the balanced development of Korea, as the issue of regional industrial activation is serious."

President Lee also mentioned, "We can introduce new methods such as investing in R&D or risky areas and issuing subordinated bonds, or taking losses as a priority," and added, "We are considering using such methods to strongly promote adventurous investments." Regarding regulatory easing, he stated, "If you point out specifics, we will address them swiftly."

In response, Chairman Lee Jae-yong stated, "The resolution of the tariff negotiations has greatly relieved companies," and added, "There is concern about the reduction of domestic industrial investment, but Samsung will make every effort to expand domestic investment and create good jobs." Chairman Chung Eui-sun remarked, "We increased (domestic investment) by KRW 8.2 trillion compared to the existing plan," and noted, "The focus is on nurturing AI, developing the robotics industry, and advancing the green energy ecosystem."

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