Startup Summit in Shanghai Draws 400 Leaders and Sets Cooperation Tone On Jan. 7, President Lee Jae Myung addressed roughly 400 startup founders, venture‑capitalists and officials at the Korea‑China Venture Startup Summit in Shanghai, urging both sides to deepen joint ventures and align ecosystems [1]. He noted that China now matches or even surpasses South Korea in accumulated capital and technology, arguing that the partnership must move beyond the old “Korea‑capital, China‑labor” model [1]. Lee promoted a “competitive yet cooperative” framework and pledged government risk‑sharing measures to encourage entrepreneurs to innovate without fear of failure [1].

Beijing Forum Highlights AI, Beauty and Cultural Content as New Growth Engines At the Korea‑China Business Forum on Jan. 5, Lee called for expanded cooperation in artificial intelligence, consumer cosmetics and cultural products, citing stagnant $300 billion‑plus annual trade and the need for fresh engines of growth [2][3]. The gathering hosted about 600 participants, including over 400 Korean officials from 161 companies and roughly 200 Chinese delegates, underscoring the scale of the bilateral dialogue [2][3]. Lee framed the initiative as a “new breakthrough” that could link cutting‑edge tech with services such as films, music, games and beauty goods [2][3].

Corporate Titans Back Lee’s Multi‑Sector Push Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae‑yong, Hyundai Motor Group Chair Euisun Chung, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae‑won, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang‑mo, SM Entertainment CEO Jang Cheol‑hyuk and Krafton CEO Kim Chang‑han attended the Beijing forum, signaling strong private‑sector support for deeper China engagement [2][3]. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng welcomed the visit, while executives from TCL, CATL, Tencent and ZTE joined the discussions, illustrating a broad corporate coalition across hardware, software and entertainment [2][3]. Their presence reinforced Lee’s message that cooperation should span semiconductors, batteries, AI, and cultural content.

Lee Links Economic Ties to Diplomatic Normalization and Shared Risk Throughout both events, Lee emphasized that a “normal track” in bilateral relations requires concrete economic collaboration, proposing that Seoul and Beijing “compete where necessary and cooperate where possible” [1]. He pledged to expand government backing so that startup failures become learning assets, tying risk‑sharing to a more resilient venture ecosystem [1]. The dual‑track approach—startup‑level meetings in Shanghai and corporate‑level talks in Beijing—illustrates a coordinated strategy to deepen Korea‑China ties across emerging sectors.