President Lee Announces Record FDI and New Investment‑Friendly Policies at Cheong Wa Dae

Updated 2026-01-28 07:06:08+00:00 (5 articles)

Image: Yonhap

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a meeting with the heads of foreign-invested firms at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Jan. 28, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size
Image: Yonhap

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a business roundtable meeting with foreign-invested companies at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Jan. 28, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size
Image: Yonhap

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a business roundtable meeting with foreign-invested companies at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Jan. 28, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size
Image: Yonhap

President Lee Jae Myung (L) attends a business roundtable meeting with foreign-invested companies at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Jan. 28, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size

President Lee Urges Foreign Firms to Boost Capital Commitments On Jan 28, 2026 Lee Jae Myung addressed seven foreign chambers of commerce, including AMCHAM, emphasizing that South Korea’s market remains undervalued and backed by strong human capital and infrastructure [1][2]. He highlighted a record $36 billion in foreign‑direct‑investment pledges for 2025, a 4.3 % rise over the previous year [1]. The president called on foreign‑invested companies to expand operations, citing long‑term growth potential [2].

Government Promises to Shield Investors from Geopolitical Risks Lee assured executives that Seoul will continue efforts to prevent unnecessary military confrontation with North Korea, even if “some concessions” are needed to lower risk [1][2]. He framed regional stability as essential for a predictable business climate and pledged to avoid actions that could heighten tension [1]. This reassurance aims to mitigate geopolitical uncertainty that could deter foreign capital [2].

Reforms Target Corporate Governance and Market Transparency The president pledged concrete steps to improve corporate governance, reduce opaque practices, and enhance fairness in the stock market [1]. He linked these reforms directly to attracting additional foreign capital and sustaining investor confidence [1]. The administration presented the governance agenda as a core component of its broader investment‑friendly strategy [2].

Roundtable Facilitates Direct Dialogue Between Government and Investors The Cheong Wa Dae roundtable gathered senior executives of key foreign‑invested firms alongside representatives from seven foreign chambers of commerce [1][2]. Participants discussed current investment conditions, government support mechanisms, and future policy priorities [1]. Lee used the forum to outline his administration’s objectives and to solicit feedback from the international business community [2].

Sources

Timeline

Dec 3, 2024 – Former President Yoon Suk Yeol issues an emergency decree that attempts to impose martial law, which the National Assembly lifts after about six hours, setting the stage for later legal actions against senior officials [5][3].

2025 – South Korea records a historic $36 billion in foreign‑direct‑investment pledges, a 4.3 % rise over 2024, underscoring the market’s growing attractiveness to overseas investors [1].

2025 – The Korea Composite Stock Price Index surpasses 4,000 points, exports exceed US$700 billion, and the government secures a deal for 260,000 Nvidia GPUs to boost AI development, signalling strong economic momentum [4].

Dec 2025 – The National Growth Fund launches, targeting roughly 150 trillion won of public‑private capital over five years to fund AI, semiconductors, renewable energy and diplomatic initiatives [4].

Dec 25, 2025 – President Lee pivots to diplomacy and the economy ahead of the June 3 local elections, framing the vote as a referendum on his first year; he prepares follow‑up talks with the United States that include a $350 billion investment pledge (with $150 billion for shipbuilding), plans a second summit with China’s Xi Jinping in early 2026, and confronts a North Korean DMZ fortification and a newly approved martial‑law tribunal [5].

Dec 31, 2025 – In a New Year’s address, Lee pledges a “great leap forward” across politics, the economy and foreign affairs, celebrates a U.S. trade deal, Washington’s approval of nuclear‑powered submarine plans, and unveils a five‑pole, three‑specialized‑zone growth‑sharing framework to rebalance regional development [4].

Jan 21, 2026 – Lee vows to use diplomatic channels to restart North Korea‑U.S. talks, expects the won to firm to around 1,400 won per $ within one to two months, notes a Seoul court will soon rule on former Prime Minister Han Duck‑soo’s alleged role in the 2024 emergency decree, announces Hanwha’s appointment of ex‑Canadian Navy officer Glenn Copeland to lead its Ottawa submarine bid, confirms Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok’s U.S. visit (potentially meeting Vice President J.D. Vance), and grants conditional approval for BTS to film at historic Seoul sites [3].

Jan 28, 2026 – President Lee tells foreign chambers that South Korea remains “undervalued” and boasts the $36 billion FDI record, urges foreign firms to expand investment, pledges to avoid unnecessary military tension with North Korea, commits to improve corporate governance and market transparency, and calls on investors to trust the government’s objective environment [1][2].

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