[fn Editorial] Corporate Favorability at All-Time High, Will Rise Further if Shackles are Removed

The public's favorability towards companies has been recorded as the highest ever this year. This can be seen as a result of the recognition that the power to drive Korea's economy, trapped in a low-growth tunnel, comes from companies. At times like this, it is essential to actively support policies so that companies can rise up and fulfill their roles.

According to the '2025 Corporate Favorability Index (CFI)' survey results announced by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the 27th, the public's favorability towards companies is 56.3 points out of 100. This is the highest score since the survey was first conducted in 2003. The favorability baseline of 50 points has been exceeded for three consecutive years. The most cited reason for favorability was 'contribution to the national economy' (40.8%). Additionally, job creation (26.5%), social contribution activities (11.8%), and the spread of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management (9.2%) were highly evaluated. The tasks expected from companies were mainly 'creating quality jobs' (39.7%) and 'improving employee welfare and ensuring a safe working environment' (31.7%).

There was a time when anti-corporate sentiment was prevalent in the country. However, as the social role of companies gained attention, favorability has continuously improved.

Especially, the fact that favorability has risen to an all-time high this year also means that the public's perception of companies has changed significantly. The public actively agrees that companies making money, paying taxes, and creating jobs have a significant impact on the growth and prosperity of our society.

While expectations for companies are rising, the reality for companies is not easy. With the regime and impeachment situations followed by the Trump-induced tariff war, domestic and international uncertainties have increased, and corporate management has fallen into a state of zero visibility. The Business Survey Index (BSI) forecast for June announced by the Korea Economic Association on this day is 94.7. It is an improved figure compared to the previous month. It seems that expectations that the extreme US-China trade conflict will ease have been reflected. However, there are many criticisms that it is merely a temporary short-term rebound.

The economic outlook for domestic companies has been predominantly negative for the past three years and three months. Although the US and China recently agreed to lower mutual tariff rates, the tariff war is continuously entering new phases.

Recently, there was an announcement that tariffs would be imposed on all smartphones imported into the US. This could be a direct hit to Samsung Electronics, which holds the second-largest market share in the US. There are not just a few industries where the firm position against China's aggressive offensive is shaking.

For companies to survive, the country's finances must be protected, and the jobs of the people must be guaranteed. Above all, companies must achieve their own innovation. Among the corporate favorability indices surveyed by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the productivity improvement and technology development indicators slightly decreased from 63.9 points last year to 63.5 points this year. Continuous research and development and groundbreaking innovation management are needed to enhance global competitiveness.

Enhancing corporate competitiveness is insufficient with the efforts of companies alone. It can be maximized when the government steps up as a one-team. In this regard, the shoulders of the next government should become heavier. Full support for corporate growth and the implementation of regulatory relaxation must be executed. During the presidential election period, candidates all promised to revive companies. They are voicing that they will activate an emergency economic plan as soon as they take office. It must not end as a slogan for votes. The shackles that bind companies must be boldly removed, and the spirit of companies must be properly revived.