Koo Yun-cheol Urges Wall Street Heavyweights: “Trust Korea’s Reforms and Invest”

Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, who is visiting the United States, met with global investors and top executives of major U.S. financial institutions to actively promote investment in Korea, stressing the solid fundamentals of the Korean economy.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced on the 15th that on the 14th (local time) in New York City, Koo held the Korea Economic Investment Briefing and a series of meetings with senior figures from major U.S. financial institutions.
Around 20 representatives from 13 leading global investment banks and asset managers attended the briefing, including Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, State Street, BlackRock, and Northern Trust. Koo said, “The KOSPI Composite Index has more than doubled since the launch of the new administration in June last year,” and outlined capital market reform measures such as three rounds of amendments to the Commercial Act to improve corporate governance and protect investors, as well as tax reforms designed to encourage dividend payouts. He also underscored the significance of Korea’s inclusion in the World Government Bond Index (WGBI) in April.
Koo pledged to create an environment in which global investors can conveniently invest in the Korean market anytime and from anywhere, thereby strengthening the driving force behind the Korea premium.
He went on to give a detailed explanation of the Physical AI Grand Transformation Policy, which focuses on building Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure and fostering strategic technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMR), all grounded in Korea’s world‐class semiconductor industry and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Participants highly praised the Korean government’s efforts to reform the foreign exchange market in line with global standards, including extending foreign exchange trading hours and allowing offshore trading and settlement of the won, saying they “expect these steps to enhance the attractiveness of Korea’s capital market.” They also expressed hope for more frequent, ongoing communication between the government and investors. In response, Koo stressed, “Korea’s door to investment is always wide open,” adding, “If you experience any inconvenience or have suggestions regarding investment, please let us know at any time. We will work with the relevant authorities to resolve unreasonable regulations.”
He then met with executives from major U.S. financial institutions such as Apollo Global Management, BlackRock, and PIMCO to exchange views on the main directions of Korea’s economic policies.
In his meeting with Marc Rowan, chairman of Apollo Global Management, Koo said, “New investment opportunities in Korea will expand in AI infrastructure and advanced industrial sectors,” noting that cooperation with global investment institutions is becoming increasingly important.
Marc Rowan responded, saying, “We share the Korean government’s policy direction in key strategic areas such as AI and data infrastructure, energy transition, and power grids,” and expressed his hope to further strengthen strategic cooperation and long‐term partnership with Korea.
skjung@fnnews.com Jung Sang-geun Reporter