Lee Jae-yong Holds Surprise Meeting with Japanese House of Councillors Delegation to Discuss Areas of Cooperation

[Financial News] Lee Jae-yong, executive chairman of Samsung Electronics, met with a visiting delegation from Japan’s House of Councillors and discussed business cooperation and other matters.
According to industry sources on the 16th, Lee held a luncheon meeting with the Japanese delegation at an undisclosed location in Seoul on the 14th. The delegation included Daisaku Hiraki, chair of Komeito’s Diet Affairs Committee in the House of Councillors; Tetsuro Fukuyama, deputy president of the House of Councillors; Takanori Kawai, secretary-general of the Democratic Party for the People (DPFP) in the House of Councillors; Mizuho Umemura, deputy secretary-general of Sanseitō in the House of Councillors; and Koichi Mizushima, Japan’s ambassador to South Korea.
Samsung Electronics was represented by Lee and Kim Won-kyong, head of its Global Public Affairs (GPA) office.
Hiraki wrote on social media, "I met and exchanged views with a university professor well versed in Korea-Japan relations, a former ambassador to Japan, the deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Korea, and business leaders," adding, "A luncheon with Samsung Electronics executives was not on the original schedule, but Chairman Lee Jae-yong made a surprise appearance."
He explained, "I asked about the outlook for the semiconductor business, which is gaining momentum thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), Samsung Electronics’ company-wide strategy going forward, areas of cooperation with Japan, and ways to develop and secure talent," adding, "He answered seriously and sincerely."
Meanwhile, after meeting with Samsung Electronics, the Japanese delegation visited SK Group’s headquarters to discuss the outlook for the semiconductor business and the potential for developing AI technologies. The delegation also visited the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) in Yeouido, Seoul, where it exchanged views on a proposed Korea-Japan economic community centered on semiconductors, AI, and energy.

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