Donald Trump is gearing up for a potential return to the White House. South Korean business leaders are intensifying efforts to strengthen their connections with his network. Major conglomerates are leveraging the ties established during Trump’s initial 2017-2021 presidency to deepen their engagement. Unlike the unexpected upheaval that followed Trump’s first election as a political outsider, this time, a smoother channel of communication is expected.
Poongsan Group Chairman Ryu Jin, a prominent figure with significant connections to Trump’s circle, has emerged as a strategic leader in fostering these ties. Recognized as a leading “U.S. expert,” Ryu has long nurtured relationships with key figures across both the Democratic and Republican parties. Since taking the helm of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) last year, Ryu has reportedly intensified efforts to foster dialogue with U.S. counterparts. Speaking at an FKI forum in July, he highlighted, “If Trump is re-elected, companies investing in the U.S. will be treated comparably to American firms, offering potentially greater advantages than under a Democratic administration.” Reports indicate Ryu maintains direct communication with Trump’s close associates.
Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-youn is another prominent figure known for his strong connections with Trump’s network. For over four decades, Kim has maintained ties with Edwin Feulner, founder of the Heritage Foundation and a long-time policy and security advisor to Trump. Although Kim was invited to attend Trump’s 2017 presidential inauguration, health issues prevented his participation. Hanwha Ocean, notably, is expected to play a key role in ship maintenance and repair—a sector Trump underscored during a Nov. 7 call with President Yoon Suk-yeol. CJ Group Vice Chairperson Lee Mie-kyung has long-standing connections with Trump’s inner circle through her past interactions with Ivanka Trump, who was a significant figure during Trump’s first term. CJ Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik has also been linked to Trump-affiliated figures, bolstered by the group’s strong track record of U.S. investments. Although Ivanka Trump’s involvement in the current election cycle has been limited, her potential return to political engagement remains possible.
Other major conglomerates, including Samsung Electronics, SK Group, Hyundai Motor Group, and Lotte Group, have also been building on the foundations laid during Trump’s first presidency, primarily through significant U.S. investments. Lotte Chairman Shin Dong-bin was notably the first South Korean corporate leader to meet Trump at the White House in 2019, seizing investment opportunities.
In preparation for a potential Trump victory, South Korea’s corporate sector has been bolstering its presence in Washington, D.C. and enlisting individuals with experience from Trump’s first term. Hyundai Motor Group appointed Sung Kim, former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines and Indonesia during Trump’s tenure, as an advisor. LG Group recruited Joseph W. Hagin, former deputy chief of staff to President Trump, to lead its Washington office. Earlier this year, SK Group established SK Americas to oversee and consolidate its extensive North American operations. Kim Bong-man, head of the International Network department at FKI, noted, “President-elect Trump’s business-centric approach suggests he would maintain active communication with South Korean business leaders, fostering opportunities beneficial to both sides.”
