By Kim Yoo-chul
Staff Reporter
Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee is likely to accompany President Roh Moo-hyun for inter-Korean summit talks slated for Aug. 28-30 in Pyongyang.
``We don’t rule out the possibility of Chairman Lee’s North Korea trip,`` said a Samsung official, who asked not to be identified.
The official, however, added nothing has been confirmed yet.
The speculation has come as nearly 20 corporate leaders are expected to accompany Roh for the second inter-Korean summit, up from 11 seven years ago.
The LG Group is also sounding out the possibility that Chairman Koo Bon-moo might join the list of entrepreneurs who accompany Roh to the North Korean capital.
``We are not sure right now. But it is possible depending on the situation,`` said a senior LG official. Koo went to North Korea in 2000 when then President Kim Dae-jung visited the reclusive nation for the first landmark summit.
Hyundai Asan, awaiting approval from North Korea of its plan to spend $3 billion by 2025 to upgrade and expand its 1.98 billion square meters concession at Mount Geumgang on North Korea’s east coast to make it a more profitable tourism venture, expects its CEO to be included in the entourage.
``The presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae has not notified us of our Chairwoman Hyon Jong-eun’s accompanying the President. But Hyun will definitely go if an official request comes,`` said a Hyundai Asan official.
Expectations have risen among business groups that the second inter-Korean summit will produce substantial results in opening more business opportunities in North Korea, though big firms responded less enthusiastically than they did seven years ago.
On Wednesday, President Roh Moo-hyun said he will discuss the formation of an inter-Korean economic community during the summit with his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong-il.
Some watchers say the inclusion of chairmen of conglomerates is less likely as President Roh focuses on reaping tangible results from the meeting. For that reason, more professional executives will accompany Roh for the summit.
In his speech marking the 62nd anniversary of National Liberation Day on Wednesday, the President emphasized that he will focus on boosting mutual understanding and trust rather than try to enhance historical meanings.
Roh will have a meeting with the heads of five major business organizations, including Federation of Korean Industries Chairman Cho Seok-rae, and other business leaders on Aug. 22.
According to industry sources, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) sent a list of 100 business leaders, including chairmen of the five business organizations to the government. But the chairmen of the nation’s top four conglomerates such as Samsung, Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, LG and SK were not among the listed figures.
LG Group Chairman Koo Bon-moo, Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Yun Jong-yong, then Hyundai Group Chairman Chung Mong-hun and SK Group Chairman Son Kil-seung accompanied former President Kim Dae-jung for the 2000 summit.