Korean companies scrambling to connect with Biden administration
By Baek Byung-yeulSamsung, LG, POSCO, Coupang and other Korean companies are rushing to hire Korea-friendly former U.S. politicians and bureaucrats to more effectively respond to rapidly changing political and business conditions in the world's largest economy, according to company officials and analysts Tuesday.They said there has been growing need in recent years for companies to strengthen their ability to lobby the Biden administration and Congress as they expand in the U.S. By opening offices in Washington, D.C., and appointing former political figures and administration officials as their public affairs executives, Korean firms have been seeking to convey their opinions successfully to American policymakers and thus deal more flexibly with any policy changes there.“The hiring of bureaucrats or politicians familiar with Washington's situation at local U.S. offices is aimed at appealing and representing Korean corporate interests in the U.S. government's policy changes such as supply chain issues,” said an official at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
