KCCI to support employment of USFK veterans

A memorandum of understanding signing ceremony was held at Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) headquarters in Seoul, Wednesday. Pictured starting at second from left are former U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Deputy Commander Thomas Bergeson, Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation President Leem Ho-young, KCCI Executive Vice Chairman Park Il-joon and Korea Defense Veterans Association Chairman and former USFK Commander Robert Abrams. Courtesy of KCCI

The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) will launch an online job platform for former U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) members to help veterans get jobs with Korean companies in the U.S, the chamber said Wednesday.

The KCCI and the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation (KUSAF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the employment of USFK veterans and promote Korea-U.S. cooperation during a ceremony at the KCCI headquarters in Seoul.

The ceremony was attended by KCCI Executive Vice Chairman Park Il-joon, KUSAF President Leem Ho-young and Korea Defense Veterans Association Chairman and former USFK Commander Robert Abrams.

Korean companies with offices in the U.S. will post job offers on the platform, and soldiers who have completed or will soon complete their service in Korea can submit resumes directly. Through the new system, the two sides will provide quality civilian job opportunities for veterans while connecting Korean businesses with talent known for responsibility and adaptability.

The KCCI said that the program will provide Korean companies in the U.S. not only with access to skilled talent but also with tangible business benefits, such as U.S. federal and state government incentives for firms hiring veterans.

The U.S. Departments of Labor and Treasury run the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program, which grants companies up to $9,600 in tax credits per veteran hired.

With the platform, Korean companies operating in the U.S. can expect advantages in hiring and can also improve their corporate reputation by expanding local employment and fulfilling social responsibilities, the KCCI said.

“For the past 10 years, many Korean companies have actively invested in the U.S. and built production bases, leading to a sharp increase in the number of well-paying, high-quality jobs,” Park said. “This platform will be a win-win for both sides, as USFK veterans will have access to quality jobs, while Korean companies can hire talent who are familiar with Korean culture.”

“The MOU will boost the morale of the 28,500-strong USFK and provide practical compensation for their service in South Korea,” Leem said.

The platform is scheduled to begin operation next month. The KCCI began its promotion campaign by introducing the platform at the 25th ROK-U.S. Alliance Veterans Conference held in Seoul Wednesday.