Why heads of Korea's top 4 businesses skipped Trump Jr. meeting
As Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, left Seoul without meeting the heads of Korea’s four largest conglomerates — Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor and LG — the country’s business community is now paying close attention to the reasons behind their absence from what was described as an opportunity to strengthen ties with the U.S. administration. During his two-day stay in Seoul from Tuesday to Wednesday, Trump Jr. met a dozen of Korea’s business leaders, including the owner family of Hanwha Group, Naver founder Lee Hae-jin, CJ Group Chairman Lee Jay-hyun and others. They reportedly explored ways to cushion the impact of U.S. tariff measures and business opportunities in the U.S. However, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo did not appear at the Seoul hotel where Trump Jr. stayed during his meeting with other Korean business leaders. Chung confirmed that he was outside of Korea at the time of Trump Jr.’s visit. Industry officials sa
May 1, 2025By Nam Hyun-woo