Opposition leader meets Samsung chairman in business-friendly move

Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, left, ushers in Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, at the Samsung Software Academy for Youth in southern Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), held a discussion with Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong on the employment of young people, Thursday, in his latest business-friendly gesture.

It was the first officially known meeting between the liberal political heavyweight and the chief of the nation’s top conglomerate.

Rep. Lee, the most powerful presidential contender from the liberal bloc that usually advocates for labor rights and regulations on businesses, has recently attempted to build a pro-business image ahead of a potential snap election in case the Constitutional Court decides to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol over his Dec. 3 martial law declaration.

In the meeting, the DPK head stressed the importance of corporate prosperity for the country’s overall well-being.

"Only when Samsung thrives can those who have invested in it also prosper," he said during the meeting at Samsung Software Academy for Youth in Seoul, run by the company and the labor ministry to train young jobseekers.

The DPK head encouraged the achievements and roles assumed by Samsung and major conglomerates in leading the Korean economy.

"As you have done so far, I hope Samsung continues to play a key role in driving national economic growth. Although the economic situation is difficult, I believe Korea will overcome it with our capabilities and determination. Whether it’s jobs or quality of life, everything stems from economic activity. Thus, strengthening the international competitiveness of major conglomerates is crucial," the DPK leader said.

"I hope that Samsung overcomes its challenges, and through that process, a great ecosystem will be created, allowing many people to benefit and open a new world."

The Samsung chairman expressed his gratitude for the visit, noting that the academy was established with the goal of investing in the future of Korea and its youth.

Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, left, shakes hands with Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, at the Samsung Software Academy for Youth in southern Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

After exchanging greetings, the two talked privately for about 10 minutes.

There had been speculation that the closed-door meeting would address issues such as the recent revision of the country's corporate law and the controversial debate over whether to give an exception to the semiconductor sector from the 52-hour workweek rule. However, Rep. Jo Seoung-lae, a DPK senior spokesman who attended the meeting, stated that no such discussions took place.

"Samsung introduced how the academy provides many opportunities to young people and regional youth. And Lee Jae-myung emphasized the need for large-scale corporate investments in key areas of business, in addition to government supports," Jo explained.

During the meeting, the Samsung chairman also shared that he felt a great sense of fulfillment from helping a small business improve the production process of low dead-space syringes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the DPK leader praised Samsung for setting an example of a conglomerate supporting small businesses proactively.

The two also visited a lecture room where job training was taking place. When a student inquired about AI growth policies, the DPK leader said, "Samsung is creating educational programs, but the public sector should have taken more responsibilities."

He added, "It is important to ensure broad access to AI education for those who wish to study it," emphasizing, "We must ensure that all citizens can use AI."