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Hyundai Motor Group to Develop Robotic Hands

June 18, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Laying the groundwork to break free from dependence on American and Japanese parts

Hyundai Motor Group is directly developing the ‘robotic hand (gripper),’ a core component of humanoid robots.
According to the automotive industry, it has been confirmed that Hyundai Motor’s Robotics LAB is conducting in-house advanced research and development on customized grippers capable of stably lifting and transporting heavy components such as battery packs, car bodies, vehicle glass, and seats.

A gripper is a device that acts as a hand for a robot to grasp objects or perform fine motions. Even when using the same robotic arm, the gripper that is used affects work precision, production speed and safety. Therefore, it is considered core technology that determines the competitiveness of robotic automation.
As the automotive industry has recently shifted toward electric vehicles, the weight and shape of parts that must be handled in the production processes are becoming increasingly diverse.
Hyundai’s in-house development of gripper technology aligns with its smart-factory strategy. Hyundai Motor Group is enhancing the level of factory automation centered on its AI-based manufacturing innovation platform, ‘e-Forest.’ Securing customized grippers for each process is expected to expand the scope of robot application, improve productivity, and reduce industrial accidents.
Hyundai Motor Group’s moves to strengthen its competitiveness in manufacturing-specialized robot technology are also drawing attention. Since acquiring Boston Dynamics in 2021, the group has been dedicated to enhancing its humanoid robot development capabilities. The acquisition of this gripper technology is interpreted as an extension of its strategy to strengthen practical robotics competitiveness tailored to manufacturing sites.
In particular, as Hyundai Mobis, a key parts subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, has agreed to supply mass-production actuators for Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot ‘Atlas,’ greater synergies in robotics technology among group companies are also anticipated.
While there has been high dependence on Japanese and European companies for core components of existing industrial robots, this strategy simultaneously increases competitiveness in smart factories and physical AI by securing competitiveness in key components such as hands and joints within the group.


 
 
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Steel is Reviving as the Framework for U.S. Data Centers

June 18, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Steel exports to the USA hit a 10-year high, breaking through 50% tariff barrier
Rebar exports, previously experiencing sluggish sales, increased 11-fold

The South Korean steel industry has broken through the 50% tariff barrier and achieved its highest export performance in the U.S. market in over a decade. This is the result of explosive local steel demand driven by a confluence of large-scale U.S. infrastructure investment and a data-center construction rise fueled by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom.
According to trade statistics from the Korea Iron and Steel Association, South Korea’s steel exports to the United States reached 399,852 tons last April, marking the highest figure since February 2015 (404,155 tons). Exports to the United States, which had plummeted to 154,160 tons last August when the impact of tariffs began to take effect in full-scale, have continued a clear upward trend this year, recording 307,338 tons in February, 334,193 tons in March and 399,852 tons in April.

Rebar is leading the export drive. After previously accounting for practically zero of the total exports, Rebar has rapidly emerged as a new flagship product for the Korean steel industry by generating explosive demand in the U.S. market. Rebar exports to the USA reached 117,779 tons in January and 94, 115 tons in April, surging more than 11-fold compared to June of last year (8,136 tons), immediately following the implementation of tariffs.
The export boom is not limited to rebar. Exports of color-coated steel sheets to the United States in April surged by 136.8% compared to June of last year (10,122 tons) to 23,968 tons. Exports to the United States expanded across virtually all categories except heavy plates, including galvanized steel sheets (92.8%), cold-rolled steel sheets (89.4%), and steel pipes (51.6%). Steel pipes recorded the highest absolute volume among export items to the United States at 136,554 tons.
Data centers are often built on larger sites than general buildings — with high-rise or multi-story structures, requiring a greater amount of construction steel, such as Rebar.
Hyundai Steel has signed a strategic framework agreement (SFA) with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and is supplying eco-friendly steel materials, including carbon-reducing steel and H-beams, to major data centers in the Asia-Pacific region. Dongkuk Steel has also set a goal to increase its export share from 11% last year to 15% this year, with its customized steel product for data centers, called ‘D-Mega Beam.’
All of the strategies to expand exports were reflected in the first-quarter results. Dongkuk Steel achieved an earnings surprise, with its operating profit in the first quarter, KRW 21.4 billion, skyrocketing by 403.9% compared to the same period last year. Hyundai Steel also marked a turnaround from an operating loss of KRW 19 billion in the first quarter of last year to an operating profit of KRW 15.7 billion in the first quarter of this year. Hyundai Steel’s sales of rebar to the United States surged 286% compared to the previous quarter, leading to a performance rebound.


 
 
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K-Shipbuilding Industry’s Order-Winning Rally is Sailing Smoothly, Already Halfway toward Reaching its Annual Target

June 18, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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South Korea’s shipbuilding industry has been sailing smoothly while continuously winning a lot of orders since the beginning of this year. Market analysts evaluate that a selective-order strategy centered on high-value-added energy vessels is leading to such improved performance and achievement of the targeted number of orders. According to the shipbuilding industry, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd., which is the intermediary holding company of HD Hyundai, has won orders for a total of 96 vessels worth USD 11.32 billion so far this year. This amounts to 48.6% of its annual order target, USD 23.31 billion. Compared to the same period last year, when orders were secured for 53 vessels worth USD 6.55 billion, achieving 35.5% of the target. The number of orders, the value, and the speed of target achievement have all accelerated significantly.

Last year, container ships accounted for more than half of total orders, but this year, the share of orders for liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia carriers, and petrochemical product carriers (PC carriers) has expanded rapidly. In particular, LNG carrier orders have already reached 14 vessels this year, double the annual volume of seven vessels last year. Meanwhile, LPG ammonia carrier orders have also increased from 11 vessels last year to 20 this year. Orders for PC carriers also recorded 26 vessels, surpassing last year’s annual order volume.

Hanwha Ocean is also seeing an improvement in its order flow this year. To date, the company has secured orders for a total of 19 vessels worth approximately USD 3.44 billion, including 10 Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), five LNG carriers, three Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs), and one Wind Turbine Installer Vessel (WTIV). This represents an increase in scale compared to the same period last year (14 vessels worth USD 3 billion).
Meanwhile, Samsung Heavy Industries has secured orders for a total of 17 vessels worth USD 3.4 billion so far this year. Of these, orders for merchant vessels alone amounted to USD 3 billion, already meeting 52.6% of its annual merchant vessel target of USD 5.7 billion. By vessel type, the orders include six LNG carriers, two Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs), two Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs), two container ships, and four crude oil carriers.
 
 
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K-Construction Machinery Firms Strengthen Local Strategies in China

June 18, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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HD Construction Equipment strengthens ultra-large equipment
Bobcat accelerates with entry-level brands

China, the world’s largest construction equipment market, is on the move again. As sluggish demand for construction equipment in China showed signs of a rebound last year, Korean companies are also strengthening their market responses. They are enhancing production efficiency and supply-chain competitiveness while simultaneously reinforcing strategies for supplying localized products for the Chinese market.

According to sources in the construction industry, China emerged as the center of the global construction equipment market from late 2010 to the early 2020s, driven by a combination of large-scale urbanization and high economic growth. During this period, Korean construction equipment companies also generated a significant portion of their global revenue from China. Combining the letters of ‘Hyundai’ and ‘DEVELON,’ HD Construction Equipment Co., Ltd. recorded a market share of over 10% of the Chinese market between 2015 and 2019.
According to Off-Highway Research, a UK-based firm specializing in research on construction equipment, demand for construction equipment in China surpassed 200,000 units again last year. With an average annual growth rate of around 4%, demand is projected to exceed 250,000 units by 2029.
HD Construction Equipment Co., Ltd. is defending its profitability with product lines with strengths such as ultra-large equipment, while maintaining its local market share through more affordable models. In particular, the company consolidated product manufacturing from ‘hidden champions’ in China into Yantai Corporate to enhance operational efficiency and cost effectiveness, while also focusing on strengthening its capacity to respond to emerging markets. The company’s Yantai plant is expected to serve as its export hub, alongside its factories in Korea and India.
Korea’s Doosan Bobcat is also keeping a close eye on the Chinese market. Bobcat plans to accelerate its market penetration by leveraging its entry-level brand, ‘Bobcat Earthforce,’ which offers both core performance and price competitiveness tailored to the practical demands of construction sites.


 
 
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Beyond the Hallyu Wave: K-Culture Brands Emerge as a Global Economic Powerhouse

April 16, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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South Korea’s cultural industries have evolved far beyond a pop-culture phenomenon into a pillar of the national economy.
According to the 2025 Content Industry Survey by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korea’s content-industry exports reached a record $14.07 billion in 2024, showing a 5.5% increase year on year.
Total Hallyu-related exports — spanning content, consumer goods, and tourism — amounted to $15.18 billion. The production-inducement effect was estimated at KRW37.62 trillion, and the employment-creation effect stood at 175,381 jobs. From K-Pop albums and Netflix dramas, to instant noodles, and biosimilar drugs, K-Culture brands are now reshaping global trade patterns in tangible, measurable ways.
Korea’s content industry posted aggregate revenue of KRW157.40 trillion in 2024, up 2.1% from the prior year. Meanwhile, the number of firms rose 2.4% to 120,875, while employment grew by 3.4% to 688,121.
Exports produced a trade surplus of $13.16 billion, while Games dominated the export mix at $8.50 billion (60.4%), followed by music at $1.80 billion and broadcasting and video at $1.26.

K-Pop enters a new chapter as BTS makes a huge comeback
Music-industry exports totaled $1.80 billion in 2024, although physical album sales showed a correction. K-pop album sales fell to 93.28 million copies, a 19.4% decline and the first drop in a decade.
Meanwhile, album exports to Japan fell by 24.7% to $89.79 million. Several European markets also contracted, including: the Netherlands by 35.4%, France by 17.2%, and the United Kingdom by 15.7%. Among major companies, SM Entertainment recorded revenue of KRW989.9 billion, while YG Entertainment swung to an operating loss of KRW20.5 billion based on revenue of KRW364.9 billion.
In March 2026, BTS released its fifth studio album, ARIRANG, marking their triumphant return as a full seven-member group after nearly four years. The industry felt the impact immediately as pre-orders shattered all records, exceeding five million copies within the first week alone.
The album’s dominance was solidified on the Billboard charts, where ARIRANG debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making BTS the first group in history to secure seven chart-topping albums this decade.
The title track simultaneously conquered the Billboard Hot-100, fueled by unprecedented streaming numbers; the lead single held the top spot on Spotify’s Daily Top-Songs Global for a record-breaking week, while the group became the first Asian act to see an entire album sweep the top of Apple Music’s Global charts.

To celebrate these achievements, a massive comeback concert at Gwanghwamun was live-streamed via Netflix to 190 countries, trending at number one in over 80 regions.
Their subsequent world tour, covering 34 cities and 79 shows, has officially set the all-time record for the highest-grossing single tour by a K-pop act. IBK Investment and Securities estimated direct revenue at approximately KRW2.9 trillion, with broader economic effects—including tourism, lodging, and dining — exceeding KRW3 trillion.

How Korean dramas conquered every Netflix chart that matters
Broadcasting and video revenue reached KRW24.99 trillion in 2024, with exports of $1.26 billion. Broadcast-content exports grew from $336.02 million in 2014 to $1.05 billion in 2023.

Drama accounted for 92.2% of finished-program exports. North America was the largest market at $171.53 million; the greater China market shrank to $26.22 million, from $109.63 million in 2014.
Squid Game Season 3, released in July 2025, drew 60.1 million views within three days and topped all 93 Netflix markets — a platform first. Cumulative views surpassed 106.3 million within ten days.
Season 1 still holds the all-time Netflix record of 1.65 billion hours in its first four weeks. The franchise’s three seasons rank first through third among non-English titles in Netflix history.
In the first half of 2025, eleven Korean dramas entered Netflix’s global Top 100. “When Life Gives You Tangerines” was named the top Korean drama of 2025 by the American magazine Time.


K-Movie sets sales records across 205 countries
The domestic box office contracted modestly in 2024, with total revenue of KRW1.19 trillion (down 5.3%), though Korean films outperformed at KRW691.0 billion (up 15.5%) and a 58% market share.
Two films surpassed 10 million admissions: “Exhuma” at 11.91 million and “The Roundup: Punishment” at 11.50 million.
Park Chan-wook’s latest film achieved pre-sales in 205 countries in 2025, surpassing the 2023-country record set by Parasite and generating overseas revenue of approximately KRW17.0 billion.
Total Korean film exports in 2023 stood at $79.22 million according to the Korean Film Council, with finished-work exports of $62.16 million, the third-highest figure on record.

What comes next for K-Culture?
K-Culture brands have entered a new phase defined by structural diversification rather than any single breakout success.
K-Gaming and K-Drama demonstrated their platform-era competitiveness through the dominance of content exports and Netflix viewing records, respectively.

The BTS comeback’s estimated economic impact of more than KRW3 trillion illustrates that K-Culture now generates multiplier effects across tourism, consumer goods, and services that extend far beyond the cultural sector itself.
 
 
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Korean Exhibitions

December 18, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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Korean Exhibitions: Platforms for Opening the Future of Industrial Innovation

The exhibition industry is a key business platform that first introduces innovations from each country and connects companies and markets. For over 20 years, the Korean government has provided support for entities to hold exhibitions through the Domestic Exhibition Support Project for Hosting, (“the Project”) and by developing exhibitions as a strategic tool for expanding exports and enhancing national trade competitiveness.
In particular, the Project supports the holding of exhibitions to strengthen industrial growth and connections with global markets, focusing on the following three key pillars:

Fostering Exhibitions by Stage of Growth
The Project categorizes the exhibitions into three growing stages: ‘New,’‘Promising,’ and ‘Global Top,’ and systematically supports the necessary capabilities for each stage.
For the New Exhibitions, the Project provides comprehensive support for attracting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and for promotional costs to secure a stable growth foundation in the domestic market.
For the Promising Exhibitions, laying the foundation for entering the global market is important, so the Project actively supports the attraction of overseas buyers, international promotion, and hosting side events to help Korean companies to advance onto the international stage.
As international exhibitions, the Global Top exhibitions are a stage that requires the advancement of their platforms. Support is provided primarily through expanding the global networks, such as attracting overseas guests and foreign journalists.
As such, Korean exhibitions, grown through such step-by-step support, are strengthening their role as a global industry platform through innovative exhibitions that lead industry trends.

Promoting Exhibitions Centered on Strategic Industries
The Korean government has designated key industries — such as semiconductors, secondary batteries, biotechnology, and robotics — as strategic industries that are crucial for the national economy, and is thus encouraging exhibitions in these fields to strengthen the nation’s industrial competitiveness.

The Project comprehensively supports the development of core capabilities of strategic exhibitions that showcase new technologies and connect global partnerships across industries, leading the expansion of the industrial ecosystem.
It is expected that these strategic industry exhibitions will grow into specialized platforms for policy announcements and technology sharing, and advance to become Global Top stages for industrial innovation at prestigious international events such as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Hannover MESSE, and the Mobile World Congress (MWC).

Strengthening the Foundation for Fostering Regional Exhibitions
Since 2013, the government’s efforts to foster regional exhibitions have intensified as regional exhibitions have been included in the targets of the Domestic Exhibition Support Project for Hosting. Recently, support has been focused on exhibitions linked to local industries, underlining the fact that regional exhibitions serve as key venues for showcasing regional characteristics and strengths.
In this way, regional exhibitions promote local industrial growth, support local SMEs in securing business opportunities and markets, and promote relationships for mutual growth. These changes are restoring the balance of the existing exhibition industry structure, which is concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area, and laying the foundation for strengthening regional industrial competitiveness through growing into global-level exhibitions.
Automechanika Frankfurt, a representative global brand exhibition, has expanded its exhibition franchise model to countries like China, Turkiye, Malaysia, and the UAE — establishing itself as an international business platform that aims to connect the global supply chains into a coordinated network. Similarly, some domestically organized exhibitions that have grown under the Korean government’s systematic support are actively seeking overseas market expansion and expanding their global networks.
If more exhibitions join this trend and receive continued support at the national level, domestic exhibitions are expected to grow as global brand exhibitions for each industry, securing leading positions in the global market.

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Speeding Up Commercialization of the Dream Battery

October 29, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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The electric vehicle (EV) battery industry has begun to prepare for the era of the post-lithium-ion era. At the heart of this shift are all-solid-state batteries that use solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones. They are also called “dream batteries” due to their low risk of explosion and ability to store more power compared to ones with the same volume and weight.
The most significant feature of all-solid-state batteries is definitely their safety. While conventional lithium-ion batteries using liquid electrolytes pose a risk of leakage and self-ignition by external impact or under high temperatures, all-solid-state batteries fundamentally eliminate these risks by using solid electrolytes.

The very high market potential of all-solid-state batteries is already clear. According to SNE Research, a market research firm, the global market for all-solid-state batteries is expected to grow rapidly from US$27.5 million (approximately KRW 400 billion) in 2022 to US$40 billion (KRW58 trillion) in 2030.
Three major Korean battery companies are also accelerating their efforts to secure a leading position in the all-solid-state battery era.
Samsung SDI broke ground on Korea’s first all-solid-state battery pilot line, the ‘S Line,’ at its Suwon SDI Research Center in 2022, with a scale of 6500m2. It already supplied its all-solid-state battery samples to its customers in 2023 and aims to commercialize sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries by 2027.
LG Energy Solution is also reportedly constructing a polymer-based all-solid-state pilot line in Ochang, South Korea, with plans to mass-produce sulfide-based, all-solid-state batteries as from 2030.
SK On is developing two types of all-solid-state batteries, polymer-oxide composite, and sulfide-based, with the goal of producing commercial prototypes in 2028 and 2029, respectively. Last August, it jointly developed an oxide-based solid-state electrolyte with the world’s highest lithium-ion conductivity.

The very high market potential of all-solid-state batteries is already clear


 
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Coex Expands its MICE Empire

September 24, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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Coex Expands its MICE Empire:
New Coex Magok Convention Center Leads Seoul’s Western Innovation Hub

A New Milestone in Seoul’s MICE Industry

Coex has established itself as Korea’s premier exhibition and convention center, serving as a cornerstone of the nation’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. Hosting over thirty major exhibitions annually, Coex has become synonymous with success and innovation in the sector. Last year marked a significant milestone in the center’s history as it celebrated unprecedented achievements.
In a bold step forward, Coex introduced the Coex Magok Convention Center (hereafter referred to as Coex Magok), Seoul’s first exhibition and convention center in the city’s western region. This landmark opening took place on November 28, 2024, and signaled the beginning of a new era for MICE activities in western Seoul.
With an anticipated occupancy rate of sixty-five percent in its inaugural year, Coex Magok has been hailed as a transformative addition to the region’s exhibition industry. This development is particularly meaningful given that, since 2000, new exhibition venues in Korea have predominantly emerged outside Seoul.
The introduction of Coex Magok marks a significant shift, reinvigorating Seoul’s role as a hub for industrial innovation. This addition is set to strengthen Korea’s global reputation in the competitive MICE sector, creating new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Where Vision Meets Versatility

Coex Magok has been meticulously designed to integrate exhibition and convention spaces, offering a seamless ‘ConfEx’ experience that combines the best of both worlds. Spanning five floors and encompassing 7,452 square meters of exhibition space, the venue offers a variety of purpose-built facilities for a range of events.
The ground floor features a sprawling exhibition hall that connects directly to Magok Plaza, providing organizers with unparalleled flexibility for large-scale events. The basement houses the Square Ballroom, a versatile space linked to a vibrant underground commercial zone. This area is ideal for seminars, weddings, and catering events, offering visitors a convenient and accessible experience.
On the third floor, meeting rooms are designed to accommodate small-scale business gatherings and interviews. Some rooms boast outdoor views, adding an inspiring touch to meetings. The fourth floor is home to Le West Hall, the centerpiece of Coex Magok.
This expansive convention hall can host up to 2,200 attendees and is divisible into three independent sections, making it suitable for conferences, shareholder meetings, and academic symposia. The fifth floor complements these facilities with additional multi-purpose rooms, supporting mid-sized seminars and breakout sessions.
The vertical layout of Coex Magok is a modern marvel. It allows diverse and simultaneous events to be held within a compact footprint. Industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, which have a significant presence in Magok, have found Coex Magok to be an ideal venue for their activities.

A Gateway to Seamless Connectivity

Coex Magok offers exceptional accessibility, enhancing its appeal as a premier event destination. The center is directly connected to Subway Line 9’s Magoknaru Station and the Airport Railroad, ensuring convenient access from Gimpo and Incheon International Airports. Major roadways such as Olympic Boulevard provide seamless travel options for participants from across Korea and abroad.
Magok itself has emerged as a thriving hub for advanced industries, surpassing even landmarks like Sangam DMC and Pangyo Techno Valley in scale. The complex is designed as a mixed-use facility, featuring a 400-room Mercure Hotel on its upper floors, a shopping mall below, and cultural attractions nearby, including LG Science Park and Seoul Botanic Park.
This integration of business, leisure, and culture creates a comprehensive experience for MICE participants, making Coex Magok a destination that meets a variety of needs.

Redefining Events with Innovation and Sustainability

Coex Magok has set new standards for efficiency and automation. By collaborating with August Robotics, Coex introduced Korea’s first floor-marking robots, streamlining event setup and enhancing operational precision. This innovative approach reflects Coex’s commitment to digital transformation and operational excellence.
Looking to the future, Coex is determined to lead the global MICE industry by fostering international collaborations and embracing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. With its dual locations in Seoul and international ventures in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Germany, Coex is poised to shape the future of exhibitions on a global scale.
Coex stand as shining examples of Korea’s visionary approach to the exhibition industry. These dynamic venues not only address current demands but also anticipate future trends, ensuring their place at the forefront of global innovation.
 
 
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Innovation-Driven Association

August 25, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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Korea’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have found a powerful ally in MAINBiz, officially known as the Korea Management Innovation Association for Small and Medium Business (MAINBiz Association). This influential organization has been at the forefront of transforming Korean SMEs into globally competitive companies through comprehensive support systems, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships.

From Vision to National Impact
MAINBiz emerged from Korea’s strategic vision to foster innovation-driven economic growth. The term “MAINBiz” itself is a clever combination of “MAnagement,” “INnovation,” and “Business,” reflecting the organization’s core mission. Established in 2010, the association serves as the designated management institution for Korea’s Management Innovation-oriented SME certification system, operating under the ACT ON THE PROMOTION OF TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES.
Under the current leadership of Chairman Kim Myung-jin, the association has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from managing 2,619 certified companies in 2006 to overseeing 23,973 companies as of December 2024. This year marks the association’s 15th anniversary, representing a significant milestone in its journey to support Korean SME innovation and growth.

Rigorous Certification and Exceptional Performance
At the heart of MAINBiz’s operations lies a sophisticated certification system based on the Oslo Manual guidelines from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Companies seeking certification must demonstrate excellence across three critical evaluation areas: management innovation infrastructure (350 points), management innovation activities (400 points), and management innovation performance (250 points), totaling 1,000 points.
The certification process involves a rigorous two-stage evaluation requiring companies to achieve minimum scores of 600 points in self-assessment and 700 points in on-site evaluation to receive certification valid for three years.
MAINBiz companies have demonstrated exceptional economic performance, significantly outpacing their non-certified counterparts. These certified enterprises generate average revenues of 15.59 billion won (approximately $11.7 million), which is 3.6 times higher than typical small manufacturing companies. Their average operating profit of 550 million won ($413,000) is 3.2 times greater than industry standards, while employing an average of 39.1 workers—2.8 times more than comparable firms.

Collectively, MAINBiz companies contribute substantially to Korea’s economy, accounting for 10.7% of total SME revenues (355.9 trillion won) and 11.8% of SME exports (132.5 billion dollars). They provide employment for 892,000 people, representing 4.7% of all SME workers nationwide.
Perhaps most significantly, MAINBiz companies have proven their innovation credentials by achieving remarkable representation in Korea’s startup ecosystem. Among Korea’s unicorn companies (valued at over $1 billion), 25% are MAINBiz certified enterprises. The association also counts 330 companies listed on Korea’s major stock exchanges, including 265 on KOSDAQ, 32 on KOSPI, and 33 on KONEX.

Strategic Vision and Global Leadership
Chairman Kim Myung-jin has outlined an ambitious “Future Vision 7 Pillars” strategy for 2025, demonstrating the association’s commitment to continuous innovation. This comprehensive framework focuses on seven key areas: finance, policy, culture, education, welfare, innovation, and global expansion.

The finance pillar emphasizes creating customized funding platforms and connecting companies with investment opportunities through mutual investment forums and venture capital partnerships. The policy component leverages the association’s Think-Tank 1000 research capabilities to expand participation in government programs and develop new policy initiatives.
The global expansion pillar represents the association’s most ambitious goal: establishing partnerships with international organizations like KOTRA, which operates 131 trade offices worldwide, to provide customized market entry support for member companies. Through Global Market Advisors (GMA), the association offers specialized expertise in overseas market penetration and international business development.
Chairman Kim envisions scaling up to 100,000 member companies, which would represent approximately 4.4 million family members—equivalent to one in every 11.78 Koreans being connected to a MAINBiz member company.

Building Korea’s Economic Future
Through its comprehensive certification system, extensive benefits package, and strategic partnerships with financial institutions and government agencies, MAINBiz continues to serve as a crucial catalyst for Korea’s economic transformation. The association helps small businesses scale up to become global mid-sized enterprises, effectively serving as a bridge in Korea’s economic structure.

With its proven track record of nurturing high-performing companies and ambitious expansion plans under Chairman Kim’s leadership, MAINBiz stands as a model for how strategic business associations can drive national economic development while supporting individual enterprise growth through sustained innovation and strategic support.
 
 
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ROBOTIS Enters the North American Market with New Actuator

May 27, 2024 by Leave a Comment
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ROBOTIS Co., Ltd., a company specializing in self-driving robots, participated in Automate 2024, which was recently held in Chicago, USA, and introduced a new actuator, ‘Dynamixel-Y,’ to the North American market.
Using this opportunity as a starting point, ROBOTIS aimed to actively target the U.S. automation equipment and robotics market by leveraging the powerful performance of its new actuator, Dynamixel-Y.
ROBOTIS is supplying products to various companies, including major customers in the United States such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Disney, etc., and is highly recognized.
According to local industry officials, many American companies welcomed the news of the launch of Dynamixel-Y, which delivers more powerful performance. With the growing expectations for the expansion of the automation parts and robotics market, it is expected that there will be a positive impact on new product sales.
The Automate exhibition is North America’s largest automation technology solution exhibition that has been held since 1977. It is an event where global companies in fields including automation equipment, machine vision, and robotics participate to showcase their products and new technologies and build networks. For Automate 2024, more than 750 companies from 100 countries participated in this exhibition, attracting more than 30,000 visitors.
At this exhibition, ROBOTIS exhibited and promoted its products in general, including its main products ― robot actuators and cycloid reducers. At the same time, ROBOTIS interacted with existing partners and held active face-to-face meetings to discover new partners.
In particular, the recently launched Dynamixel-Y is a robot actuator series that integrates its own advanced technology. It is a core component that is essential for the construction and operation of various high-tech industries and automation systems and processes as it supports electronic brake function, high speed, high torque, and precise position control ― centered on a high-performance frameless motor. Based on 100% in-house technology, ROBOTIS takes charge of everything, from design to manufacturing.
For this reason, it is expected that the new product will have high market competitiveness, in that it can respond to various environments and variables by enabling quick and easy customization for customers.
“We plan to actively pioneer the North American market based on our high awareness and positive industry reputation in that market,” adding, “We will make our utmost efforts to implement localization of K-robot and automation technology and further achieve remarkable results in the global market,” stressed the CEO of the company.

 
 
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