Samsung plans to invest KRW 450 trillion in South Korea over the next five years. Hyundai Motor Group will also inject KRW 125.2 trillion during the same period. With up to USD 20 billion (approximately KRW 29 trillion) in annual investments in the U.S. anticipated due to the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations, concerns have arisen about reduced investment and job losses in Korea, prompting companies to take action.

President Lee Jae-myung held a 'Public-Private Joint Meeting on the Follow-up to the Korea-U.S. Tariff Negotiations' with major conglomerate leaders at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 16th, discussing plans to expand domestic investments. Attendees included Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun, Celltrion Chairman Seo Jeong-jin, and Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Yeo Seung-joo.

Samsung announced after the meeting that it would invest KRW 450 trillion domestically over five years. The company plans to proceed with the construction of the fifth production line at its Pyeongtaek semiconductor plant, with more than KRW 50 trillion allocated for completion by 2028. Samsung Electronics is also considering building the production line of the recently acquired German HVAC company FlaktGroup in Gwangju. Samsung SDS plans to construct AI data centers in Jeonnam and Gyeongbuk, and Samsung SDI is pursuing the establishment of a solid-state battery production base, known as the "dream battery," in Ulsan.

Hyundai Motor Group, identified as the biggest beneficiary of the tariff negotiations, announced plans to invest KRW 125.2 trillion domestically from next year to 2030. This amount is KRW 36.1 trillion more than the KRW 89.1 trillion invested domestically in the previous five years. Hyundai Motor Group also decided to fully support the U.S. export tariffs borne by its first-tier suppliers this year.

President Lee stated regarding the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations, "The most effort was made by the businesspeople," adding, "There has never been a case where the government and companies have so effectively collaborated for a joint response. It is entirely thanks to the dedication and efforts of the businesspeople," expressing his gratitude.

President Lee further remarked, "There is concern that domestic investment might decrease if U.S. investment is too strong, but I trust you will manage it well to alleviate such worries," and emphasized, "Please pay more attention to domestic investment as much as possible, and particularly focus on revitalizing local industries due to the serious issue of balanced development in Korea."

In response, Chairman Lee Jae-yong stated, "Companies are greatly relieved by the conclusion of the tariff negotiations," and added, "There is concern about the reduction of domestic industrial investment, but Samsung will make every effort to expand domestic investment and create good jobs." Chairman Chung Eui-sun mentioned, "We increased (domestic investment) by KRW 8.2 trillion compared to the original plan," and highlighted, "Fostering artificial intelligence (AI), the robotics industry, and the development of the green energy ecosystem are key."

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