The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) established its first Women’s Business Committee on March 5. (Image courtesy of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
SEOUL, March 6 (Korea Bizwire) — In a move to amplify women’s voices in the business sector, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) established its first Women’s Business Committee on March 5, bringing together 50 of the nation’s top female executives from various industries.
The initiative comes as South Korea grapples with persistently low female participation in its economy. The country’s female labor force participation rate stands at 54.9%, significantly below the OECD average of 65%. The proportion of female CEOs in Korea, hovering between 3% and 4%, also lags behind other developed nations such as the United States at 8.8% and the United Kingdom at 9%.
The committee, launched at KCCI headquarters in central Seoul, comprises leading female CEOs from mid-sized companies, small businesses, and startups. Jeong Gi-ok, chairwoman of LSC Food and vice chairwoman of the Seoul Chamber of Commerce, will serve as the inaugural committee chairperson.
Several prominent business leaders have been appointed as vice chairs, including Park Chang-sook, CEO of Changwoo Textile and president of the Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association; Park Yeong-ju, vice president of Asung Daiso; Yoon Yeo-won, CEO of Kolmar BNH; Lee Yu-kyung, president of Sambo Motors; Park So-young, CEO of Golden Blue; Park Hye-rin, chairwoman of BioSmart; and Kim Myung-ja, CEO of SL Electronics.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik attended the inaugural ceremony to show support for the initiative. “Considering the impact of women’s economic participation on national competitiveness, we launched this committee to create a systematic platform for amplifying women entrepreneurs’ voices,” a KCCI spokesperson said.
The committee plans to work closely with 73 regional chambers of commerce nationwide to build a comprehensive network of female entrepreneurs. It will also strengthen cooperation with related organizations such as the Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association and engage in various social contribution activities, including supporting economically disadvantaged women through the New Entrepreneurship Round Table (ERT).
“We will transform this committee into a collaborative platform where female CEOs can share their innovations and experiences for mutual growth,” said Park Il-joon, executive vice chairman of the KCCI. “Through partnerships with the National Assembly, government, and our nationwide chamber network, we will strive to advance the interests of women entrepreneurs.”
Jeong emphasized the committee’s role in policy advocacy: “Working alongside the KCCI, which serves as a policy partner to both the government and National Assembly, we will gather insights from women business leaders to develop practical policy proposals and ensure their implementation.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
