Lack of Business Opportunities Leads LA Chamber to Skip World Korean Business Convention
The Los Angeles Korean American Chamber of Commerce (LAKACC) has made the unusual decision to not attend the 24th World Korean Business Convention, which is set to take place on September 28 in Songdo, Incheon, South Korea. This marks the first time the chamber has chosen to miss this annual event.
Chamber leaders indicated that the decision was primarily due to a lack of real business opportunities this year, rather than any political reasons. While some board members might still attend personally, they will not be representing the chamber in an official capacity.
LAKACC President Moon Chul Kwak shared that the chamber felt this year’s convention would not provide any practical advantages or a clear mission. He noted that the timing coincides with South Korea’s Chuseok holiday from September 24 to 26, making it challenging to set up meetings with local governments and businesses.
Despite efforts made since the new leadership took over in July, the chamber could not secure meaningful business engagements this year. Instead, they are planning a separate trip to Korea in April next year.
Kwak also mentioned that the chamber attempted to arrange a meeting with Lee Dong-seop, commissioner of the Overseas Koreans Agency, to discuss support for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but unfortunately, that meeting did not happen. He stressed that their decision to skip the convention was not connected to the recent K-Goods Fair held in Las Vegas.
On the other hand, the organizers of the World Korean Business Convention have stated that registration is still open and they are encouraging global members to participate.
In contrast to LAKACC, the Orange County Korean American Chamber of Commerce intends to send its leadership, alongside about 30 board members. President Joong Yeol Lee explained that they are participating due to their leadership role within the Federation of Korean American Chambers of Commerce USA and mentioned that support has been arranged for younger business leaders arriving from Korea.
The Georgia Korean American Chamber of Commerce is also preparing a significant delegation, with around 50 participants from 76 affiliated organizations set to attend. President Yeon Chul Choi explained that they will be bringing business consultants and buyers to help companies looking to invest or do business in Georgia.
The World Korean Business Convention serves as a platform for Korean business leaders from around the world to connect, engage in trade, and promote investment through exhibitions, forums, and startup competitions. This event is being organized by the World Korean Business Convention Organizing Committee in collaboration with the Overseas Koreans Agency, alongside support from the Incheon Metropolitan Government and Korea SMEs and Startups Agency.
In previous years, the convention has taken place in the United States, including Anaheim and Atlanta, making it a familiar gathering for Korean American business leaders. Organizers are anticipating about 3,000 participants this year, with Byung Gu Hwang, chairman of the Federation of Korean American Chambers of Commerce USA, serving as the convention’s first privately selected organizing committee chair.
Last year, the Los Angeles chamber sent 28 board members to the convention in Jeonju, where they established cooperation agreements with various universities and organizations in South Korea.
