The Korea Economic Association (KEA) has launched a major campaign to showcase the economic contributions of Korean companies in the U.S. to American lawmakers.
On Wednesday, KEA announced its participation as a sponsor in the Congressional Baseball Game (CBG) held at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., continuing its support from the previous year.
During the event, KEA highlighted the achievements of Korean companies, which have invested over 240 billion USD in the U.S. since the first Trump administration, through video ads, promotional booths, and a skybox reception.
To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, KEA expanded its promotional efforts at this year’s CBG, effectively showcasing Korean companies’ economic impact in various ways.
KEA Chairman Ryu Jin served as the ceremonial first pitch announcer, representing the Korean business community, and delivered a congratulatory message for America’s semiquincentennial in front of 65 bipartisan lawmakers and spectators.
A one-minute video emphasized how the principles of freedom, democracy, and free enterprise that the U.S. fostered in Korea 75 years ago have become the foundation of Korea’s global success story, underscoring Korean companies’ economic contributions to all CBG attendees.
Following this, Chairman Ryu hosted a reception at the stadium for U.S. lawmakers and opinion leaders, continuing to advocate for the Korean economy and its businesses. The event drew about 70 attendees, including congressional officials and personnel from U.S. government departments such as Treasury, Energy, and Defense.
This initiative involved KEA Chairman Ryu and senior executives from major Korean investors in the U.S., including Samsung Electronics, SK, Hyundai Motor Group, LG, POSCO, HD Hyundai, LS, and KBI Group. They attended the CBG Official Reception the day before the game, meeting with bipartisan members of Congress participating as players and coaches.
They focused on strengthening connections with key representatives from Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Michigan, where large Korean manufacturing facilities are concentrated, reinforcing bipartisan private diplomatic channels.
KEA Research Director Cheol Jeong stated that the participation in this year’s CBG is particularly meaningful as it coincides with America’s 250th anniversary. It’s a timely opportunity to foster goodwill in the U.S. as discussions on concrete cooperation projects from last year’s bilateral summit continue.
He added that the enhanced network with U.S. political and business circles through these new initiatives is expected to help smooth out various institutional and policy challenges as the companies’ investment projects in the U.S. gain momentum.
KEA has been co-hosting the annual Korea-U.S. Business Conference with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce since 1988. Last year, KEA actively promoted Korea’s U.S. investments through video ads on electronic billboards, distribution of investment brochures, and outfield banner installations.