The Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association (KPBMA) has been actively supporting the global expansion efforts of Korean pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies at BIO International Convention 2026 (BIO USA), which opened in San Diego on June 22. More than 1,200 pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry professionals from Korea and abroad attended Korea Night on June 23, focusing on networking and business development opportunities. The event marked the first major gathering since the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization (KoreaBIO), KOTRA and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) signed a memorandum of understanding in April to establish a “Team Korea” framework for global marketing cooperation in the K-biopharma sector. Long before the event officially began at 6:30 p.m., large crowds had already gathered around the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, the venue for Korea Night. On the way to the event, one foreign attendee even asked a reporter, “Is this the way to Korea Night?” Representatives from Korean companies agreed that global interest in the country’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, as well as the international standing of K-biopharma, has risen significantly. During the event, KPBMA expanded partnerships with major global biotech clusters and industry organizations from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Japan and Taiwan as part of its efforts to create a favorable environment for Korean companies seeking overseas expansion.
The association also discussed ways to systematically support international expansion through collaborative exhibition programs, joint initiatives and broader business exchanges. Meetings were held with Biocom California, one of the leading U.S. biotechnology clusters, and BioCentury, organizer of the East-West Biopharma Summit, a major global investment conference, to explore future cooperation programs. At the same time, the association laid the groundwork for deeper collaboration with Korean-American pharmaceutical professionals and life sciences researchers. Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Korean-American Professional Association in Life Sciences (KAPAL), led by President Kim Hyun-jong, the two sides held an on-site discussion session. According to the association, both organizations plan to establish a structured partnership framework featuring regular exchanges and jointly organized programs. The strengthened international cooperation may have contributed to the record turnout at this year’s Korea Night. Overseas participants accounted for approximately 55% of attendees, the highest proportion in the event’s history. Holding wine glasses and beer mugs, attendees exchanged business cards and raised toasts of “Cheers” throughout the evening. Business development executives, investors and representatives from global pharmaceutical companies engaged in informal conversations across the venue. As the sun gradually set over the Pacific Ocean, painting the sky with shades of red and orange, some attendees moved to the outdoor terrace to enjoy the evening breeze while continuing their discussions.
A representative from a global pharmaceutical company attending the event said, “A few years ago, Korean companies were primarily recognized for their manufacturing capabilities. Today, they are increasingly viewed as partners with innovative platforms and promising drug pipelines.” Industry participants from Korea also said they could clearly feel the shift in perception. “In the past, we were usually the ones reaching out first to request meetings,” said the CEO of a Korean biotech startup. “Now, it is not uncommon for global companies to contact us first. You can really feel how much the standing of the Korean biotech industry has changed.” Lee Jae-kook, vice chairman of KPBMA, said, “Beyond the quantitative growth reflected in the industry pavilion, individual company booths and one-on-one partnering meetings, we saw tremendous interest from global pharmaceutical companies in the advanced modalities and technological competitiveness of Korean firms. It confirmed the elevated status and growing sales power of K-biopharma.” He added, “We will continue to support the industry so that Korean companies can establish themselves as key players in the global innovation ecosystem through higher-quality international collaboration.”
