On February 4, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung convened a two-hour corporate roundtable at Cheong Wa Dae to address youth employment and regional investment. The meeting included top executives from ten major conglomerates, such as Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, LG, and others, alongside key government officials. The session aimed to share outcomes from recent overseas visits and discuss actionable strategies for inclusive national growth. President Lee emphasized the importance of distributing economic benefits to regions, SMEs, and young people.
The policy directly impacts youth, regional economies, and startups across South Korea. Corporate leaders committed to investing a total of 270 trillion KRW in regional areas over five years, with 66 trillion KRW allocated for 2026—an increase of 16 trillion KRW from the previous year. In terms of employment, the ten companies plan to hire 51,600 people in 2026, including 34,200 new graduates, representing 66% of total hires. These efforts are designed to stimulate local economies and provide diverse opportunities for young job seekers.
Implementation begins immediately, with the 2026 investment and hiring plans already underway. The companies increased their hiring targets by 2,500 compared to last year, and have added 6,500 jobs above initial projections despite challenging economic conditions. The government and corporate sector also discussed measures to support startups, including in-house ventures, dedicated funds, and platform development. President Lee instructed ministers to actively resolve any issues raised by business leaders.
Frequently asked questions include: What is the scale of new investments? The ten companies will invest 270 trillion KRW in regional areas over five years, with 66 trillion KRW planned for 2026. How many new jobs will be created? A total of 51,600 hires are planned for 2026, with 66% being new graduates. What support is available for startups? The government and companies are exploring in-house ventures, startup funds, and platform initiatives to foster entrepreneurship.
Metaqsol opinion: The South Korean government’s initiative, backed by major corporate pledges, represents a significant step toward balanced national growth. The focus on youth employment and regional investment, with concrete targets for hiring and funding, addresses key socioeconomic challenges. The inclusion of startup support and active problem-solving by government ministers further strengthens the policy’s potential impact. If effectively implemented, these measures could drive innovation, reduce regional disparities, and improve job prospects for young people.