President Lee Jae-myung Positions Korea as a Global Investment Hub at NYSE ‘Korea Investment Summit’

At the “Korea Investment Summit” hosted at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), President Lee Jae-myung presented a bold vision for Korea’s future: to position the nation as a premier global investment hub. Coming just days after the landmark memorandum of understanding signed with BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, the summit underscored Korea’s accelerating transformation into a comprehensive nexus where capital, technology, and culture converge.

In his address, President Lee declared that Korea is entering a new era. “Korea is no longer a discounted market,” he said. “It is a market where capital, technology, culture, and the arts converge to create overwhelming global value. For investors, there has never been a more compelling moment to participate in Korea’s growth.”

The NYSE event drew a distinguished audience of Wall Street leaders, including executives from Citigroup, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, MSCI, and Blackstone. Observers noted that the atmosphere was one of confidence and trust, reflecting a broad recognition that Korea has already moved beyond structural challenges and is now asserting itself as a reliable and attractive partner in global capital markets.

The significance of the BlackRock agreement was evident throughout. While the MOU highlights collaboration on AI and renewable energy infrastructure, it also signals recognition of Korea’s broader strengths, particularly its creative capital. Korea’s global competitiveness in semiconductors, defense, and advanced technologies is now complemented by its growing leadership in culture and the arts. From designers on Paris and Milan runways to architects pioneering sustainable projects, to musicians and visual artists featured on international stages, Korea is increasingly seen as a source of innovation that blends technological excellence with cultural creativity.

This dual trajectory, anchored in both industrial strength and artistic achievement, is now drawing the attention of international investors. Global asset managers recognize that Korea’s value proposition extends well beyond traditional growth sectors to encompass cultural and creative industries, enhancing its appeal as a truly multifaceted investment destination.

Analysts view the Korea Investment Summit not merely as a government showcase but as a turning point in Korea’s global narrative. The strong reception at the NYSE reinforced the sense that Korea is transitioning from the so-called “Korea discount” toward a new “Korea premium,” one defined by resilience, innovation, and cultural influence.

What emerged in New York was clear: Korea is no longer content with incremental recognition. It is moving decisively onto the global stage, presenting itself not just as an industrial powerhouse, but as a nation where capital, creativity, and confidence align to define the next chapter of global investment.