“This is a crucial time; if we do not enter the ranks of the top three AI countries, we will inevitably fall behind. We must all unite and prepare well.”
Kim Gi-moon, president of the Small Business Association, emphasized the significance of artificial intelligence during his opening remarks at the '2026 Small Business Leaders Forum' held on Jeju Island at the Lotte Hotel on October 20. This year marks the 19th iteration of the forum, which attracted 400 representatives from small businesses across various sectors and regions.
Themed 'Together with Small Businesses, Towards the Top Three AI Countries,' the forum will run until October 23, focusing on strategies for innovation and growth in small enterprises. A humanoid robot created by a robotics company also made an appearance during the opening ceremony.
In his speech, Kim noted, “While our economy is experiencing a boom centered around key industries, small businesses are facing record-high corporate bankruptcies and bank delinquency rates, with wage arrears exceeding 2 trillion won. This K-shaped polarization is deepening.” He expressed concern that the AI gap between large and small enterprises could further accelerate this polarization, highlighting the need for small businesses to gradually embrace AI, which is why this topic was chosen for the forum.
Prime Minister Han Seung-soo delivered a video message stating, “For South Korea's AI innovation to succeed, small businesses, which account for 99% of our companies and are responsible for 80% of employment, must innovate in AI. We will focus on expanding opportunities for small businesses to participate in national projects, including three major mega-projects, and foster a collaborative innovation ecosystem.”
The forum will feature lectures from opinion leaders, including novelist Kim Hong-shin, and discussions on how small businesses can utilize AI to enhance their competitiveness.
Meanwhile, key candidates for the upcoming election of the 28th president of the Small Business Association, including Kang Dong-han, chairman of the Korea Forging Industry Cooperative, Park Jang-seon, chairman of the Printing Cooperative Federation, Sim Seung-il, chairman of the High-Pressure Gas Industry Cooperative Federation, Lee Min-hyung, chairman of the Central Pipe Business Cooperative, and Lee Jae-gwang, chairman of the Korea Electric Energy Industry Cooperative, were absent from the forum.
A representative from the Small Business Association explained, “The election management committee, formed ahead of the 28th presidential election, determined that if the five candidates visited the forum with only five months remaining until the election, it could detract from the event's purpose and lead to an overheated election atmosphere. Therefore, we conducted individual discussions with the candidates regarding their absence, and all five agreed.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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