President Roh, Meets with KFI on January 19

On January 19, President Roh Moo-hyun is expected to have lunch with the Federation of Korean Industries to console them about their difficulties under the prosecution’s investigation and to ask them to make an effort for economic recovery.

Presidential spokesman Yoon Tae-young said at a regular briefing, “President Roh will have a meeting with the chairmen of FKI to discuss ways to revive the economy by activating investment. The attendance is not decided yet.”

There are 22 chairmen and vice-chairmen of the FI. They include Lee Kun-Hee (Chairman of Samsung Electronics), Koo Bon-Moo (Chairman of LG), Chung Mong-Koo (Chairman of Hyundai Motors), Cho Suk Rae (Chairman of Hyosung), Kim Seung-Yeon (Chairman of Hanhwa), Cho Yang-Ho (Chairman of Korean Airlines), Park Sam-Koo (Chairman of Kumho Industries), Park Yong-Oh (Chaiman of Doosan) and Hyun Jae-Hyun (Chairman of Tong Yang Cement).

It is the first meeting between the president and the chairmen of large corporations since last June. It is significant because many chairmen who were under investigation will attend the meeting.

An officer at Cheong Wa Dae said, “President Roh originally planned to meet the chairmen to comfort and to ask them to play an important role in reviving the economy when the investigation is completed. It is time to propel the meeting.”

Meanwhile, President Roh will have lunch with financial editors of the press as well as begin an effort to concentrate on problems concerning public welfare.

Jeong-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com