[Future Economy Forum] President Dae-il Hwang, “Korea-Japan solidarity is essential… It must become the core of the regional economic bloc”

Hwang Dae-il, president of Yonhap News, said on the 3rd, "Solidarity and cooperation between Korea and Japan are essential strategies for survival in a time when the external environment is rapidly changing, such as the breakdown of the multilateral trade system, regional blocs, and strengthening of protectionism."

President Hwang said this in his opening speech at the '2026 Future Economy Forum' hosted by Yonhap News at The Grand Lotte Seoul in Jung-gu, Seoul on this day, saying, "We must break the practice of living independently and unite closely to expand the economic territory in the region and secure common competitiveness."

The theme of the 3rd Future Economy Forum this year is 'Fragmented global economy, Korea-Japan market connecting as one'.

President Hwang diagnosed that Korea and Japan are currently facing huge challenges both internally and externally.

He said, “The external environment is changing rapidly, and internally we are facing a structural crisis of low birth rate, aging, and disappearance of local regions,” and suggested, “We must pioneer a future that goes beyond simple trade and operates as a smooth economic ecosystem.”

He added, “If the two countries join forces to become the core of a regional economic bloc, it can become a growth engine for the global economy with a large market and strong external bargaining power,” adding, “Technological cooperation and human exchanges will provide greater opportunities for future generations.”

President Hwang also said, “Our two countries are our closest neighbors across the ocean and valuable partners who share the same dream,” adding, “We have developed together as good-faith competitors and partners on the global stage.”

At the same time, he emphasized, "As a national news agency, Yonhap News will continue to provide diverse and informative reports to contribute to strengthening trust between the two countries and opening the door to institutional economic cooperation."