The global economy, which has been built on the foundation of free trade among nations worldwide, is undergoing a period of profound change.

Since U.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration earlier this year, his “America First” agenda of high tariffs and escalating trade conflicts has fundamentally shaken the global economic order. In addition, the growing competition for technological hegemony, particularly in AI, is exacerbating global instability. This situation has escalated beyond a temporary disruption and is now posing a direct threat to the economic system itself. In this rapidly changing landscape, a fundamental shift in strategy is urgently needed to achieve sustainable growth.

In response, Korea Economic Broadcasting is hosting the Global Financial Conference 2025 under the theme “The Turbulent Era: Challenges and Opportunities,” featuring MIT Professor Daron Acemoglu, 2024 Nobel Laureate in Economics and author of “Why Nations Fail.” Professor Daron Acemoglu, who will be visiting Korea for the first time since winning the Nobel Prize in Economics, is a distinguished scholar who has academically demonstrated how free trade has advanced the world and the importance of national legal and administrative systems that ensure individual creativity and free economic activity. We will engage in an insightful conversation about the fundamental nature of global economic changes, which is inherently difficult to foresee. Joining us will be Dr. Kwangwoo Jun, Chairman & CEO of Institute for Global Economics, who served as the inaugural Chairman of the Financial Services Commission

In addition, leading experts in the field of international trade, including Kurt Tong, former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. State Department and an early architect of the KORUS FTA, and Jong-hoon Kim, former Minister for Trade who played a key role as Korea’s lead negotiator in the FTA negotiations, will analyze the impact of the global tariff war on the Korean economy and propose strategic responses.

We warmly invite you to join us in exploring the future direction of the Korean economy and seeking solutions together. We sincerely appreciate your interest and active participation.

Thank you.