Kim Hye-kyung Encourages Women Entrepreneurs at Her First Solo Official Event

Kim Hye-kyung, as the First Lady of President Lee Jae-myung, held her first solo official event in the Republic of Korea.

On the 1st of the month, the Presidential Office reported that Mrs. Kim attended the opening ceremony of the '4th Women Entrepreneurs Week' held at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, urging women entrepreneurs to take the lead in overcoming the crises faced by the Republic of Korea.

Dressed in a pristine white two-piece outfit, Mrs. Kim received a warm welcome from the attendees.

In her encouraging speech, she stated, "Women entrepreneurs face many difficulties not only as business owners but also as women encountering challenges such as the glass ceiling and career interruptions. I hope that women entrepreneurs will take the lead in overcoming our country's crises, especially the low growth and low birthrate crisis," she emphasized.

Women Entrepreneurs Respond, "Women Businesses Are the Key to Hope"

In response, Park Chang-sook, President of the Korean Women Entrepreneurs Association, asked Mrs. Kim for the government’s warm interest and support for women-owned businesses.

President Park pointed out, "Our women entrepreneurs are in a welfare blind spot due to pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare simply because they are 'business owners,’" and added, "When young women entrepreneurs give up management due to childbirth and childcare, it is a loss that transcends personal issues and affects the nation."

She continued, "Just as it takes a village to raise a child, nurturing a business requires the nation's policies, systems, and the public's interest and support, as well as warm perspectives. Businesses nurtured in this way will give back to the nation through more job opportunities for women and economic growth."

She expressed her aspiration, stating, "For a future of the Republic of Korea where we live well together, women-owned businesses will be the key to hope and will take the lead in opening a bright future."

Mrs. Kim previously met with expatriates during her visit to the G7 summit in Canada on the 17th of last month. This event holds great significance as it marks her first solo agenda in the country.

As attention focuses on Mrs. Kim's activities as First Lady, her first meeting with women entrepreneurs is seen as a demonstration of her commitment to supporting women's economic participation and entrepreneurial activities.

Meanwhile, Women Entrepreneurs Week is an annual observance held in the first week of July, established under Article 12-3 of the Act on the Support of Women Entrepreneurs.

The slogan for this year's opening ceremony is "Women Entrepreneurs, the Key of Hope to Open Tomorrow," highlighting the importance and future value of women-owned businesses.

Throughout this period, various programs related to sales channels, public procurement, communication, policy, startups, and job creation will be conducted in 19 regions nationwide.

It is expected that this will raise national interest in women-owned businesses and instill pride in women entrepreneurs.

Image sources: Kim Hye-kyung / News1, Park Chang-sook, President of the Korean Women Entrepreneurs Association / News1, News1