Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong said the company must work harder as foreign interest in South Korean manufacturing technology grows [1].
This commitment comes as South Korea seeks to solidify strategic partnerships in high-tech sectors. Strengthening ties with European industrial leaders is critical for maintaining a competitive edge in the global race for semiconductor and artificial intelligence dominance.
Lee said the remarks on June 12, 2026 [1], during the Korea-Italy Business Round Table held in Rome, Italy [1]. The event served as a platform to deepen economic cooperation between the two nations, focusing on future industries including aerospace, energy, AI, and semiconductors [2].
When a reporter questioned him about the increasing global attention directed toward Korean manufacturing capabilities, Lee said, “We need to work harder” [1]. He also said Italy is a “special country” [2].
The roundtable featured a high-level delegation of political and business leaders. Participants included Ryu Jin, president of the Korea Economic Association, and President Lee Jae-myung [1]. Representing Italy, the group included Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani and John Elkann, the chairman of Ferrari and Stellantis [1].
Ryu Jin highlighted the significance of the location for the meeting. “All roads lead to Rome,” Ryu said [1].
The discussions focused on how South Korean technological expertise can integrate with Italian industrial design and engineering. By aligning their strengths in these sectors, both nations aim to create more resilient supply chains for the next generation of electronics, and automotive technology [2].
““We need to work harder.””
Lee Jae-yong's public emphasis on working harder suggests that Samsung is wary of complacency despite its current global standing. By engaging with Italian leaders in sectors like automotive and aerospace, Samsung is likely seeking to diversify its application of AI and semiconductor technology beyond consumer electronics and into high-end industrial engineering.
