KCCI Launches National Development Project 'Audition' on TV

Choi Tae-won, Choi Jung-woo, Jang Byung-kyu Mentor
20 Ideas That Passed Document Screening Compete

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoonju Hwang] The 'broadcast version' of the national development project contest planned by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) is coming to living rooms through TV.

KCCI announced that the audition broadcast for the '2021 National Development Project' will air starting on the 19th. The judging panel for the national development project included Choi Tae-won, Chairman of KCCI; Jang Byung-gyu, Chairman of Krafton; Lee Yoo-kyung, President of POSCO NTB; Jung Kyung-sun, CEO of Silvan Group; Kwon Myung-sook, CEO of Intel Korea; and Kim Hyun-jung, Vice President of Deloitte Consulting Korea.

This program, named 'Korea Idea League,' is the first project under the leadership of KCCI Chairman Choi Tae-won. It was launched to find private-sector-led national development ideas for the post-COVID-19 era. Over about 100 days since June, the contest submission center received 4,704 entries, prompting Chairman Choi to personally express his gratitude. This broadcast captures the selection process of the 'Best National Development Project of the Year' from about 20 entries that passed the document screening, with two filming sessions held last month.

Notably, the mentoring sessions featured Chairman Choi Tae-won of SK, Chairman Choi Jung-woo of POSCO, Chairman Jang Byung-gyu of Krafton, CEO Kwon Myung-sook, CEO Jung Kyung-sun, and Vice President Kim Hyun-jung personally participating to upgrade the TOP 6 ideas.

Competition Among Choi Tae-won Team, Choi Jung-woo Team, and Jang Byung-gyu Team Draws Attention... Unique Chemistry Among Judges Also a Highlight

The competitive dynamics among the SK team, POSCO team, Krafton team, Intel team, and Deloitte team are also drawing interest. KCCI officials revealed, "We thought each mentor would just review the projects once for filming, but ahead of the final round, the chairmen and related experts fully engaged, holding over 10 meetings in some cases to assist with business planning."

The unique judging comments from the six business leaders are also a viewing highlight. The production team stated, "Chairman Choi Tae-won's passionate evaluations, Jung Kyung-sun's strict, solemn, and serious (엄.근.진) character as the grandson of founder Chung Ju-yung and young blood, Jang Byung-gyu's unique comments as the father of PUBG (PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds), and Kwon Myung-sook's gentle charisma all add to the chemistry."

Among the 4,704 entries, 20 ideas passed the document screening (pass rate 0.4%), including Nae Gwie E Candy (My Ear Candy), Carbon Storage, Mind Delivery, Repurposing Closed Schools, Kosssak, K-CSR, Credit Payment Hi-Pass, 1000 Theos, Blue Data Center, Failure is Knowledge, Closure is as Much as Startup, Good to Live, Monthly Our Neighborhood, Next Level Medicine, Cultured Meat, Even If Ugly, Can't Let Go, Exciting Good Taxi, Integrated Support for the Disabled, Korea Game, and End of Safety Accidents.

The contest is ongoing with submissions accepted year-round through the website, and plans to award a total prize of 229 million KRW once a year. 'Korea Idea League' will be broadcast nationwide through SBS and regional private broadcasters for three weeks starting December 19 at 3:40 PM (80-minute format).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.