Kookmin University Platform SME Research Center and Digital Sangongin Union Successfully Hold Networking Event

Event commemorative photo (Provided by Kookmin University)

Kookmin University (President Jung Seungryul) announced that its Platform SME Research Center (hereafter referred to as the Research Center), together with the Digital Sangongin Union (hereafter referred to as Disangyeon), successfully held the 'Disangyeon's Night Suda Salon' networking event on June 18.

The Digital Sangongin Union is a community-based alliance for digital merchants, established in April to promote the growth and mutual prosperity of digital merchants. The term 'Digital Merchant' (D-SME, Digital-Small and Medium Enterprise) refers to business owners who conduct their business activities on digital platforms, including small business owners such as online sellers. Currently, Disangyeon is joined by 100 brands and is focused on sustainable growth and collective intelligence-based mutual learning. The union aims to strengthen the competitiveness of digital merchants through practical business education, inter-brand networking, and expanding overseas sales channels.

This networking event was attended by 42 brands, each with different growth paths, including the camping platform 'Vanple', the women's fashion brand 'Mokdan', the premium local gin from Yangpyeong 'Bujagin', and the traditional confectionery brand from Gangneung 'Sunmihan-gwa', among others with experience in both local and global expansion.

During the event, each division head was appointed and a small group system was introduced, establishing the foundation for a division-centered network with continuity and expertise, moving beyond one-off exchanges. The divisions are expected to be expanded in the future and will be operated flexibly in response to the needs of digital merchants and changes in the market environment.

In the first part of the event, Kim Seongrae, CEO of Sunmihan-gwa, delivered a keynote speech on the topic of 'Sharing Case Studies of Government and Private Sector Commercialization Projects by Small-Scale Merchant Sunmihan-gwa.' Kim shared growth stories, including the process of collaborating with large corporations based on traditional confectionery products, plans for overseas market entry, and the selection of Sunmihan-gwa for the Jeju APEC banquet. In the second part, participants used worksheets to organize their own business challenges and freely exchanged ideas for collaboration. Small group networking was also conducted, divided into four divisions: fashion, food, global, and education/marketing.

Minsangdae, President of the Digital Sangongin Union (CEO of ES Food Ingredients), said, "Through events like this, we hope to go beyond simple networking and create a collective voice representing digital merchants, ultimately drawing policy attention and support. We will continue to reflect on the roles we can play together and carry out activities that bring about real change."

Meanwhile, the Research Center, which hosted this event, is operating monthly practical education programs for digital merchants, covering topics such as generative AI, SEO optimization, and branding. The Research Center plans to continue its research and support to strengthen the practical capabilities of digital merchants and build a sustainable ecosystem.

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