Chairman Song Byungjun: "Creating a Venture Ecosystem Where Future Generations Can Boldly Take On Challenges"

"30th Anniversary Ceremony of Korean Ventures" Held
From First-Generation to Fourth-Generation AI Companies, All Gathered in One Place

"Over the past 30 years, venture companies have been the driving force of innovation in Korea and the core growth engine of the economy, forging a path even in times of crisis. For the next 30 years, we must leap beyond becoming one of the world’s top four powers, aiming to become the strongest nation in the world based on future technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), deep tech, bio, and space."

Song Byungjun, Chairman of the Korea Venture Business Association, made these remarks at the "30th Anniversary Ceremony of Korean Ventures" held on December 2, 2025, at the Grand Intercontinental Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, urging, "Let us join all generations of venture entrepreneurs and rise as the world’s most innovative nation."

Song Byungjun, Chairman of the Korea Venture Business Association, is delivering a welcoming speech at the "30th Anniversary Ceremony of Korean Ventures" held on the 2nd at the Grand Intercontinental Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Korea Venture Business Association

He emphasized, "AI is a core technology that determines the productivity of industries and the competitiveness of nations. The third venture boom will mark the starting point of a new AI-based venture era," adding, "We will continue to support the growth of venture companies and create an ecosystem where young people and future generations can boldly take on challenges."

The ceremony was organized to express gratitude to venture entrepreneurs and related organizations who have led the creation and growth of the venture ecosystem over the past 30 years, and to present a vision for innovation over the next 30 years. More than 1,000 people, including member companies, venture entrepreneurs, startups, and related organizations, attended the event.

At the venue, entrepreneurs representing the first generation of ventures (manufacturing-based B2B companies), the second and third generations (IT, internet, and mobile-focused B2C companies), and the fourth generation (manufacturing based on AI, semiconductors, and deep tech) all gathered in one place, showcasing the "past, present, and future" of Korea’s venture landscape.

Lee Minhwa, the late founder and inaugural chairman of the association, appeared through an AI-restored video, emphasizing, "Technology must be a warm innovation for humanity, and the venture spirit is the DNA of challenge and openness." He also urged, "This era is calling for ventures once again. Please continue to pave the way for the next generation so that the heart of innovation never stops."

The subsequent talk show, "Challenge Connecting Generations," brought together entrepreneurs representing the first through fourth generations of ventures on one stage to reflect on their respective eras of entrepreneurship and industrial environments. The "30th Anniversary Venture Research Report," prepared by more than ten academic researchers, was also presented. The report highlighted seven major achievements of Korea’s venture ecosystem, compared innovation ecosystems between Korea and Japan, and proposed a vision for Korea’s direction over the next 30 years.

In the afternoon, programs included "Venture on the Block," led by young entrepreneurs and startups; "Show Me the Venture," a public pitching program for venture companies; and "30UNDER30 Sseoljeon," a debate program for entrepreneurs under 30.

The association also presented a total of 153 achievement awards across eight categories to individuals and organizations who have contributed to the development of the venture ecosystem, including venture policy, venture finance, and the promotion of entrepreneurship.

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