Issue PICK with Teacher: The 1 Trillion Dollar Export Strategy... Airing on the 30th

The 294th episode of KBS 1TV 'Issue PICK with Teacher' will be broadcast on August 30 (Sun) at 7:10 PM. The theme of this episode is 'Top 4 in Global Exports, the 1 Trillion Dollar Jackpot,' exploring whether South Korea can open the era of 1 trillion dollars in annual exports.

In June 2026, South Korea's monthly export volume exceeded 100 billion dollars for the first time in history. For the cumulative period from January to April this year, South Korea rose to the 5th largest exporter in the world, following China, the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands, with exports of major items such as semiconductors, automobiles, ships, cosmetics, and bio-health increasing together. If this trend continues, the possibility of reaching 1 trillion dollars in annual exports and entering the top 4 global exporters is being discussed. On the other hand, since self-employment, the construction industry, and domestic service industries are still unable to escape recession, the so-called 'K-shaped growth,' where an export boom and domestic slump appear simultaneously, has emerged as a hot topic.

Professor Heo Jeong of Sogang University will appear in this episode. Professor Heo is an international trade and economics expert who served as the former president of the Korea International Trade Association and as a trade policy advisory member for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Export Structure Combined with K-Culture

In the broadcast, Professor Heo explains, “Due to the influence of K-culture, the brand value of Korean products such as cosmetics, ramyeon, and seaweed has increased, allowing for an export structure of the 'smile curve' type that combines technology and culture.” Semiconductors are cited as a core item leading exports due to the surge in demand for HBM and memory following the expansion of AI and data center investments.

Risk of Semiconductor Concentration and Safety Pins

Professor Heo emphasizes, “Even if the semiconductor cycle turns, other industries must be able to support exports for the 1 trillion dollar export goal to be realized.” Citing the case where past US-Japan trade conflicts led to the Plaza Accord, causing Japan to experience an asset market bubble and long-term recession, he points out that high dependence on a specific market or industry can deal a huge shock to the economy due to changes in the external environment. Accordingly, he suggests that various industries such as automobiles/shipbuilding, defense/batteries, bio/robotics, and K-cosmetics should be developed together, and the domestic supply chain should be strengthened.

Professor Heo stated, “Ultimately, the task is to connect the export boom to domestic demand and jobs, and to create balanced growth across the entire economy,” adding, “An economy where exports grow and the lives of the people improve together is an important goal for South Korea.”

After the broadcast, it can be rewatched through the KBS website (www.kbs.co.kr), Wavve, and the YouTube channels 'KBS Culture' and 'KBS Documentary'.

Source: KBS Press Release

Special Times is striving to deliver faster and more diverse news to readers with the help of AI technology.