Issue PICK with Teacher, The 1 Trillion Dollar Export Move... Broadcast 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,' covering whether the Republic of 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. Based on the cumulative figures 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-employed businesses, 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 together, has emerged as a hot topic.

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

Export Structure Combined with K-Culture

During the broadcast, Professor Hur explains, “Due to the influence of K-Culture, the brand value of Korean products such as cosmetics, ramen, and seaweed has increased, allowing for an export structure of the 'Smile Curve' type that combines technology and culture.” Semiconductors are cited as a key item leading exports due to the surge in demand for HBM and memory following the expansion of investment in AI and data centers.

Risks of Semiconductor Concentration and Safety Pins

Professor Hur 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, after which Japan experienced 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 must be grown together, and the domestic supply chain must be strengthened.

Professor Hur says, “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 the Republic of Korea.”

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

Source: KBS Press Release

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