Chairperson Han Ki-jeong said on the 11th, “The healthy development of the distribution industry is directly linked to the competitiveness of K brands.”
Chairperson Han noted in his congratulatory address at the ’2025 Consumer and Retail Forum' held at the Westin Josun Hotel in Seoul that ‘distribution is an important avenue for conveying the identity of brands, beyond just being a simple logistics pathway.’
Now in its 13th year, the Consumer and Retail Forum, hosted by ChosunBiz, presents key topics in the domestic distribution industry and seeks survival and growth strategies. This forum is themed ‘In an Era of Uncertainty, K Brands Respond’ and diagnoses the future of distribution.
Chairperson Han emphasized that as uncertainty grows across the distribution industry due to ▲ advancements in digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data ▲ diversification of consumer trends led by personalized products ▲ and the arrival of a borderless age, the competitiveness of K brands is crucial. He stated, ‘K brands centered around the Korean Wave (K-wave) are already making their mark in the global market based on original cultural content, outstanding technology, and deep trust from consumers.’
He added, “As K convenience stores prepare to enter the U.S. market beyond Asia and K beauty emerges as a leader in the U.S. cosmetics import market, K brands are solidifying their influence and status in the global market,” and noted that “the power of a brand meets consumers and spreads through the platform of the distribution industry.”
Chairperson Han pledged the Fair Trade Commission’s policy support for the innovation and coexistence of the distribution industry to ensure the success of K brands.
He remarked, “To establish a sustainable distribution ecosystem, the distribution industry must continue to innovate while creating a foundation for stakeholders to coexist,” and added, “We will establish a fair transaction order in the distribution sector to guarantee the creative managerial activities of corporations, and spread a culture of mutual cooperation that allows manufacturers and distributors to develop in a complementary manner.”
Finally, Chairperson Han expressed hope that ‘the various ideas and suggestions discussed at the forum will become important assets that brighten the future of our distribution industry,’ and said, ‘The Fair Trade Commission will also actively support the distribution industry and K brands to leap together by listening openly to the voices of experts and the field.’