South Korea's First Lady Empowers Women Entrepreneurs at 'Women Entrepreneurs Week' Opening Ceremony

First Lady Kim Keon Hee attended the opening ceremony of the second annual "Women Entrepreneurs Week" on May 4 2023, according to an announcement by the presidential office. The event aims to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of women in business and increase public awareness of firms owned by women.

Established by law in October 2021, the Women Entrepreneurs Week designates the first week of July each year for recognizing and promoting the achievements of women entrepreneurs. During the ceremony held at The Shilla Seoul hotel, Kim Keon Hee congratulated women business owners who have showcased their value and contributed to the nation's economic development and modernization.

As the first spouse of a president who has worked in the business sector, Kim Keon Hee has been appointed an honorary mentor by the Korean Women Entrepreneurs Association. With approximately 2.95 million women-owned businesses in the country, she is expected to support and encourage the expansion and development of women-run firms. Kim, previously serving as the CEO of Covana Contents, a cultural material provider, brings valuable experience and insights to her new role.

The attendees at the ceremony expressed gratitude to President Yoon Suk Yeol for his unwavering support of local enterprises, earning him the moniker "No. 1 salesman of the Republic of Korea." They also commended his efforts to bring the 2030 World Expo to Busan, a city in the country's southeast. Pledging their collaboration with the government to secure the Expo bid, the participants presented Kim Keon Hee with promotional key chains bearing the slogans "Busan is ready" and "Hip Korea," which the first lady herself helped design.

The event serves as a platform for women entrepreneurs to connect, inspire, and empower each other. It highlights their contributions to the economy and encourages aspiring businesswomen, particularly young girls and students, to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Women Entrepreneurs Week plays a vital role in promoting gender equality and fostering a supportive environment for women in business.

The presidential office expressed optimism that the annual Women Entrepreneurs Week would continue to be a resounding success, providing a platform to showcase the achievements and potential of women in the business world.