South Korea expands job platform for former U.S. troops
· UPIJuly 1 (Asia Today) -- South Korea's largest business organization expanded an employment platform Wednesday that connects former U.S. service members who served in the country with Korean companies operating in the United States.
The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry said eight companies joined the U.S. Forces Korea Veterans Employment Platform, increasing the number of participating businesses to 29.
The platform now lists about 500 job openings in construction, manufacturing, energy, mobility and other industries.
The chamber held an event at its headquarters in Seoul with the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation and representatives of Korean companies operating in the United States.
The event was organized as part of Freedom 250, a nationwide U.S. initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The chamber said the program is intended to extend the South Korea-U.S. security alliance into employment, workforce cooperation and broader economic ties.
Samsung C&T, SK Ecoplant, Hyundai Engineering and Construction, HS Hyosung, Hankook Tire, HL Mando, LIG D&A and Noroo Paint joined the platform and signed an agreement to expand cooperation.
The additions broaden the program's participating industries and strengthen links between Korean companies investing in the United States and former American service members with international experience, the chamber said.
The platform also produced its first confirmed hiring result through SK Ecoplant. The Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation presented the company with a plaque recognizing the achievement.
Chey Tae-won, chairman of the chamber, said the project demonstrates how the alliance can create practical benefits beyond defense.
"The U.S. Forces Korea employment platform is a living example of how the South Korea-U.S. alliance extends beyond security into jobs and the economy," Chey said.
"The chamber will continue working to establish this platform as a practical and successful model for the South Korea-U.S. economic alliance."
Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo said the platform could help Korean companies find workers as their investments in the United States expand.
"This platform will serve as an excellent bridge connecting the global capabilities of former U.S. Forces Korea personnel with the dynamic U.S. investment operations of Korean companies," Yeo said.
He said he hoped the initiative would develop into a new model for economic cooperation between the two countries.
A U.S. Forces Korea official said the event symbolized the future of the bilateral alliance as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence.
The official said the platform could contribute to the alliance and the shared prosperity of both countries.
The chamber also presented a plaque of appreciation to James R. Heller, chargé d'affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.
Heller has supported the platform's promotion and expansion, including attending its official launch event in March, the chamber said.
Chey credited the U.S. Embassy's support with helping the program operate successfully during its early stages.
"We hope the platform will develop into a leading model of public-private cooperation based on the partnership between our two organizations," Chey said.
The chamber and the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation signed their first agreement on the initiative in September.
Since then, they have conducted outreach at major U.S. military installations in Pyeongtaek, Dongducheon and Osan, held information sessions for businesses and expanded their network of related organizations.
Lee Hyung-hee, vice chairman of the Seoul Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the program's first successful placement showed the alliance could produce tangible employment and economic value.
"The chamber will continue expanding the number of companies and users and improving the operation of the platform," Lee said.
"We will develop this foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation into a new model of success for both countries."
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260701010000046