- First committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kim following four on-site inspections since his inauguration –

- With two months remaining before the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM), Prime Minister Kim called for a comprehensive review of preparations and flawless readiness -

1. The eighth meeting of the Korea APEC 2025 Organizing Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, was held at the Government Complex Seoul on Friday, September 5, 2025. With the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM) just two months away, the meeting was convened to review key issues essential for the successful hosting of the event as well as to comprehensively examine and discuss the overall preparation status, with particular focus on the progress made since Prime Minister Kim’s inauguration.

- To ensure that the 2025 AELM is successfully held, Prime Minister Kim conducted four on-site inspections in Gyeongju (July 11, July 15-16, August 6, and August 29) to thoroughly examine the status of preparations in all areas and instructed that remaining tasks be completed at today’s meeting, which marked the first committee meeting he has presided over since taking office.

2. Prime Minister Kim noted, “With less than two months remaining before the 2025 AELM, the time for preparations is extremely limited, especially when considering the Chuseok holidays ahead.” He also stressed, “APEC is drawing increased global attention following recent positive messages delivered by leaders of major economies. In step with this momentum, every detail must be meticulously reviewed and the highest level of excellence must be achieved so that this year’s APEC will be remembered as a historic ‘K-APEC’.”

3. To be specific, the committee reviewed the status of infrastructure construction for the 2025 AELM; basic plans for gala dinner, cultural events, and side events; arrival and departure procedures; security and safety measures; and business-related events. The meeting also discussed detailed inspection plans to ensure full on-site readiness.

- While noting that the core infrastructure construction is scheduled to be completed around mid-September, Prime Minister Kim stressed the need to meticulously review the details to guarantee complete preparedness; to improve the quality of accommodations, meals, transportation, and other services; and to refine cultural event programs promoting Korea’s cultural excellence.

- Prime Minister Kim also emphasized the importance of business-related events in expanding the business networks of Korean companies and attracting investment to Korea, and urged Chairman Chey Tae-won of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to take a leading role in ensuring their success.

- In response, Chairman Chey expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Kim for his tireless dedication, noting Prime Minister’s continued on-site inspections in Gyeongju, and pledged to work even more closely with relevant organizations over the course of the remaining 50-plus days to ensure that the efforts made thus far come to fruition.

4. Prime Minister Kim concluded the meeting by asking all relevant ministries and agencies—including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the KCCI, and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government—to cooperate actively so that Korea can successfully host ‘K-APEC’ that captures the attention of the global community.

- He also instructed MOFA and relevant ministries to swiftly organize an on-site task force to identify and tackle issues that may arise from the perspective of APEC participants.

5. Building on the outcomes of today’s meeting, the government will accelerate preparations to ensure that the 2025 AELM—the first to be held in Korea in 20 years—becomes a successful event that not only leads the regional economic cooperation agenda but also demonstrates Korea’s rich cultural excellence.