South Korea’s largest business organization, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on Wednesday added eight companies to a job platform that connects former U.S. Forces Korea personnel with positions at Korean companies operating in the United States, bringing the total number of participating businesses to 29.
The platform, established through an agreement between the chamber and the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation in September 2025, now lists about 500 job openings across construction, manufacturing, energy, mobility and other industries. The chamber held an event at its headquarters in Seoul with the foundation and representatives of Korean companies with U.S. operations.
The event was organized as part of Freedom 250, a nationwide U.S. initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Chamber Chairman Chey Tae-won said the program shows how the U.S.-South Korea alliance can produce economic outcomes beyond security cooperation.
“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 fill positions as their investments in the United States grow.
“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.
The eight companies that joined are Samsung C&T, SK Ecoplant, Hyundai Engineering and Construction, HS Hyosung, Hankook Tire, HL Mando, LIG D&A and Noroo Paint. The chamber said the additions broaden the program’s industry coverage and strengthen ties between Korean companies investing in the United States and former U.S. service members with international experience.
The platform produced its first confirmed hiring result through SK Ecoplant. The Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation presented the company with a plaque recognizing the placement.
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 presented a plaque of appreciation to James R. Heller, chargé d’affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, for his support of the platform’s promotion and expansion, including attending its official launch event in March.
Chey credited the embassy’s support with helping the program operate successfully during its early stages.
Since the September agreement, the chamber and the foundation 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.”