[SSRC] At the Heart of Global Innovation: Koreans in Silicon Valley

On September 11, 2025, “Koreans in Silicon Valley 2025: Entrepreneurship in Action” took place at Korea University’s SK Future Hall. Co-hosted by Startup Alliance, SSRC, and NAVER, the forum brought together Korean entrepreneurs and professionals working in Silicon Valley to share their stories and perspectives on the future of startups.

The event opened with a keynote speech by Prof. Seongcheol Kim. In his remarks, he introduced seven key themes shaping global media and entrepreneurship today. These included the growing influence of K-fandom on Korean brands, the reorganization of content creation and consumption around platforms, the reemergence of advertising and freemium models, and the convergence of content and commerce. He also highlighted the importance of intellectual property and AI in creating new opportunities, while noting that the pressures of rapid change can lead to burnout, making balance and sustainability all the more essential.

Prof. Kim also reflected on the current situation in Korea’s industry, pointing to the need for structural innovation, the challenges of regulation and talent recruitment, and the importance of global expansion beyond the domestic market.

The sessions that followed featured journalists, product experts from Google and Figma, and startup founders who shared their experiences in Silicon Valley. Their stories offered participants not only practical advice but also inspiration to pursue their own paths in the global startup ecosystem.