South Korean Minister calls for KITA reform amid trade tensions

During a National Assembly audit, South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan acknowledged that the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) failed to provide adequate support to the government during recent trade negotiations with the United States. Kim described the lack of functional support as a “painful point” and has ordered the organization to develop a plan for structural innovation and functional reinforcement.

Representative Jang Cheol-min criticized KITA, noting that while the organization holds significant assets derived from quasi-tax funds, it has failed to fulfill its public role during global trade crises. The lawmaker also raised concerns regarding the organization's bureaucratic tendencies and high executive compensation relative to its performance in the current global trade environment.