(KPL/Yonhap) The government will strengthen support for Republic of Korea consumer goods manufacturers and content companies operating in China amid the soaring global popularity of Korean culture, the industry minister said Wednesday.

Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan made the remarks in a Shanghai meeting with representatives from 14 Korean companies, including K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment Co., major movie theater chain CJ CGV Co., game developer Wemade Co., instant noodle maker Nongshim Co. and cosmetics giant Amorepacific Corp., according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.

Kim was accompanying President Lee Jae Myung, who arrived in Shanghai the previous day following a three-day state visit to Beijing where he held a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Kim's meeting with the Republic of Korea business representatives sought to find ways to boost Republic of Korea's exports of consumer goods and content to the world's second-largest economy, as such products have recently emerged as Seoul's key export items amid the global craze for Korean culture, the ministry said.

Consumer goods and cultural content can be a new engine to revitalize trade between Seoul and Beijing, which has decreased to US$272.9 billion in 2024 from $301.5 billion in 2021, it added.

At Wednesday's meeting, the minister said the government will work to address various difficulties facing Korean companies in China, such as intensifying competition from local firms, according to the ministry.

He also pledged fresh support measures to help Republic of Korean companies expand their foothold in China, the ministry said.

KPL