Acting President Han Duck-soo, who is also the Prime Minister, visited the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries factory in Ulsan on the 16th. This move is interpreted as an effort to understand the state of the shipbuilding industry amidst commercial negotiations with the Donald Trump administration, where cooperation in the shipbuilding sector is considered a key card. Acting President Han has made economic moves for two consecutive days, following a visit to the Kia factory in Gwangju the day before.
Acting President Han arrived at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Ulsan factory at 1 p.m. on the same day. Standing in front of the Dasan Jeong Yak-yong ship currently under construction by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, he listened to a briefing from personnel on the resources related to the Dasan Jeong Yak-yong ship. The Dasan Jeong Yak-yong ship is expected to be launched as early as next month as the next-generation Aegis ship.
During the site inspection, Acting President Han noted, "In the current situation where the world is shocked by the U.S. government's new tariff policy, we are thinking about how to respond in various ways," and said, "We are working to mitigate the impact our industry faces."
He added, "Since the U.S. government has stated that it will prioritize negotiations with allies such as South Korea, we will do our utmost to minimize the tariffs we will bear and promote mutual benefits between the two countries through negotiations."
He particularly mentioned, "In a call with U.S. President Donald Trump on the 8th, we agreed to strengthen South Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation," and said, "The U.S. government has recently expressed a strong commitment to rebuilding its shipbuilding industry."
He added, "Our shipbuilding industry possesses global competitiveness due to high technology, skilled manpower, and advanced infrastructure, so strengthening South Korea-U.S. cooperation will enhance mutual benefits for both countries," and called it "a precious opportunity to lead the resurgence of our shipbuilding industry."
Acting President Han asked Kwon Oh-gap, chairman of HD Hyundai Group, about the current state of shipbuilding in the Ulsan region.
When Acting President Han asked, "Are the (shipbuilding) companies mostly located nearby?" Chairman Kwon replied, "All are in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam. This is the hub. There are about 3,000 partner companies."
Chairman Kwon continued, "The method is that about 250 partner companies make the military vessels, and we assemble them," and said, "It is almost localized."
Acting President Han boarded a patrol ship docked to the right of the Dasan Jeong Yak-yong ship and reportedly inspected the shipbuilding process.
Before visiting the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Ulsan factory, Acting President Han visited 'Ddong Ddong Yi Donkatsu' in the Ulsan Central Traditional Market.
Ddong Ddong Yi Donkatsu is a kind restaurant that has been providing donkatsu to local children in need for 15 years.
Acting President Han expressed to Park Jong-won, the president of Ddong Ddong Yi Donkatsu, "I heard that there is a Man from Nowhere, who has been preparing warm meals for children in need, and I've really wanted to meet you," and said, "I understand that providing donkatsu to children in need for 15 years is not an easy task."
He added, "What you have done is truly admirable, and I express my deep gratitude. It is clear that providing simply donkatsu to the children in need also conveys a warm heart."
Acting President Han left a message in the guestbook at the restaurant, stating, "To the Man from Nowhere, who has shared beautiful love for 15 years! I respect and love you. When there are more people like the Man from Nowhere, South Korea will become a warmer nation."