Hyundai Motor Group Chairman chung Eui-sun Attends Lee Kun-hee Collection Exhibition gala, Discusses trade Concerns
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Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun attended the ‘Lee Kun-hee Collection Exhibition Gala’ at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. on January 28th, 2026. The event also provided an prospect for Chairman Chung to discuss potential automobile tariffs and U.S. investment with U.S. officials.
Meetings with U.S. Trade Secretary
Prior to a scheduled meeting between U.S. Trade Secretary Rutnick and South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan on January 29th, Chairman Chung met with Secretary Rutnick. This meeting likely focused on the potential impact of increased tariffs on Korean automobiles, a policy previously proposed by former President Trump. Reuters reported on Trump’s renewed tariff threats in January 2024, highlighting the ongoing concern for korean automakers.
Unusual Alliance and Recent Activities
The attendance of the Hyundai Motor Group Chairman at an event hosted by Samsung is noteworthy, given the companies’ competitive relationship. though, Chairman Chung and the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee shared a close personal relationship, demonstrated by Chairman Chung’s attendance at Lee’s funeral. recently, chairman Chung served as a government special envoy for a new submarine project (CPSP) in Canada before traveling to Washington D.C. for the gala.
Potential impact of tariffs
Hyundai Motor Group faces significant financial risk if increased tariffs on Korean automobiles are implemented. Chairman Chung did not respond to questions from reporters at the event. The Lee Kun-hee collection exhibition, which opened in November 2025, features approximately 320 works from the late Chairman Lee’s collection of over 23,000 pieces and will remain on display until February 1st, 2026. Samsung Newsroom provides details about the exhibition.
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