Shanghai: The government will strengthen support for South Korean consumer goods manufacturers and content companies operating in China amid the soaring global popularity of Korean culture, the industry minister said Wednesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, 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., as reported by 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. The purpose of Kim's meeting with the South Korean business representatives was to explore ways to boost South Korea's exports of consumer goods and content to China, the world's second-largest economy. These products have recently become key export items for Seoul amid the global craze for Korean culture, the ministry noted.

The ministry highlighted that consumer goods and cultural content could serve as 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.

At the meeting, Minister Kim stated the government's commitment to addressing various challenges facing Korean companies in China, such as intensifying competition from local firms. He also pledged fresh support measures aimed at helping South Korean companies expand their presence in China.