Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the need for creating a fairer business environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), highlighting that unfair practices by larger corporations are stifling innovation and hindering industrial competitiveness.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee criticized the "exploitative structure" where large companies leverage their bargaining power to disadvantage SMEs, such as by reducing supply prices or misappropriating technologies. This pressure discourages smaller firms from investing in innovation or expanding their markets, as they focus more on lobbying client firm executives to protect their interests.

During a meeting with SME representatives, Lee stated, "If SMEs believe that (large companies) will cut supply prices or take away the gains, they are more likely to focus on lobbying executives at client firms rather than investing in technological innovation or market expansion." He noted that such practices undermine societal competitiveness and called for feedback from companies to help the Fair Trade Commission address these issues.

In addition to unfair business practices, Lee addressed the negative perceptions of labor unions, stating that these views are detrimental to corporate competitiveness. He advocated for improved dialogue and compromise between labor and management, asserting, "Productivity does not improve if employees do not feel a sense of attachment. Companies grow when workers believe the firm's success also benefits them."