Gov. Brian Kemp's High-Stakes Trip to South Korea: Promoting Georgia and Eyeing Big Investments

In an exclusive interview with Channel 2 Action News, Gov. Brian Kemp revealed the goals and highlights of his trip to South Korea. Kemp’s mission is to bolster business opportunities in Georgia and strengthen existing ties with major South Korean companies like Hyundai, Kia, and SK Battery.

Speaking with Channel 2’s Richard Elliot, Kemp emphasized the importance of his visit. “It was really, I think, a stark reminder of there’s a thin line between, you know, freedom and democracy and tyranny,” Kemp remarked after visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), highlighting the ideological divide between North and South Korea.

Beyond the DMZ, Kemp’s trip focused on solidifying Georgia’s position as a key player in the global business arena. Georgia already hosts significant South Korean investments, including the West Point Kia plant, the SK Battery plant outside Commerce, and the Hyundai Meta plant in Pooler, which will soon manufacture electric vehicles (EVs).

“The last three years have really been making the biggest investments in our state. In 2023 alone, it was $10 billion of investment,” Kemp said, underscoring the economic impact of these partnerships.

Despite recent concerns over a softening EV market, Kemp remains optimistic. “These companies, they’re not making decisions, Richard, on what’s happening in a one-year period. I mean, they’re really thinking about generational investments,” he asserted.

Kemp’s trip isn’t just about maintaining current relationships; it’s also about attracting new investments to Georgia. As he works to nurture existing ties, Kemp is also in talks with potential new investors to bring further business opportunities to the state.