Vice Minister Roh Yong-seok in Rome: Innovation, Startups, and New Opportunities for Businesses
From the signing of the historic Memorandum of Understanding with Minister Adolfo Urso to the K-Brand Glow Week, AMOR-K, in collaboration with ICE TALKS, meets exclusively with one of the key figures behind the new strategic partnership between Italy and South Korea.
In this exclusive interview, Vice Minister Roh Yong-seok shares his vision for strengthening bilateral cooperation in innovation, startups, SMEs, technology, and international business development, highlighting the growing opportunities for companies in both countries.
ROME – A New Chapter in Italy–South Korea Relations
There are moments that mark a significant turning point in the relationship between two countries. The official visit to Italy by Vice Minister for SMEs and Startups of the Republic of Korea, Roh Yong-seok, was undoubtedly one of those moments.
At a time when innovation, technology, and industrial competitiveness are reshaping the global economic landscape, Italy and South Korea have chosen to strengthen their cooperation through a new Memorandum of Understanding signed at Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.
Yet behind the formal signing ceremony and official statements lies a much broader vision: building a lasting bridge between two entrepreneurial ecosystems that share a fundamental characteristic—the central role of small and medium-sized enterprises as drivers of economic growth.
In this context, AMOR-K, in collaboration with the prestigious international magazine ICE TALKS, had the honor of meeting and exclusively interviewing Vice Minister Roh Yong-seok, gaining firsthand insight into how South Korea views Italy and Europe today.
An Encounter That Goes Beyond Diplomacy
The atmosphere in Rome during the K-Brand Glow Week was one of great significance and opportunity.
On one side were institutions committed to building new economic partnerships; on the other, innovative companies, startups, beauty industry professionals, investors, and experts from across Europe.
Vice Minister Roh Yong-seok’s presence at the event was far more than symbolic.
South Korea is increasingly investing in the international expansion of its businesses and sees Europe as a strategic market for future growth.
Italy, thanks to its geographical position, the quality of its manufacturing sector, and the strength of the Made in Italy brand, represents one of Seoul’s most attractive partners.
During the exclusive meeting with AMOR-K and ICE TALKS, a clear commitment emerged to strengthen exchanges between startups, innovative SMEs, and institutions from both countries.
Startups and SMEs: The Heart of the Korean Model
When people think of South Korea, international attention often focuses on technology giants such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG.
However, behind the country’s global economic success lies a vast network of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises that form the true backbone of the Korean economy.
Over the past decade, the Korean government has invested substantial resources in creating a startup-friendly ecosystem, supporting research, innovation, and international expansion.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups, driven by a forward-looking vision, has become one of the key instruments through which Seoul promotes economic growth and global competitiveness.
This is precisely why the Memorandum signed with Minister Adolfo Urso carries particular significance.
The agreement goes beyond institutional dialogue; it aims to create concrete opportunities for entrepreneurs, innovators, and businesses seeking to develop cross-border collaborations.
South Korea’s Vision for Europe
One of the most interesting aspects highlighted during the visit concerns South Korea’s global strategy.
In recent years, the country has steadily expanded its international presence through business support programs, trade missions, and initiatives dedicated to emerging brands.
The K-Brand Glow Week, hosted in the historic setting of The St. Regis Rome, represents a tangible example of this strategy.
The objective is not simply to export products but to build lasting economic relationships and generate new business opportunities.
Behind the global success of K-Beauty, Korean technology, and the broader Korean Wave lies a system that integrates culture, innovation, and economic development.
This model is increasingly attracting the attention of numerous European countries.
AMOR-K and ICE TALKS: Telling the Story of Contemporary Korea
For AMOR-K, this exclusive interview represents a particularly meaningful milestone.
For years, the project has been committed to presenting South Korea from a different perspective, going beyond stereotypes and exploring aspects often unfamiliar to the general public.
The collaboration with ICE TALKS has further strengthened this mission, enabling discussions that range from culture and economics to diplomacy and innovation.
The meeting with Vice Minister Roh Yong-seok fits perfectly within this journey.
It was not merely about documenting an institutional event, but about understanding a strategic vision that could significantly influence Europe–Asia relations in the years ahead.
A New Phase in Italy–Korea Relations
The agreement signed in Rome comes at a crucial moment.
Ongoing technological transformations are creating both new challenges and new opportunities for governments and businesses alike.
Semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced batteries, renewable energy, and digital transformation are among the sectors that will define future competitiveness.
Italy and South Korea possess complementary strengths capable of generating significant synergies.
On one side, Italy’s manufacturing excellence; on the other, Korea’s technological leadership.
On one side, creativity and design; on the other, large-scale innovation capabilities.
The signing of the Memorandum and Vice Minister Roh Yong-seok’s visit demonstrate a shared commitment to building an increasingly strong partnership.
Looking Toward the Future
The impression gathered throughout this institutional mission is clear.
South Korea does not view Italy merely as a European market, but as a strategic partner with whom to create new opportunities for growth.
At the same time, Italy can find in South Korea a key ally in addressing the challenges of global innovation.
The exclusive interview granted to AMOR-K and ICE TALKS offers a privileged perspective on this historic moment.
It is a dialogue that goes beyond diplomacy, beyond trade, and beyond the reporting of a single event.
It is a dialogue about the future, innovation, and collaboration between two countries that, although geographically distant, share a common vision: investing in people, businesses, and ideas that will build the world of tomorrow.
Vice Minister Roh Yong-seok, Giada Albanese for ICE TALKS and AMOR-K
Melody Pirazzoli, Vice Minister Roh Yong-seok, Loredana Elvira Paletta, Giovanna Calapà, Marina Tosto
Vice Minister Roh Yong-seok, Loredana Elvira Paletta, Melody Pirazzoli
Melody Pirazzoli, Vice Minister Roh Yong-seok
