South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said a supply chain crisis triggered by the Middle East war should be used as an opportunity for industrial restructuring and stressed the creation of a Korean-style sovereign wealth fund. He warned that the global trade order is at a major turning point as free trade retreats and geopolitical risks deepen. Lee also urged government-led demand creation through public procurement and protection of advanced technology and talent.

South Korea\'s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy activated an emergency cooperation channel with major business groups to respond to supply chain risks linked to the war in the Middle East. Minister Kim Jung-kwan met leaders from six economic organisations on March 27 after a presidential emergency economy meeting. The government asked for efforts to secure alternative suppliers, check inventories and prevent collusion and hoarding. It also urged energy-saving measures and pledged strict action against disruptions.