MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis in May International Festival announced Wednesday that the honored country for the 2025 festival is South Korea.
This comes as South Korea’s main opposition party on Wednesday urged the country’s President Yoon Suk Yeol to resign immediately or face impeachment, hours after Yoon ended short-lived martial law.
The Chamber said in a statement that the selection of South Korea celebrates the country’s presence in the Mid-South, “where investments have surpassed $85 million since 2019.” They said South Korean companies such as SK Innovation, HMM American Shipping, and Hyosung HICO have created 400 new jobs in the area.
"South Korea represents an incredible opportunity for Memphis to strengthen our position in the global economy," said Ted Townsend, President and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. "With Memphis companies like FedEx and Sedgwick already conducting business in South Korea and Korean enterprises choosing Memphis as their American home, we're witnessing the emergence of a powerful economic partnership that benefits both regions."
This partnership represents more than just a celebration," said Mack Weaver, President and CEO of Memphis In May. "It’s a fitting addition to Memphis in May’s forty-eight-year heritage of promoting Memphis to the world and a gateway to our global future, where Memphis innovation meets Korean excellence, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and economic growth that will benefit both communities for years to come.”
The Chamber is working on a schedule of events for 2025 which will include economic development delegations between Memphis and South Korea, cultural exhibitions, and business networking opportunities.
The Chamber and ARTSmemphis will commission the 2025 Memphis in May commemorative poster celebrating South Korea. ARTSmemphis will invite artist grantees to submit proposals for the poster design, which will be unveiled in spring 2025.
