Cutting through competition

Our annual C-suite barometer gathers the views of leading Korean executives. We uncover the strategic priorities on the Korean C-suite’s agenda and the Korean market trends expected to impact Korean businesses in the years ahead. This latest study reveals a business world focused on opportunities for growth and expansion in a more competitive environment. 2025 is the year for Korean C-suite executives to scale up and get ahead.

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Featuring insights from Forvis Mazars in Korea, this year's study reveals a positive but challenging outlook for growth among C-suite leaders and a determination to continue growing amid the mounting impact of economic uncertainty, trade disputes, and supply chain challenges.

Only 16% of Korean C-suite executives surveyed express a very positive growth outlook for 2025, compared to 36% globally
Economic uncertainty (56%) and increased competition (50%) are the top concerns for Korean leaders
66% of Korean businesses plan international expansion within five years, with a strong focus on the U.S. and China
42% of respondents cite reviewing supply chains and operations as top strategic priority - double the global average
40% of Korean companies report hiring difficulties, especially at the mid-management level

While it’s encouraging to see a positive growth outlook for businesses, achieving growth in 2025 will mean navigating a number of key uncertainties. The overarching challenge will be maintaining strategic priorities and a clear vision amid new market entrants, continuing technological disruption and potential market turbulence if C-suite executives are to cut through increasing competition and lead their businesses to success in 2025.