February 22, 2026

AP Satellite CEO Lee Sung-hee: “Research and diplomacy are key to K-space industry’s global expansion”

AP Satellite, a satellite communications company, emphasized the importance of structural transformation and government cooperation to support the Korean space industry’s smooth expansion into overseas markets. To enhance corporate technological credibility in the global market, both government-to-government (G2G) diplomatic support and a long-term research and development (R&D) investment framework must be established in tandem.

Lee Sung-hee, CEO of AP Satellite, attended the “2nd National Assembly Space Diplomacy Forum” held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 24th, where he delivered a presentation titled “Proposals for the Global Expansion of the K-Space Industry.” During the session, he conveyed voices from the domestic space industry and proposed bold policy changes.

Lee stated, “Korea’s current space market accounts for less than 1% of the global market,” adding, “Competition confined to the narrow domestic market has clear limitations. Now, connecting to the vast global ecosystem has become a decisive factor for corporate survival.”

He also urged a transformation of the domestic industry to enable entry into the global space market. “Amid rapid changes in the global space industry, Korea must face its structural limitations head-on,” Lee explained. “To overcome the high barriers of overseas markets—difficult for private companies to break through alone—policy responses in the form of G2G-based diplomatic support must come first.”

Lee further emphasized the need for policy-level patience in consideration of the unique nature of space technology. “Space technology is difficult to monetize in the short term and carries very high initial risks,” he said. “Only when long-term investment and R&D structural reforms—where failures are treated as assets and support continues through to the end—are in place can Korean companies ultimately achieve world-class technological independence.”

As a case study for global market expansion, Lee cited the infrastructure synergy of the Contec Space Group. He highlighted Contec’s “Jeju Asian Space Park (ASP),” scheduled to begin full-scale operations in early April, and AP Satellite’s “Bucheon AIT Center” as the core blueprint of Korea’s privately led space industry. These facilities are expected to serve as two major pillars—one as a global space data hub and the other as a satellite manufacturing base. By completing “vertical integration of the space industry,” spanning design and manufacturing to control and services, they are expected to strengthen global competitiveness.

In his closing remarks, Lee stated, “If private-sector innovation and strategic government support are combined, Korea can soon rise to become one of the world’s top five space powers.” He added, “I hope that practical sales diplomacy and sustained policy support will continue so that Korean companies can grow into leading players on the global stage.”

https://news.nate.com/view/20260224n33625