Korea Exchange (KRX) CEO Chung Eun-bo, front row fourth from right, poses with participants of a seminar for representatives of Kosdaq-listed firms in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of KRX

The Korea Exchange (KRX) has been hosting a range of seminars for firms since early April as a follow-up project to the government's Corporate Value-up Program aimed at boosting undervalued stocks.

The country's sole bourse operator, the KRX announced Monday that it ran four seminars — one each for large businesses, medium-sized enterprises, overseas brokerage houses and startups — after the Corporate Value-up Program was announced by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in February.

The project focuses on improving corporate governance, which was cited a reason for the so-called "Korea discount," and thus attracting more international investment while ensuring higher shareholder returns.

The Korea discount refers to a lower valuation of stocks in Korea compared to global peers.

"I hope the Corporate Value-up Program helps the listed firms to successfully tackle the Korea discount," KRX CEO Chung Eun-bo said while welcoming representatives from 11 large businesses during the first of the four seminars, April 4.

All listed on the benchmark KOSPI, the 11 were Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, CJ CheilJedang, LG Chem, Naver, KT, KT&G, KB Financial Group, BNK Financial Group, Mirae Asset Securities and Korean Reinsurance Company. They were selected out of the firms with a market capitalization of more than 10 trillion won.

Referring to the 11 as "leaders of their respective industry," Chung expressed hope that "feedback from the corresponding participants will be critical for the success of the Corporate Value-up Program."

The participants suggested that the program should go on "in a consistent and sustainable manner." They also suggested that it should contribute to forming a cycle of profitable investment and shareholder returns.

"The KRX will serve as a bridge between the listed firms and the government, making sure to clear any business hurdles that they may have in improving corporate values," Chung said.

The second seminar took place on April 17 for medium-sized enterprises with market capitalization exceeding 2 trillion won.

The third seminar was on April 15, targeting eight big-name offshore securities firms including Goldman Sachs, J.P Morgan and Morgan Stanley.

The fourth and final seminar took place, Friday, for 10 firms listed on the tech-heavy junior Kosdaq.

Chung said the Kosdaq is a key for startups and other promising firms to "climb the ladder faster and grow large to vitalize the Korean economy." (Advertorial)