Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung-ryul) Platform SME Research Center (hereinafter referred to as the Research Center) announced that it successfully held a networking event, “Disaengyeon Night Chat Salon,” with the Digital Business Association (hereinafter referred to as Disaengyeon) on the 18th.

The Digital SME Association is a community-based alliance established in April to support the growth and mutual prosperity of digital SMEs. “Digital SMEs (D-SME, Digital-Small and Medium Enterprise)” refer to SMEs that conduct business activities using digital platforms, including online sellers. Currently, 100 brands are participating in D-SME, which focuses on sustainable growth and mutual learning based on collective intelligence, and aims to strengthen the competitiveness of digital SMEs through practical business education, networking between brands, and expansion of overseas sales channels.

This networking event featured 42 brands with diverse growth trajectories, including ‘Vanpl,’ a camping platform with experience in local and global expansion; ‘Mokdan,’ a women's fashion brand; ‘Bujajin,’ a premium local gin brand from Yangpyeong; and ‘Seonmi Hanwoo,’ a traditional Korean confectionery brand from Gangneung.

During the event, subcommittee chairs were appointed, and a small group system was introduced to establish a subcommittee-centered network with continuity and expertise beyond one-time exchanges. The subcommittees are planned to be expanded in the future and will be operated flexibly according to the needs of digital SMEs and changes in the market environment.

In the first part of the event, Kim Sung-rae, CEO of Seonmi Hanwoo, delivered a presentation on “Sharing Cases of Commercialization through Government Programs and Private Companies by Small Manufacturer Seonmi Hanwoo.” Kim shared his growth story, including the process of collaborating with large corporations based on traditional Korean confectionery products, plans to enter overseas markets, and being selected to provide Korean confectionery for the Jeju APEC banquet. In the second part, participants used worksheets to organize their business challenges and freely exchanged ideas for collaboration. Small-scale networking sessions were also held in four categories: fashion, food, global, and education/marketing.

Min Sang-dae, President of the Digital Commerce Association and CEO of ES Food Ingredients, stated, “Through such events, we hope to go beyond mere networking to collectively shape the voice of digital commerce professionals and secure policy attention and support. We will continue to collaborate on the roles we can play and pursue activities that drive tangible change.”

Meanwhile, the research center that hosted the event operates a monthly education program focused on practical topics such as generative AI, SEO optimization, and branding for digital merchants. The research center plans to continue its research and support efforts to enhance the practical capabilities of digital merchants and foster a sustainable ecosystem.