On August 31, 2026, we held a special lecture at Samil PwC for approximately 20-25 consultants and CPAs belonging to the JP Business desk. Under the theme "The Forefront of Japan-Korea Business in the AI Era: Evolving from a 'Numbers Expert' to a 'Strategic Partner for Cross-Border Business'," the session provided insights into adapting to the paradigm shift brought by AI technology and proposed concrete strategic actions to overcome differences in business philosophies between Japan and Korea.
■ The True Added Value of Professionals in the AI Era We are approaching an era where simple numerical calculations and routine audit/tax tasks will soon be replaced by AI. To survive, professionals utilizing world-class platforms like PwC must move beyond merely "producing accurate numbers" and evolve into "strategic partners for cross-border business" who can critically influence clients' decision-making processes.
■ The Mechanism of "Philosophical Clashes" in Japan-Korea Business In Korean management, "missed opportunities" are considered the greatest risk, placing a premium on overwhelming speed and agility. Conversely, in Japanese management, "loss of trust" is the ultimate risk, prioritizing meticulous preliminary verification and consensus-building above all else. Using real-world examples, we illustrated how failing to understand these foundational differences and merely applying superficial business tactics is the primary cause of project stagnation.
■ Three Strategic Actions for Successful Expansion into Japan We presented the following three strategies as concrete approaches to successfully guide Korean companies into the Japanese market:
- Becoming a "Translator of Friction (Maestro)" who transforms cultural friction into mutual understanding.
- Acting as a "Proxy for Internal Approvals (Ringi)" by equipping the counterpart with objective data and risk mitigation plans, rather than rushing them.
- Building medium- to long-term "Trust Assets" in the Japanese market, rather than just establishing paper companies.
■ Summary Comment by Speaker (Masahiro Kimura, CEO of GTS Advisory) "It is a great honor to have had the opportunity to speak to the top-tier professionals at Samil PwC. I was deeply inspired by the sharp and passionate questions I received during the Q&A session. As AI integration accelerates, the value of 'deep human understanding' in connecting cross-border businesses is actually increasing. I hope this session serves as a catalyst for you to further leap forward as 'strategic partners' bridging the business worlds of Japan and Korea."
■ Company Overview GTS Advisory Inc. Location: WeWork 4F 115-DD19, 147 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul Established: January 9, 2026 (Masahiro Kimura / CEO, GTS Advisory)