Moon invests 50 mln won in fund for S. Korea’s material makers amid trade row with Japan

In a symbolic move to show the government’s determination to help foster South Korea’s parts and materials production industry against Japan’s export restrictions, President Moon Jae-in on Monday invested 50 million won (US$41,135) in a relevant stock fund.

He visited the headquarters of NH Nonghyup Bank in Seoul and subscribed to the fund devoted to listed firms here manufacturing materials, components and equipment.

Moon, a former human rights lawyer, said it’s the first time that he has put money in such a stock fund.

“It’s very important to enhance the competitiveness of (South Korea’s) material, component and equipment industries,” he said while talking with bank workers.

South Korean firms have relied heavily on Japan for the supply of those items.

But Japan has tightened its control of South Korea-bound exports of high-tech materials since early July, citing worries that some strategic ones may be transferred to North Korea or other third nations.

Tokyo is apparently retaliating against Seoul for its handling of the compensation issue linked with wartime forced labor victims.

Moon accused Japan of “taking a retaliatory measure that can obstruct South Korea’s main industries” by exploiting its superiority in the material production field.