Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky expressed his enthusiasm for the new SK On battery plant, stating that it will act as a magnet for further investments in the state. The joint venture between SK On and Ford, called BlueOval SK, has attracted a massive $5.8 billion investment and is expected to create around 5,000 new jobs. Beshear highlighted the significance of the project, describing it as having "gravity" that will draw in other companies and suppliers to the region. He also mentioned that the state has received substantial interest from Korean companies looking to relocate to Kentucky following the SK investment. Beshear addressed concerns about potential production delays for BlueOval SK's manufacturing plants, assuring that the first plant will commence production as scheduled in the first half of 2025, while the second plant may require some flexibility to meet its targeted production start date in 2026. The governor emphasized Kentucky's appeal as a prime location for companies looking to establish their first facility in the US, citing its proximity to a large portion of the US population as a key advantage. Beshear also stressed the importance of partnerships with state and local governments for companies to navigate uncertainties and secure a strong position in the US market. Additionally, Beshear's visit to Korea aimed to strengthen partnerships and provide a communication channel for companies to convey their needs to the federal government. During the visit, he also signed a Driver's License Reciprocity Agreement with Korea's National Policy Agency, facilitating the transition for Koreans relocating to Kentucky.