This document discusses the evolution of credit guarantee programs in Korea. It provides background on the financial environment for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Korea and the role that credit guarantee programs have played. It then discusses a new path for credit guarantee programs, focusing on supporting SMEs through different growth stages from pre-startup to expansion, including export support and assisting firms with initial public offerings. The goal is to help promising SMEs grow into medium and large enterprises and boost their global competitiveness.