KOREA WHO

Profile

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  • CEO of Hanwha Aerospace

    Son Jae-il

    Son Jae-il is the CEO of Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems. He is leading the integration of Hanwha Group’s land, sea, and air defense businesses. He is focusing on securing defense export contracts and building local production facilities to expand global sales. He was born in Daegu on March 5, 1965. He graduated from Yeongjin High School in Daegu and majored in Business Administration at Korea University. He began his career at Korea Explosives (now Hanwha) and has since worked exclusively within the Hanwha Group. He served as Executive Director of Hanwha’s Explosives Division and Managing Director of Hanwha Techwin’s Defense Business Division before being appointed CEO of Hanwha Land Systems in 2017. In 2020, he became CEO of Hanwha Defense, the unit overseeing Hanwha Group’s entire defense business, solidifying his reputation as a defense industry expert. He was appointed CEO of Hanwha Aerospace in 2022 and CEO of Hanwha Systems in 2024. He also serves as President of the Korea Space Technology Promotion Association. #SonJaeil #HanwhaAerospace #HanwhaSystems #HanwhaGroup #defenseindustry #Koreandefense #spacetechnology #KoreanCEOs #armsintegration #defenseexports

    NEWS

    • • Hanwha Aerospace Hires Pentagon Veterans, Speeds U.S. Entry With Wheeled K9
    • • Hanwha Aerospace Set to Surpass KRW 1 Trillion in Operating Profit as CEO Son Jae-il Accelerates Defense Growth
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  • CEO & President of SK Chemicals

    Ahn Jae-hyun

    Ahn Jae-hyun ("안재현" in Korean) is the President and CEO of SK Chemicals. He leads SK Chemicals jointly with CEO Kim Cheol. He is accelerating SK Chemicals’ transition toward “green chemicals.” He was born on February 2, 1966. He graduated from Yeouido High School in Seoul and studied Applied Statistics at Yonsei University. He later earned an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States. He began his career at Daewoo Group, where he headed the New York office of Daewoo Securities for four years until the firm was sold off during the IMF financial crisis. He later joined SK Group, where he served as project leader at the SK Restructuring Headquarters. In 2004, he was appointed CEO of SK D&D. He held key leadership roles in SK E&C (now SK Ecoplant), including Head of Global Marketing, and in SK Gas as Head of Management Support. He went on to serve as CEO of Global Biz, overseeing SK E&C’s overseas business. In 2019, he was appointed President and CEO of SK E&C and was reappointed to the position. In 2022, he became CEO of SK Discovery, and in 2023, he was appointed President and CEO of SK Chemicals. He is known for his bold personality and decisiveness. He is friendly and approachable with junior staff, even offering cigarettes in casual conversation. #SKChemicals #AhnJaehyun #greenchemicals #SKgroup #leadership #WhartonMBA #corporatereform #SKDiscovery #SKDND #SKecoplant

    NEWS

    • • SK Chemicals Taps Subsidiary Stake to Fund Green Transition
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  • President of Hankuk University of Foreig

    Park Jeong-woon

    Park Jeong-woon serves as president of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. He was born on March 20, 1960. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and went on to receive a master’s degree in English from its graduate school. He later obtained both a master’s and a doctoral degree in linguistics from the University of California, Berkeley. He began his academic career as a full-time lecturer at Seowon University in North Chungcheong Province and, in 1996, returned to his alma mater as a professor in the Department of English at HUFS. He has held various key positions, including director of the Institute of Language Research, head of the Office of External Affairs, director of the Foreign Language Examination (FLEX) Center, and dean of the College of English. Externally, he has served as president of the Discourse and Cognitive Linguistics Society of Korea and vice president of the International Society of Korean Language and Culture. Elected through a direct vote, he initiated sweeping restructuring measures immediately upon taking office. He has also worked to promote closer integration of the Seoul Campus and the Global Campus (formerly Yongin Campus) into a single, unified institution.

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  • President and Head of the Home Appliance

    Lyu Jae-cheol

    Lyu Jae-cheol is President and Head of the Home Appliance & Solution (HS) Business Division at LG Electronics. He is spearheading LG’s expansion in the North American and European appliance markets with premium products such as “LG Signature” and the customizable built-in line “LG Built-in.” He is also focusing on applying artificial intelligence (AI) through the “LG ThinQ AI” home platform, aiming to seamlessly connect appliances across everyday life. Lyu was born on March 15, 1967, in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Seoul National University and an MBA from the University of Illinois. He joined LG Electronics (then Goldstar) as a washing machine researcher and has spent three decades building his expertise in home appliance technology. Over the years, he has held key roles including Refrigerator Production Manager, Head of the Room Air Conditioner (RAC) Business, and Head of the Living Appliance Division, overseeing a wide spectrum of household appliances. Since 2023, he has been leading LG’s home appliance business, succeeding former president Song Dae-hyun, who set record performance levels for the H&A Division. In November 2024, LG Electronics reorganized its structure, with the H&A Division—which previously included the air solutions business—restructured as the HS Division, focusing exclusively on home appliances. He is widely regarded for his sharp insight into customer needs and market dynamics. #LG #LGElectronics #homeappliances #ThinQAI #LyuJaecheol #builtinkitchen #LGSIGNATURE #NorthAmerica #Europe #strategy

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  • Chairman of L&F

    Heo Jae-hong

    Heo Jae-hong is the Chairman of the Board at L&F. He was born on November 24, 1976, to Heo Jeon-su, who was then Chairman of Saeronix. He graduated from Yonsei University with a degree in chemical engineering and earned a master’s in the same field from the University of Southern California (USC). He worked at the LG Philips LCD Research Center before joining the research division of L&F. He later moved to Saeronix and was appointed CEO in 2010 after his father’s passing. In 2018, he became CEO of L&F. In 2021, after L&F adopted a professional management system, he took on the roles of executive director and Chairman of the Board. He also serves as CEO of affiliates such as Wuxi Guangming Future Materials Co., Ltd. and JH Materials (formerly Sanko Korea). A fourth-generation member of the GS family, he rarely makes public appearances.

    NEWS

    • • L&F’s Expanding Investments Deepen Heo Jae-hong’s Control Dilemma
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  • CEO of LG Energy Solution

    Kim Dong-myung

    I’ve refined the text to improve flow, grammar, and style while keeping all the details intact. Here’s the corrected version: Kim Dong-myung is the President and CEO of LG Energy Solution. He was born on June 30, 1969. He graduated from Wooshin High School in Seoul and earned a degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Yonsei University. He went on to receive both his master’s and doctoral degrees in Materials Engineering from KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology). Kim began his career at LG Chem as a researcher at the Battery Research Institute, where he served as Head of the Assembly Technology Team, Head of the New Battery Applications Project Team, and Head of Polymer and Reliability Development at the Small Battery Development Center. He later became Head of Small Battery Product Planning and Head of the Small Battery Business Unit. In 2020, he was promoted to Executive Vice President and Head of the Automotive Battery Business Unit, after which he moved to LG Energy Solution following its spin-off. In March 2024, he was appointed President and CEO of LG Energy Solution. With a background as a researcher, Kim is recognized as an expert who has gained extensive experience not only in development but also in production, product planning, and all other aspects of the battery business. He also serves as Chairman of the Korea Battery Industry Association. #LG #LGEnergySolution #battery #EVbattery #SouthKorea #KAIST #YonseiUniversity #energystorage #automotiveindustry #KoreaBatteryIndustryAssociation

    NEWS

    • • LG Energy Solution Bets on Kim Dong-myung to Revive K-Batteries
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  • Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group

    Chung Eui-sun

    Chung Eui-sun is the Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group. He is focusing his efforts on transforming Hyundai Motor Group into a comprehensive smart mobility solutions company, encompassing areas such as urban air mobility (UAM) and autonomous driving. He is also working to expand the hydrogen ecosystem. Born on October 18, 1970, in Seoul, he is the eldest son among three daughters and one son of Chung Mong-koo, Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group. He graduated from Gujeong Middle School and Whimoon High School in Seoul. He earned a degree in Business Administration from Korea University and completed an MBA program at the University of San Francisco (USF) School of Management in the United States. He began his career as a manager at Hyundai Precision Industry (now Hyundai Mobis), and after studying in the U.S., he worked at the New York office of Itochu Corporation, a Japanese trading company, before joining Hyundai Motor Company as Head of Purchasing. He served as Deputy Head of Domestic Sales Division at Hyundai Motor and as Deputy Head of Corporate Planning at Hyundai-Kia Motors. In 2005, he was appointed President and CEO of Kia Motors. After serving as Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor, he was promoted to Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group in 2020. He was officially designated as the group’s ultimate decision-maker. During his time as CEO of Kia, he led a “design-oriented management” strategy, and at Hyundai Motor, he brought a new atmosphere by actively recruiting foreign executives. He is also tasked with maintaining profitability in response to the Trump administration’s automobile tariffs. He is known for being modest and humble, and he communicates with employees with an open attitude. #Hyundai #ChungEuisun #mobility #UAM #autonomousdriving #hydrogen #Kia #HyundaiMobis #designmanagement #automotivetariffs

    NEWS

    • • Hyundai’s First Supercar N74 Set to Debut Next Year
    • • Chung Eui-sun Pushes Boston Dynamics Growth Ahead of IPO for Succession
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  • Vice Chairman and CEO of HD Hyundai

    Chung Ki-sun

    Chung Ki-sun is the Vice Chairman and CEO of HD Hyundai and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering. He is leading efforts to respond to the shipping industry’s green transformation by securing technologies for decarbonized vessels, while striving to maintain a technological edge over Chinese shipbuilders. In the construction equipment sector, he is aiming to elevate the company to one of the top global players. He was born on May 3, 1982, in Seoul, the eldest son among two sons and two daughters of Chung Mong-joon, Chairman of the Asan Foundation. He graduated from Daewon Foreign Language High School and studied economics at Yonsei University. He later completed an MBA program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business. After joining Hyundai Heavy Industries, he went to study in the U.S. and later worked at the Korean office of Boston Consulting Group (BCG). He rejoined Hyundai Heavy Industries, where he served as head of the finance division and then as head of shipbuilding and offshore sales. In 2017, he became CEO of Hyundai Global Service. He also served as head of global shipbuilding and offshore sales at Hyundai Heavy Industries Group, and in 2022, he was appointed CEO of both HD Hyundai and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering. In 2024, he was promoted to Vice Chairman. As a third-generation owner-CEO who rose quickly through the ranks to top leadership at a young age, his management and operational style is drawing close attention. #ChungKiSun #HDHyundai #shipbuilding #decarbonization #greenshipping #constructionequipment #StanfordMBA #HyundaiHeavyIndustries #SouthKoreaBusiness #youngCEOs

    NEWS

    • • HD Hyundai Bets Big with Unified Shipbuilding Push Against China
    • • Chung Ki-sun Nears Final Hurdle in HD Hyundai Succession — More Than a Golden Spoon?
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  • Executive Director of Hyundai Insurance

    Chung Kyung-sun

    Chung Kyung-sun is the Executive Director at Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance. He has been involved in supporting social enterprises and social ventures, and it is expected that he will accelerate the management succession process at Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance while strengthening its ESG activities, based on his prior experiences. Born on August 28, 1986, in Seoul, Chung graduated from Kyungbock High School and earned a degree in Business Administration from Korea University. He later completed an MBA at Columbia Business School in the United States. In 2012, leveraging his experience working at the Asan Nanum Foundation, a public welfare organization, he founded Root Impact, which supports social enterprises, nonprofit foundations, and social ventures. In 2014, he established the impact investment firm HGI. Since 2020, he has been a co-founder and managing partner at Silvan Group. In December 2023, Chung joined Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance as Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) and Executive Director. In August 2024, he also took on the role of Chief Risk Officer. As of 2024, Chung serves on the advisory board of Rockefeller Asset Management, is the Chair of the Board at Communitas America, and is also a board member at the Resilient Cities Network. Though known for his introverted personality, he is also praised for his strong drive and determination. #ChungKyungSun #HyundaiMarine #ESG #RootImpact #HGI #ColumbiaMBA #socialventure #impactinvestment #corporatesustainability #resilientcities #managementsuccession

    NEWS

    • • Hyundai CSO Chung Kyung-sun Champions Social Value, Unveils Child Support Plan
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  • President and CEO of SK Inc. and Head of

    Jang Yong-ho

    Jang Yong-ho is the President and CEO of SK Inc., and concurrently serves as the Head of SK Innovation. He has played a central role in leading the rebalancing efforts of both SK Group and SK Innovation, focusing on improving the financial structure and enhancing core competitiveness. He was born on April 19, 1964. After graduating from Simin High School in Daegu, he earned a degree in economics from Seoul National University. Jang began his career at Yukong, the predecessor of SK Innovation, and built most of his professional experience within SK Group’s holding company. After serving as Head of the PM2 Division at SK Inc., he was appointed President and CEO of SK Materials in 2018. In 2020, he became President and CEO of SK Siltron, and in 2024, he was appointed President and CEO of SK Inc. Jang played a leading role in SK Group’s acquisition of OCI Materials (now SK Materials), laying the groundwork for the group’s entry into the materials business. Following the acquisition, he was appointed CEO, contributing to the successful integration and stabilization of the company. He now also serves as the Head of SK Innovation and Chairman of the Board of SK On, working closely with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won to oversee the group’s overall rebalancing strategy. #SK #JangYongHo #SKInnovation #SKInc #corporateleadership #businessstrategy #SKOn #mergersandacquisitions #materialsindustry

    NEWS

    • • SK Innovation Powers Ahead with Rebalancing Amid Market Confidence