KOREA WHO

Profile

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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

    • • Chung Eui-sun’s Robotics and Autonomous Driving Ambitions Hit Union Roadblock
    • • Hyundai’s First Supercar N74 Set to Debut Next Year
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  • Chairman of Samsung Electronics

    Lee Jae-yong

    Lee Jae-yong is the Chairman of Samsung Electronics. As a third-generation owner-executive, he succeeded the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee and now oversees the entire Samsung Group. He is focusing his efforts on revitalizing the struggling semiconductor division, while also spearheading the growth of four next-generation businesses identified as future growth engines: automotive electronics, robotics, medical devices, and eco-friendly HVAC systems. He was born on June 23, 1968, in Seoul, as the eldest son among one son and three daughters of the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee. He graduated from Kyungbock High School and Seoul National University with a degree in Eastern History. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Keio University in Japan and completed a doctoral program in business administration at Harvard Business School in the United States. He began his career at Samsung Electronics as a manager in the General Affairs Group. He went on to serve as Executive Vice President in charge of corporate strategy within the Corporate Planning Team, then as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Vice President, President, and eventually Vice Chairman. After his father Lee Kun-hee was hospitalized due to acute myocardial infarction, Lee Jae-yong effectively led the Samsung Group as Vice Chairman. Following his father’s passing, he formally inherited control of the conglomerate. He was convicted and imprisoned for his involvement in the political corruption scandal involving former President Park Geun-hye and Choi Soon-sil (later known as Choi Seo-won), but was released on parole. In 2022, he was granted a special presidential pardon on Liberation Day and was named Chairman of Samsung Electronics in October of the same year. Although he was acquitted in the 2025 appellate trial regarding the accounting fraud at Samsung Biologics, which was linked to the merger of Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries, the case is still ongoing as prosecutors have appealed to the Supreme Court. Lee is known for his rational and pragmatic approach to decision-making. He has a modest personality and is recognized for his approachability and communication skills. #LeeJaeYong #SamsungElectronics #SamsungGroup #semiconductor #automotiveelectronics #robotics #medicaldevices #HVAC #leadership #KoreaBusiness

    NEWS

    • • Lee Jae-yong Drives ‘New Samsung’ Beyond Lee Kun-hee’s Legacy
    • • Governance Overhaul Sparked by Samsung Biologics Rekindles Focus on Lee Jae-yong's Power Play
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  • President of Sogang University

    Sim Jong-hyeok

    Sim Jong-hyeok is the president of Sogang University. He designated 2026 as the year for implementing and expanding "Vision 2030+" and is focusing on transforming Sogang into an AI research-centered university as part of his commitment to the university's "Second Founding." Sim was born on October 17, 1955, in Seoul. He graduated from Seoul Dongsung High School and majored in mathematics and physics at Sogang University. He earned a master's degree in physics from the Graduate School of Sogang University, followed by a master's degree in pastoral theology from Weston School of Theology in the United States and a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. After being ordained as a Catholic priest, he carried out pastoral ministry at the Sacred Heart Parish in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1992, he joined Sogang University as a professor in the Department of Religious Studies. He served as dean of the Graduate School for Religious, director of the Institute for Theology, director of general affairs, director of planning, director of external affairs, university librarian, and vice president for academic affairs. After serving as dean of the graduate school, he was appointed president of Sogang University in 2021. His prospects for a second term became uncertain after he was investigated by police over allegations related to irregularities in the appointment of a distinguished professor. However, he secured a second term after being reaffirmed by the university's board of trustees. #SimJong-hyeok #SogangUniversity #AIResearch #Vision2030Plus #HigherEducation #CatholicPriest #UniversityPresident #Theology #AcademicLeadership #SouthKoreaEducation

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  • Chairman of LX Group

    Koo Bon-joon

    Koo Bon-joon is Chairman of LX Group. He also serves as CEO of LX Holdings, the group's holding company. He led LX Group, which was spun off from LG Group and launched in May 2021, to become one of South Korea's large business groups within just two years. Koo was born on December 24, 1951, in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, as the third son of Koo Ja-kyung, Honorary Chairman of LG Group. He graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in Computational Statistics and completed an MBA program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He began his career as a researcher at the Korea Development Institute (KDI) and later worked as an executive vice president at AT&T Technologies in the United States. He joined GoldStar Semiconductor as a general manager and later served as Executive Vice President of LG Chem before returning in 1997 as Vice Chairman and CEO of LG Semicon. After LG Semicon was transferred to Hyundai Group in 1999 under the semiconductor industry restructuring deal, he moved to LG LCD as CEO. At the time, he secured US$1.6 billion in foreign investment from the Netherlands' Philips to establish LG.Philips LCD. He later served at LG International before returning as Vice Chairman and CEO of LG Electronics. At LG, the holding company, he headed the New Growth Business Promotion Team, where he expanded the group's future businesses, including rechargeable batteries and automotive electronics, into profitable operations. In May 2021, he left LG and became Chairman of the newly established LX Group. He places great importance on technological competitiveness and has a strong passion for leading the market. Known for his straightforward speaking style, he pushes ahead decisively with the initiatives he believes in.

    NEWS

    • • LX Group’s 'No.1 DNA' and Chip Dream Still Distant, Koo Bon-joon Bets on Samsung Man
    • • Koo Hyung-mo, Eldest Son of Koo Bon-joon, Promoted to President; LX Group Starts Succession
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  • President and CEO of SK Biopharmaceutica

    Lee Dong-hoon

    Lee Dong-hoon is President and CEO of SK Biopharmaceuticals. He also serves as CEO of the company's U.S. subsidiaries, SK Life Science and SK Life Science Labs. He is focused on putting SK Biopharmaceuticals on a path of profitable growth by expanding U.S. sales of the epilepsy treatment cenobamate. He was born on August 12, 1968. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Seoul National University and completed an MBA program at The Ohio State University. As a certified public accountant, he worked in investment advisory services at KPMG US and Samjong KPMG. After joining Dong-A Pharmaceutical, he served as head of the Business Development Office and was appointed CEO of Dong-A Socio Holdings in 2013. He also held positions including Executive Vice President and Head of Global Business at Dong-A ST. He later joined SK Group, serving as Head of Investment Center 3 and Head of the Bio Investment Center. He led SK Group’s biotechnology investments and mergers and acquisitions, participating in the establishment of a joint venture with Roivant and investments in cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs). In December 2022, he was appointed President of SK Biopharmaceuticals and has served as CEO since March 2023. While working to develop cenobamate into the first global blockbuster drug created by South Korea’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, he is also expanding the company’s business areas into radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT), artificial intelligence (AI)-based drug development, and digital healthcare. He is regarded as an investment specialist with strong expertise in finance and business development. #SKBiopharmaceuticals #LeeDonghoon #Cenobamate #SKLifeScience #Biotechnology #PharmaceuticalIndustry #DrugDevelopment #RadiopharmaceuticalTherapy #AIHealthcare #GlobalBlockbusterDrug

    NEWS

    • • Lee Dong-hoon Drives SK Biopharm’s AI Platform to Dominate Epilepsy Care
    • • SK Biopharm Signs Technology Transfer Deal with Chinese JV for Up to KRW 79.7 Billion
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  • CEO & President of Posco International

    Lee Kye-in

    Lee Kye-in is the CEO & President of Posco International. He focuses on leading the leap from a 'comprehensive trading company' to a 'global comprehensive business company' by concentrating his capabilities after Posco Group's energy business was integrated into Posco International and he took over as CEO the following year. He was born on December 5, 1964. He graduated from Yongmoon High School in Seoul and majored in Economics at Sogang University. He also obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Sungkyunkwan University Graduate School of Business. In 1989, he joined Daewoo and held various positions in the steel trade sector, including Daewoo International Steel Team Leader, Istanbul Branch Manager, Posco Daewoo HR Support Manager, Posco International Parts & Materials Division Manager, and Steel Trade Division Manager. In 2023, he took on the role of head of the global business division overseeing all business operations after Posco International merged with Posco Energy. He is a true 'Businessman' who has been in the trading sector for 35 years. He is known for his modesty and approachability, often engaging in conversations with employees without airs.

    NEWS

    • • Lee Kye-in Drives POSCO International’s LNG Powerhouse to Record Profits
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  • Chairman and CEO of JB Financial Group

    Kim Ki-hong

    Kim Ki-hong is the Chairman and CEO of JB Financial Group. Under the vision of building a “small but strong financial group,” he has focused on qualitative growth based on profitability while expanding the group’s global operations. He was born on January 10, 1957, in Seoul. He graduated from Kyungdong High School in Seoul and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Barat College in the United States. He went on to receive a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri and a Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Georgia. He began his career as a professor in the Department of Business Administration at Chungbuk National University and served as a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute of Public Finance. He later became Director of Research Coordination at the Korea Insurance Development Institute and then served as an Assistant Governor at the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS). After returning to Chungbuk National University as a professor, he moved to KB Kookmin Bank as Senior Executive Vice President and Head of the Strategy Group. He also led the task force for establishing KB Financial Group’s holding company. He later served as CEO of Pan Asia Consulting and CEO of JB Asset Management before being appointed Chairman and CEO of JB Financial Group in 2019. Known for his bold and proactive leadership style, he has earned the nickname “Bulldozer,” yet he also places great emphasis on communication and collaboration. #JBFinancialGroup #KimKihong #banking #finance #leadership #globalstrategy #KookminBank #FSS #ChungbukNationalUniversity #KoreaFinance

    NEWS

    • • JB Financial’s Longest-Serving CEO Thrives on Earnings, But Lacks Diversification
    • • JB Financial's Kim Ki-hong Secures Third Term; Regulatory Pressure and Internal Opposition Remain Hurdles
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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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  • 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