Hanwha Chairman Seungyun Kim: "Leaping to Global Leadership... Expanding Shipbuilding and Defense Achievements Groupwide"

Emphasizing Global Leap in 73rd Anniversary Address
Urges Continued Focus on Securing Original Technologies and Safety Management
Calls for Pioneering Spirit, Warning Against Complacency

On October 9, Seungyun Kim, Chairman of Hanwha Group, marked the 73rd anniversary of the company's founding by stating, "Our goal is now global leadership," and urged, "We must become leaders in each field with a sense of responsibility as a national representative company."

Seungyun Kim, Chairman of Hanwha Group. Provided by Hanwha Group

In his anniversary address distributed to employees on this day, Chairman Kim emphasized, "A cool-headed assessment of international affairs, rapid network building, and bold local expansion are key," adding, "We need to spread the successful experiences and know-how gained in shipbuilding and defense throughout the entire group." He cited the acquisition of Philadelphia Shipyard in the United States, which laid the foundation for Korea-U.S. cooperation in shipbuilding, as well as the establishment of local subsidiaries in Europe, Australia, and the Middle East in the defense sector to expand export bases, as notable achievements.

Chairman Kim identified securing core technologies in key industries such as defense, shipbuilding, energy, and machinery as the future growth axis for Hanwha. He stated, "For a latecomer to become a leader, it is essential to secure new core technologies," and stressed the need to achieve overwhelming technological superiority in areas such as AI defense drone sensors, advanced aircraft engines, and ultra-high-efficiency renewable energy. He further remarked, "Only through challenges and dedication that are unafraid of failure can we reach core technologies," and encouraged, "Let us lead the global market with a pioneering spirit that forges new paths."

Chairman Kim also acknowledged the efforts of employees, saying, "Hanwha, which began 73 years ago with the conviction of 'business for the nation,' has now grown into a company with a market capitalization exceeding 100 trillion won, playing a pivotal role in intergovernmental negotiations." He noted, "The key to business success has been the balance between careful judgment and bold action," and warned against complacency, stating, "The moment we become complacent with our changed status and reputation and fall into routine is the beginning of a crisis." Quoting a passage from the ancient Chinese text 'Strategies of the Warring States'-'For one who travels a hundred li, ninety li is only halfway'-he urged, "We must prepare for Hanwha's next 100 and 200 years with the mindset that even after traveling ninety li of a hundred-li journey, we are only halfway there."

Meanwhile, after the Chuseok holiday, Hanwha Group affiliates plan to hold commemorative events such as long-service awards at each company, reflecting on the founding spirit of 'business for the nation.'