KOFIA Chairman Seo Yuseok Seeks Re-election: "The Right Leader for Beyond KOSPI 5000"

Seo Yuseok, Chairman of the Korea Financial Investment Association, is running for the 7th presidency of the association. This marks the first time in the association's history that an incumbent chairman is seeking re-election.

Seo Yuseok, Chairman of the Korea Financial Investment Association, expresses his intention to run for the 7th president of the financial association at a cafe in Yeouido, Seoul on the 17th. Photo by Yoo Hyunseok

On the 17th, at a cafe in Yeouido, Seoul, Chairman Seo held a press conference and stated, "I am the right person to lead the era beyond Korea 5000 into the era of Beyond 5000."

He emphasizes that, compared to other candidates, he can contribute more significantly to the development of the financial investment industry and the capital market. Chairman Seo highlighted, "As I promised when I took office three years ago, I have empathized with the difficulties of member companies and worked together to solve problems. Based on my expertise covering the entire financial investment industry, including securities and asset management, I have delivered tangible results for the advancement of the capital market."

He also cited his strong government relations as an advantage. He said, "During my term as chairman, I have built close relationships with financial authorities, the government, members of the National Assembly, related organizations, and key figures. With thorough logic and strong government relations, I am better equipped than anyone to address the major challenges facing our industry."

He added, "By opening the era of KOSPI 5000, I will take the lead in elevating the financial investment industry and capital market to the next level, and further, in establishing Korea as the financial hub of Asia. The next few years are a truly critical golden time in the history of Korea's capital market, and what is needed is not a change in leadership, but continuity of leadership to ensure stable execution of work."

Regarding the delayed announcement of his candidacy, he explained, "As the incumbent chairman, I could not set aside urgent current issues to start campaigning early. If I had declared my candidacy and started moving earlier, everything would have been linked to the election, making it impossible to work objectively."

He also plans to keep his election campaign separate from association activities. He said, "Today, I will sign a contract for a separate campaign office," and emphasized, "I will ensure neutrality in all matters related to the election."

Chairman Seo has not yet submitted his candidate registration documents. He plans to complete the registration process after receiving recommendation letters from member companies. The Candidate Recommendation Committee of the association has been accepting applications for the 7th presidency from the 3rd to the 19th. Afterward, the committee will finalize the shortlist of candidates through document screening and interviews by early next month.

The new chairman's term will run from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. For next year's election, Hwang Sungyeop, CEO of Shin Young Securities, and Lee Hyunseung, former CEO of KB Asset Management, have already expressed their intention to run. With Chairman Seo joining the race, the election is expected to be a three-way contest.