Choi Tae-won Attends 'Korea-US Alliance' Research Event, Emphasizes "ESG Achievements as the Foundation of Korea-US Relations"

Choi Tae-won Attends Choi Jong-hyun Academic Institute Event Before US-ROK Summit Economic Delegation Tour
Emphasizes Importance of US-ROK Relations and ESG Management

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won is delivering a welcome speech at the conference commemorating the publication of the special joint report on the ROK-US alliance by the Commission on Northeast Asia and Korean Peninsula, established by the Choi Jong-hyun Academic Foundation and CSIS, on the 18th. (Live broadcast screen capture)

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group, stated ahead of the South Korea-U.S. summit economic delegation tour that "achieving measurable outcomes in society, environment, and public goods should form the foundation of the Korea-U.S. relationship."

On the morning of the 18th, Chairman Chey participated in a commemorative event held in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, co-hosted by the Choi Jong-hyun Academic Foundation and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) of the United States, under the theme "The Future of Northeast Asia and the Korea-U.S. Alliance." He emphasized the importance of the Korea-U.S. relationship and highlighted ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management.

This event was held to commemorate the special joint report on the Korea-U.S. alliance published after six months of project work following the launch of the "Northeast Asia-Korean Peninsula Joint Committee" by the Choi Jong-hyun Academic Foundation and CSIS. CSIS is one of the leading think tanks in the U.S., known for producing neutral and bipartisan research outcomes on various issues including international security, politics, and economics. Since 2009, it has deepened its relationship with Korea by establishing the "Korea Chair," dedicated to Korean affairs. Notably, Chairman Chey’s eldest daughter, Chey Min-jung, attracted attention in the business community by serving as a visiting researcher at CSIS in 2019. Chairman Chey attended the event in his capacity as chairman of the Choi Jong-hyun Academic Foundation.

On this day, Chairman Chey cited Professor Nye’s "Kindleberger Trap" theory, which warns that if major powers fail to properly fulfill their roles in supplying global public goods such as international security and financial stability and instead refuse to do so, national systems could collapse. He stressed, "The U.S. and China must not fall into this trap."

He added, "The U.S. administration has promised to re-engage with the world, and there is nothing more important today than this," and continued, "We also bear a shared responsibility to maintain the Korea-U.S. relationship, promote industrial and technological cooperation, and strengthen cultural ties."

He reiterated the importance of ESG management. He said, "Companies supply essential goods such as public health, infrastructure, and energy, while simultaneously being factors in carbon dioxide emissions and at the forefront of environmental protection," emphasizing, "The Earth is the ultimate public good."

He further explained, "SK defines these responsibilities through the prism of environment, society, and governance, innovating its business to optimize the footprint we leave behind," and gave the example, "SK is removing carbon from its energy portfolio and building a new hydrogen economy."

Meanwhile, Chairman Chey, who also serves as the head of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, plans to meet with various U.S. political, governmental, and business figures during the Korea-U.S. summit period to take the lead in Korea-U.S. economic diplomacy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.