'ESG Investment Advocate' Kim Yong-jin, Chairman of the National Pension Service

'The New Path of ESG' Published
ESG to Become a New Investment Standard

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jung] "Non-financial performance factors such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), as well as financial elements, will become key criteria for evaluating companies."

Kim Yong-jin, the CEO of the National Pension Service (NPS), published a book titled "A New Path of ESG with the National Pension Service" and has emerged as a promoter of ESG investment. Kim, who participated in writing the book, emphasized on the 20th that unlike the past when financial performance such as corporate sales and operating profits were prioritized, ESG can become a new investment standard.

Kim stated, "The corporate environment is rapidly changing due to COVID-19, and new relationships and orders based on solidarity, responsibility, and trust within the community are becoming important," adding, "The National Pension Service, which manages 860 trillion won, will take the lead in driving the flow of investment changes." He noted that major global pension funds, including BlackRock, are strengthening ESG investments, and that NPS can not only follow this trend but also lead it as one of the world's top three pension funds.

Kim said, "Expanding ESG investment by the National Pension Service aligns with the fundamental mission of the organization as the guardian of citizens' retirement assets by enhancing long-term returns and safety," and added, "I hope the newly published book will help resolve questions about NPS's ESG investments and contribute to the spread of ESG."

He explained, "ESG is an investment to enhance corporate value and strengthen intangible capital, not a cost," and said, "The National Pension Service will fulfill its role so that companies actively participate rather than avoid or be forced into it." He explained that while companies used to move due to regulations, now they should voluntarily act from an economic and investment perspective.

Kim also added that even looking at overseas cases, companies that have adopted ESG have not only reduced risks but also positively impacted financial performance. The National Pension Service plans to take the lead in revitalizing Korea's 'ESG ecosystem' through sharing ESG experience and capabilities. On the 21st, in line with the book's publication, the 'ESG Plus Forum' will be held at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido.

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