Unusual Reflection of the Fallen POSCO CEO Candidate: "I Will Work Hard Where Needed"

Kim Dong-seop, President of Korea National Oil Corporation, Among 6 Final Candidates
"Personally Regretful...Moved by the Efforts of the Selection Committee"

Kim Dong-seop, president of Korea National Oil Corporation and a former candidate for chairman of POSCO Group, shared his thoughts after the entire selection process was completed on the 16th. It is unusual for a candidate who was not selected to express their reflections.

Kim, who was among the six final candidates for the next chairman of POSCO Group, told Asia Economy on the day, "A few days ago, after the interview for the POSCO chairman candidate ended, the board recommended a new chairman candidate who is appropriate at this time and has excellent character and experience."

Kim said, "I was recommended by a headhunting firm and went through several evaluations. Although I was not ultimately chosen, I was deeply moved to see all the members of the nomination committee working passionately for the future of POSCO."

He added, "I have personal regrets about the outcome of this challenge, but more than myself, I am glad that the optimal leader was selected for POSCO to leap forward as a global top player."

Kim Dong-seop, President of Korea National Oil Corporation

After the announcement of the final single candidate, Kim reportedly received a message from a former CEO of a major corporation who was once an executive at POSCO. Kim said, "I feel many shortcomings. I need to work harder," and the former CEO responded, "What do you think you lack?" and countered, "Is there any candidate with as high a level of expertise and experience as you in POSCO’s core fields of steel, energy, and secondary battery materials?"

Kim expressed his willingness to nurture successors. He said, "Considering my career, it would not be surprising if I retired at any time, but if there is a place where the country or a company needs me more than my personal well-being, I will devote myself fully." Lastly, Kim said, "My hope is to cultivate juniors who are even more outstanding than myself in the position I hold."

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