Samsung Electronics Ranks 1st in ESG Comprehensive Evaluation Among Domestic Companies... S Grade for 2 Consecutive Years

ESG Happiness Economy Institute Evaluates Top 200 Companies by Market Capitalization
SKC, Lotte Chilsung, and KT&G Also Receive S Grade

Samsung Electronics received the highest score in the Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) evaluation conducted on the top 200 companies by market capitalization in South Korea.

Samsung Electronics Seocho Building, Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

The ESG Happy Economy Research Institute announced on the 26th that this result came from an in-depth analysis of sustainability management reports, governance reports, business reports officially released by companies last year, and data collected through government ministries and related organizations.

Samsung Electronics received the highest score of 92.3 points, earning an S grade consecutively following last year in the overall rating. SKC (91.6 points), Lotte Chilsung (90.8 points), and KT&G (90.0 points) also achieved S grades. While Samsung Electronics was the only company to receive an S grade last year, this year the number increased to four. Samsung C&T Corporation scored 89.6 points, close to an S grade, ranking 5th in the overall category.

In the comprehensive ratings by 15 industry sectors (based on the institute’s classification), Naver topped IT and semiconductors; Samsung C&T led construction and shipbuilding; Shinhan Financial Group led financial holdings; POSCO International led logistics and trade; Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance led insurance; Lotte Chilsung led food and beverages; and Kangwon Land led entertainment and professional services.

Additionally, Kakao Bank topped banking, securities, and cards; Hyundai Mobis led auto parts; Samsung Electronics led electrical and electronics; Hanwha Aerospace led specialized technology; Samsung Biologics led pharmaceuticals and bio; POSCO Holdings led non-financial holdings; Hyundai Steel led steel and machinery; and SKC led chemicals and textiles.

The overall comprehensive rating for the top 200 domestic companies by market capitalization rose from an average grade of B+ (78.1 points) last year to an early A grade (81.2 points).

Regarding this, the institute analyzed that "this result reflects an increase in companies proactively publishing sustainability management reports ahead of mandatory ESG information disclosure, as well as the quantitative and qualitative expansion of information disclosure." It also added that with the establishment of ESG committees and the active operation of working groups, ESG management has moved beyond the introduction stage and entered the diffusion stage.

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