[New Year's Message] Kwon Oh-gap, Chairman of HD Hyundai, "US Cooperation, New Opportunities"

"Need to Consider New Approaches in Shipbuilding Industry"

Kwon Oh-gap, Chairman of HD Hyundai. Photo by HD Hyundai

Chairman Kwon Oh-gap of HD Hyundai emphasized in his New Year's address on the 31st that "cooperation with the United States in the shipbuilding sector is a new opportunity that has come to us" and stressed the need to "respond calmly while seeking practical benefits."

Chairman Kwon stated, "With our experience and capabilities, we can definitely succeed in cooperation with the United States in the shipbuilding sector," and added, "We must work closely with our government to properly demonstrate the capabilities of the national representative K-shipbuilding."

He pointed out that the group's core business, shipbuilding, needs to consider new approaches different from the current ones. He said, "The boom cannot last forever, and the market can change at any time," adding, "We need to observe market conditions more calmly and rationally and build the stamina to withstand market changes." He continued, "There are many challenges such as population decline, avoidance of shipyards, and the transfer of production technology," and noted, "Some people view the growth of China's shipbuilding industry vaguely, but that is absolutely not the case."

Regarding the petrochemical, refining, and construction machinery businesses that underwent restructuring last year, Chairman Kwon said, "We reduced the number of executives and significantly downsized or adjusted the organization," and added, "Although a difficult environment is expected this year as well, I hope all employees actively implement the business plans, thinking of last year as a preventive shot."

He cited safety as the most important value for the new year. Chairman Kwon said, "My heart truly aches when I think of those who suffered unfortunate accidents last year and their bereaved families," and emphasized, "Company presidents must pay special attention to ensure there is no hesitation in investing manpower and budget in safety." He continued, "I hope you take care of the safety of partner companies as if it were our own," and urged, "I sincerely hope the company’s name will never be mentioned in connection with safety accidents, and always keep in mind the phrases hung throughout the buildings."

He also announced that the group will actively invest in new businesses for the future next year. Chairman Kwon said, "Preparation for the future will be the foundation for our group to grow for 100 or 200 years," and urged, "All employees should continue to do their best to create new value."

Meanwhile, regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster that occurred on the 29th, Chairman Kwon expressed, "I pray for the souls of those who passed away in the unexpected passenger plane accident last weekend and sincerely offer my condolences to the bereaved families."

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