Shinhan Financial’s Next Chairman Candidates Announce Their Visions: Jin Okdong on "Returning to Basics," Jung Sanghyuk on "The Future," Lee Sunhoon on "Investment"

by Kim Hye Min

Published 04 Dec.2025 10:33(KST)

Shinhan Financial Group to Decide Next Chairman on December 4

Shinhan Financial Group will confirm its next chairman candidate, who will lead the group for the next three years, on December 4. In their previously announced statements of intent, Chairman Jin Okdong emphasized "returning to the basics," President Jung Sanghyuk of Shinhan Bank highlighted "the future," and Lee Sunhoon, CEO of Shinhan Investment Corp., focused on "investment in the capital markets sector."

The Shinhan Financial Group Chairman Candidate Recommendation Committee (the Committee) began an expanded meeting at the Shinhan Financial Group headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, from the morning of December 4 to decide on the next chairman candidate.

The list of candidates for the next chairman, which was made public on November 18, includes Chairman Jin Okdong, President Jung Sanghyuk of Shinhan Bank, CEO Lee Sunhoon of Shinhan Investment Corp., and one external candidate.

Jin Okdong, Chairman of Shinhan Financial Group, is attending the individual final interview held at the Shinhan Financial Group headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 4th. Photo by Yonhap News

Among the four final candidates, the three internal candidates shared their resolutions and aspirations with the press before the interview on this day.

Chairman Jin Okdong, who appeared first at around 8:50 a.m., stated, "I intend to discuss an evaluation of the past three years, what is needed for Shinhan to continue for the next 50 or 100 years, and what my role should be." He added, "I will focus on how to return to the founding spirit from 40 years ago. I believe there is much to learn from the perspectives of other candidates as well. Sharing diverse viewpoints and having the opportunity to directly express my opinions is itself very meaningful."

Lee Sunhoon, president of Shinhan Investment Corp. and the next chairman candidate of Shinhan Financial Group, is attending the individual final interview held at the Shinhan Financial Group headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 4th. Photo by Yonhap News

Lee Sunhoon, who arrived at around 9:15 a.m., briefly stated, "I will sincerely participate in the interview." When asked about his determination as a candidate with a background in securities, he said, "As we enter a full-fledged era of investment, I plan to sincerely participate in the interview with a focus on the capital markets."

Sung Hyuk Jung, President of Shinhan Bank, is attending and speaking at the individual final interview held at the Shinhan Financial Group headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 4th. Photo by Yonhap News

Finally, President Jung Sanghyuk, who appeared at around 9:50 a.m., said, "I had my interview as a new employee in this building. I was nervous then, and now, having an interview for the chairman position, I am even more nervous." He continued, "Just as I did when I was a new employee, I will confidently and assertively explain the direction Shinhan should take going forward and the future of the financial industry in a calm manner."

Regarding Shinhan Bank's achievements, President Jung said, "I believe I have successfully continued the achievements led by my predecessors, ensuring the bank does not falter and can continue to grow." He added, "If I am appointed as chairman, I will further develop the spirit known as the 'Shinhan culture,' contribute to society, and strive to make the group more customer-centric." As the most urgent tasks for the group, he identified "productive finance and inclusive finance, as well as strengthening the competitiveness of core financial operations." He also pointed out that "digital transformation through AI technology, consumer protection, and strengthening internal controls are also very important key issues."

Meanwhile, the Committee plans to comprehensively evaluate each candidate’s achievements, capabilities, and qualifications, and, through individual presentations and interviews, select the final candidate.

The next chairman candidate is expected to be announced as early as around 12 p.m. on this day.