Former Korail Executive Vice President Jung Wangguk Becomes SR CEO: "Do Not Be Consumed by Integration, Safety Comes First"

by Choi Seoyoon

Published 11 Feb.2026 16:24(KST)

Former Korail Executive Vice President Jung Wangguk officially took office as CEO of SR, the operator of the Suseo High-Speed Railway (SRT), on the 11th. A former Korail executive has thus been appointed to SR at a time when discussions on railway integration between Korail and SR are entering full swing.

SR announced that it held an inauguration ceremony for CEO Jung Wangguk at its headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the same day. CEO Jung expressed his aspirations, saying, "As the president of SR, which has been responsible for one pillar of Korea's high-speed rail, I will play an active role in ensuring that SR's policies to date become the standard for railway operations."

Jung Wangguk, the newly appointed CEO of SR, delivers an inaugural address at the inauguration ceremony held at the company's headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 11th. SR

In his inaugural address, CEO Jung presented three management tasks: realizing "flawless safety" that places safety above all other values; implementing user-centered railway management through service innovation that customers can tangibly experience; and securing future growth engines.

Regarding the discussions on railway integration with Korail, CEO Jung stressed, "We must not become so absorbed in integration talks driven by the government's roadmap that we lose sight of what we need to do or neglect our day-to-day work," adding, "Above all, safety is the top value we must uphold."

He also said, "Due to the prolonged vacancy in the top leadership position, pending issues have been at a standstill, and I will take responsible action to address them one by one, starting with the most urgent matters," and added, "By embracing proactive thinking and a forward-looking attitude that do not fear change, we will take on the challenge together and turn the task of 'railway integration' into a process that innovates Korea's railway services and allows our employees' capabilities to be demonstrated on a broader stage."

After the inauguration ceremony, CEO Jung visited Suseo Station, the crew center, the driver training center, and the rolling stock center to inspect train operations and encourage employees on duty.

CEO Jung began his public service career at the then Railroad Administration in 1983 and went on to serve as Head of Management Innovation Office, Head of Jeonnam Regional Headquarters, Head of Planning and Coordination Office, Chief Audit Executive, and Head of Management Innovation Division at Korea Railroad Corporation. He then served as Korail Executive Vice President for three years from June 2019 to June 2022. Afterward, he worked as a professor in the Department of Railway Management at Woosong University before being appointed this time as the head of SR.