Korea Iron & Steel Association Finalizes 2026 Business Plan and Budget... Expanding Youth Engagement and AI Contest

by Seo Miteum

Published 02 Apr.2026 15:11(KST)

Expansion of Programs Such as "Visiting Steel Classroom" and University Student Supporters

The Korean steel industry is set to launch this year’s public relations strategy with a focus on raising public awareness and strengthening education for future generations. This move aims to actively promote the role and value of the steel industry at a time when the industrial environment is deteriorating.

The Steel Promotion Committee of the Korea Iron and Steel Association held the 2026 board meeting on the 2nd at the association’s main conference room, attended by 10 member companies including Hyundai Steel, POSCO, and Dongkuk Steel, to finalize the business plan and budget for this year. Korea Iron and Steel Association

The Steel Promotion Committee of the Korea Iron & Steel Association announced that it held its 2026 board meeting on the 2nd at the association's main conference room, with attendance from 10 member companies including Hyundai Steel, POSCO, and Dongkuk Steel. They finalized the business plan and budget for the year.

The core objective of this plan is to broaden societal consensus on the importance of the steel industry. To this end, the committee will strengthen nationwide promotional and educational programs, while also focusing on experiential education targeting future generations.

In particular, the committee will operate an educational program called "Visiting Steel Classroom," which directly visits elementary schools to teach children about the role and necessity of steel. The intention is to enhance industry understanding and to foster a positive perception of steel from an early age.

Expanding communication with young people has also been highlighted as a major task. The existing steel video contest will be revamped into a content competition utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), and participation-based programs will be expanded through initiatives such as university student steel PR supporters.

In addition, ongoing promotional projects such as managing social media channels and creating a domestic steel industry map will continue. The committee also plans to launch a project to systematically collect content that documents the history and development of the steel industry, aiming to deepen public understanding of the field.

Jang Youngsik, Chairman of the Steel Promotion Committee, stated, "The internal and external environment surrounding the steel industry is becoming increasingly difficult," and emphasized, "Now more than ever, it is necessary to accurately communicate the importance and value of the steel industry to the public." He added, "Through continuous promotional activities, we will broaden understanding and consensus about the industry."

Meanwhile, at the board meeting held on this day, Kim Nakhong, Director of Dongkuk CM, was appointed as Vice Chairman of the Steel Promotion Committee.

The Steel Promotion Committee, established in December 1996, currently consists of 11 member companies, including Hyundai Steel, POSCO, Dongkuk Steel, Dongkuk CM, SeAH Holdings, KG Steel, and TCC Steel, and continues to carry out systematic steel industry promotion activities.