Hanwha chairman urges AI capabilities and safety focus in 74th-anniversary address

Hanwha Group chairman Kim Seung-yeon (김승연) called for stronger AI-based technology and a focus on safety in an address marking the group's 74th anniversary. Hanwha said on October 11 that Kim had delivered the message to employees on October 9. He pointed to geopolitical disputes and rapid changes in domestic and overseas industry conditions, saying leaders needed to confront those difficulties directly. He urged the group to become a leader shaping the future in each business field, according to reports by Newsis and other Korean outlets. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]

Kim set out three leadership priorities: a sense of ownership, choosing priorities and concentrating resources, and a willingness to take on challenges. He said leaders should seek solutions rather than avoid responsibility when businesses or organizations face difficulties. He called for accurate targets and rapid deployment of capabilities amid complex international conditions and overlapping competitive and cooperative relationships. Newsis reported that he urged strategic flexibility and execution to respond to multiple risks, rather than concentrating only on short-term results. AI-based technological competitiveness was another priority. He said aerospace, finance, machinery and service businesses needed AI technology to support leadership. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]

Kim also said that no value should take precedence over safety and life, and described workplaces where employees and families could feel secure as a central leadership responsibility. Chosun Ilbo and Kyunghyang Shinmun noted that an explosion at Hanwha Aerospace's Daejeon site in June killed five workers and injured two. The reports described Hanwha's expansion from explosives into machinery, petrochemicals, finance, services, energy, defense, marine businesses and aerospace. Newsis said the group began its explosives business in 1952 and that Kim mentioned its rise this year to fifth place among Korean business groups by total assets. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]