[2025 MADEX] Hanwha Vice Chairman Dongkwan Kim: "Contributing to the National Economy with the Spirit of Business for the Nation"

Kim Heecheol, CEO of Hanwha Ocean, Stresses
"The Value of the Defense Industry Is Growing"

Dongkwan Kim, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group, attended the opening of the '2025 International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX 2025)' at BEXCO in Busan on the 28th and stated, "We are doing our utmost to contribute to the national economy with the spirit of 'business for the nation' (사업보국, meaning to serve the country through business activities)."

Vice Chairman Kim made these remarks at a 'cocktail reception' attended by over 100 people, including domestic and international military and defense industry officials, as well as foreign government delegations. He said, "Hanwha is deeply reflecting on the founding spirit of business for the nation in an increasingly competitive global business environment where competition among countries is intensifying." He added, "As a company representing Korea, we are doing our best to contribute to the national economy and to enhance the country's stature." According to the company, his comments reflect Hanwha's commitment to taking responsibility for Korea's future and becoming a company that benefits people's lives, at a time when competition for supremacy and bloc formation among countries such as the United States, China, and the European Union is intensifying across all major industries.

Dongkwan Kim, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group (third from the left in the middle row), is attending the '2025 International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX 2025)' held at BEXCO in Busan on the 28th and touring the site. (Photo by Seongpil Cho)

At the reception, Vice Chairman Kim met with high-ranking domestic and international military and defense officials and introduced Hanwha Defense's future technologies and vision. He also explained the integrated capabilities and synergy effects of the three defense companies?Hanwha Ocean, Hanwha Aerospace, and Hanwha Systems?which form the core of Hanwha's maritime defense business. Furthermore, he expressed his ambition for Hanwha to become one of the world's top 10 defense companies by 2030, based on differentiated technologies that will shape the future battlefield environment.

On this day, Hanwha presented a blueprint to lead the future of K-defense by showcasing an integrated exhibition of the three defense companies, keeping pace with the global trend toward elite and technologically advanced future military structures. At the reception, Heecheol Kim, CEO of Hanwha Ocean, quoted the ancient Roman military strategist Vegetius, saying, "If you want peace, prepare for war," and emphasized, "The value and importance of defense industry in balancing power around the world is becoming more significant than ever."

Yang Yongmo, Chief of Naval Operations, who attended the event, said, "Through Hanwha's integrated exhibition hall and reception, I could feel the synergy among the three defense companies," and added, "Just as Hanwha has greatly contributed to strengthening the Republic of Korea Navy's capabilities so far, I hope Hanwha will continue to play a key role in building a strong navy centered on manned and unmanned capabilities, artificial intelligence (AI), and force reduction in the future."

The International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition, held biennially, is the largest maritime defense industry exhibition in Korea, where visitors can see the latest naval weapon systems of the Korean military and naval and maritime defense systems from around the world all in one place. At this event, which runs until the 30th, Hanwha plans to showcase the integrated maritime power technologies of its three defense companies, including naval vessels, unmanned systems, and energy systems.