SK On CEO Seokhee Lee: "Responding to Uncertainties in Additional U.S. Investments by Region"

Lee Seokhee Emphasizes Regional Approach
to U.S. Investments Amid Uncertainty
SK On Expands AI Initiatives
at Icheon Forum 2025

Seokhee Lee, President and CEO of SK On, announced on August 18 that the company is responding to additional investments in the United States by region.

Seokhee Lee, President and CEO of SK On. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Speaking to reporters ahead of his attendance at SK Group's 'Icheon Forum 2025,' held at the Grand Walkerhill in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Lee said regarding additional investment plans in the U.S., "There are uncertainties surrounding investments, so we are making sure to respond appropriately by region."

SK On currently operates two standalone plants, SK Battery America (SKBA), in the United States. In the third quarter of this year, the company is set to begin operations at the first BlueOval SK (BOSK) Kentucky plant, a joint venture with Ford. In addition, three more plants are under construction with the goal of commencing commercial operations in 2026: two BOSK plants and one joint venture plant with Hyundai Motor Company.

With a South Korea-U.S. summit scheduled for August 25, the battery industry is closely watching to see whether companies will announce further local investments, taking into account tariffs and local subsidies.

Regarding his participation in the forum, Lee commented, "Since SK On is very active in manufacturing artificial intelligence (AI), I plan to use this time to study and reflect."

Starting today, SK Group is holding the 'Icheon Forum 2025' for three days, bringing together key executives to discuss ways to strengthen each company's execution capabilities in response to the expansion of the AI ecosystem, and to enhance fundamental competitiveness.

On the opening day, more than 250 participants attended, including Chairman Chey Tae-won, Senior Vice Chairman Chey Jae-won, SK SUPEX Council Chairman Chey Chang-won, SK hynix President Kwak Noh-jung, SK Telecom President Yoo Young-sang, SK Innovation President Jang Yong-ho, as well as other major executives from SK affiliates, and experts from academia and industry.