[New Year's Address] SK Chairman Choi Tae-won: "Let Us Take On the 'Seungpungpalang' Challenge in the AI Era"

Choi Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group, stated in his 2026 New Year's address, "Let us boldly ride the great winds of change brought by artificial intelligence (AI) and navigate the rough waves of the global market."

Choi Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group. Photo by Dongju Yoon

On the morning of January 1, Chairman Choi sent his New Year's message via email to all SK Group members, saying, "Let us face the coming waves with the mindset of 'Beopgochangsin'-creating new value based on the assets and values we have accumulated-and take on the challenge of 'Seungpungpalang,' or riding the winds and breaking the waves."

At the beginning of his address, Chairman Choi remarked, "Even amid an uncertain business environment, SK Group is regaining its solid fundamental strength, allowing us to run farther and faster." He expressed his gratitude for the dedication and efforts of the members who have strengthened the company’s fundamentals through portfolio rebalancing and operation improvement (O/I). He continued, "We are experiencing a turbulent period in which the global industrial landscape and business structures are being reshaped around AI. AI has already become a reality deeply embedded in our daily lives," adding, "From memory and ICT to energy solutions, batteries, and the services that connect them, the path SK has quietly walked for decades has, in the end, been a journey to prepare for today's AI era."

He further stated, "Based on the time and capabilities we have accumulated, last year we once again confirmed the global market’s strong trust in the AI semiconductor sector," and added, "We are establishing our position as a key partner in the AI ecosystem, standing shoulder to shoulder with leading global big tech companies." Chairman Choi emphasized, "The AI era has only just begun, and the future market will be incomparably larger and offer limitless opportunities. Let us move forward onto a bigger global stage with pride and confidence in our abilities."

As the driving force for SK Group to take another leap forward as a leader in the global AI ecosystem, Chairman Choi identified the 'AI Integrated Solution,' which brings together the capabilities of all member companies. He stressed that the massive innovation of AI is not a challenge for semiconductors alone, stating, "The business capabilities that SK member companies have built up over many years in energy, telecommunications, construction, and bio will serve as a strong foundation for the AI era."

Chairman Choi said that a solid foundation in existing businesses is essential for a successful AI transformation, noting, "We need the wisdom to further strengthen the essence of the businesses SK has excelled in and to layer AI-driven innovation on top of them." He proposed, "Let us create new business models, such as AI-based solutions and services, in the areas we know best and do best, thereby enhancing SK’s unique and differentiated value."

In conclusion, Chairman Choi stated, "I will strive to ensure that all members can creatively take on challenges and grow based on AI, and that their achievements lead to personal happiness." He added, "Let us work together to make 2026 a year in which our challenges bear fruit and become a source of even greater pride for all members."