Dongkuk Steel Group Vice Chairman Jang Sewook Continues His Three-Year Tradition of Early Morning On-Site Visits

Exchanging New Year's Greetings with Frontline Workers
"We Must Not Fall Behind in the Era of AI and Humanoids"

Jang Sewook, Vice Chairman of Dongkuk Steel Group, began his first schedule of the new year at the Incheon plant once again this year. This continues his "on-site management" approach that started in 2024. In 2024, Vice Chairman Jang focused on supporting the adaptation of employees transferred to direct management, while last year, he emphasized creating an environment to help new employees adjust smoothly to the field.

Jang Sewook, Vice Chairman of Dongkuk Steel Group, visiting the Incheon plant on the 2nd and interacting with employees. Dongkuk Steel Group

Arriving at the Incheon plant around 5 a.m. on the 2nd, Vice Chairman Jang changed into work clothes at the main building and boarded a shuttle bus to visit the site. He then toured all production lines on foot, including the 120-ton steelmaking and No.1 rolling mill, as well as the 100-ton steelmaking and No.2 rolling mill, greeting frontline workers for the new year and inspecting newly introduced automated heat treatment equipment. On his way back, he stopped by the welfare center and had breakfast with the union chairman and senior staff.

On site, Vice Chairman Jang stated, "We must not fall behind the times, including the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoids," adding, "We need to take a broader perspective, such as exports, and proactively seek out new opportunities." He also emphasized the importance of the on-site work environment, saying, "There should be no differences or discrimination in welfare between workplaces, and I hope more attention is given to the taste and quality of the cafeteria food."

On the same day, Dongkuk Steel Group affiliates, including Dongkuk Steel and Dongkuk CM, also held the 2026 New Year's kick-off ceremonies at Ferrum Tower, the group's headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, as well as at regional business sites.

At the Dongkuk Steel headquarters, a brief 30-minute ceremony was held in the office at the start of the new year's workday. The "Songwon Award" was presented to outstanding individuals and teams, and President Choi Samyoung delivered his New Year's address before the first work of the year commenced. At the Incheon, Pohang, and Dangjin plants, employees gathered in auditoriums to present merit awards and celebrate the start of the new year together.

In his New Year's address, President Choi stated, "This year's management goal is not just 'recovery' but 'leap forward,'" and added, "Let us internalize 'resilience' by accurately assessing situations and responding swiftly to change." He also noted, "Digital innovation, including AI, is essential, and we must transform into an execution-focused organization rather than one centered on planning."

Dongkuk CM held a safety prayer ritual and kick-off ceremony at the Busan plant, presided over by the CEO. President Park Sanghoon delivered his New Year's address, followed by the presentation of the Songwon Award and Merit Award. At the Seoul headquarters, in celebration of the Year of the Red Horse (Byeong-o Year), employees adopted a "red" dress code and welcomed the new year with the song "Maldalija" playing. An event was also held to grant the wishes written by employees and tied to the "Wish Tree" through a raffle.

In his New Year's address, President Park said, "Rather than blaming the changing market, we must adapt and find solutions to break through," and added, "The differentiated competitiveness of Dongkuk CM will be built by each member fulfilling their role without neglecting even the smallest things."