Kim Sungju, Chairman of the National Pension Service, Vows to Strengthen the Stewardship Code

Strengthening Shareholder Engagement
and Enhancing Returns

Kim Sungju, Chairman of the National Pension Service, emphasized that the organization will strengthen the 'Stewardship Code' this year, encouraging institutional investors to take a more active stance. He also announced plans to improve returns and promote various institutional reforms to create a pension system that benefits everyone.

On January 2, at the Pension Hall of the headquarters, Chairman Kim held the '2026 Kick-off Ceremony' and made these points. He defined this year as a turning point for a 'pension system enjoyed by all,' and called on employees to focus on four key tasks: realizing a sustainable pension system, enhancing fund management returns while pursuing responsible investment, expanding welfare services to build a 'society with strong fundamentals,' and leading the AI transformation as well as strengthening the social role of public institutions.

In particular, regarding fund management, he announced plans to expand the 'integrated portfolio' management system to promote investment diversification, and to increase organizational capacity and personnel to the level of overseas pension funds in order to boost fund returns. Last year, the National Pension Service's fund management returns were expected to reach around 20%, marking an all-time high. The previous record was 15% in 2024.

He also urged the organization to take a more active voice as an institutional investor. He pledged to fully integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors throughout the investment process and strengthen the 'Stewardship Code,' thereby ensuring more robust stewardship responsibilities.

He further stated that the organization would strengthen its activities as a pension provider. In particular, he emphasized the importance of carefully informing the public about changes resulting from pension reforms, such as adjustments to premium rates. He also stressed that the organization should not be confined to internal matters, but should actively support government legislative initiatives such as the first pension premium support for young people and structural reforms through the establishment of a multi-layered pension system.

Additionally, he announced plans to stably operate projects such as the pilot public trust program for dementia care and the main project for integrated medical care services for people with disabilities.

Kim Sungju, Chairman of the National Pension Service, delivers a New Year's address at the opening ceremony held at the headquarters of the National Pension Service on the 2nd. National Pension Service