43rd anniversary ceremony features joint labor-management declaration

Korea Gas Corporation President Hong Eui-rak delivers a speech at the company's 43rd anniversary ceremony at its headquarters in Dong-gu, Daegu, on Wednesday. [Korea Gas Corporation]
Korea Gas Corporation President Hong Eui-rak delivers a speech at the company's 43rd anniversary ceremony at its headquarters in Dong-gu, Daegu, on Wednesday. [Korea Gas Corporation]

Korea Gas Corporation President Hong Eui-rak has laid out a vision to transform the state energy company from a simple gas supplier into an "energy platform" spanning power, hydrogen, data, AI and global trading.

According to Korea Gas Corporation, Hong unveiled the vision Wednesday at the company's 43rd anniversary ceremony at its headquarters in Dong-gu, Daegu — just days before he marks one month in office.

Citing the surge in electricity demand driven by advances in AI, Hong said gas is no longer merely a fuel to be burned. "Gas is now the energy underpinning the stability of South Korea's power grid," he said. "Gas is electricity."

He also pledged to build a more horizontal and transparent communication culture within the organization. "I will eliminate information distortion and monopolization so that facts flow freely, raising the trust and competitiveness of the organization," he said.

Hong said the company faces pressing challenges — restoring financial health to resolve accumulated receivables and meeting carbon neutrality commitments — and called on labor and management to work together to "open a new 43 years."

At the ceremony, labor and management signed a joint declaration on cooperation, committing to work closely on the stable supply of natural gas, overcoming the financial crisis, developing new businesses and prioritizing safety in field operations.

A commendation ceremony followed, in which 20 outstanding employees who contributed to the company's development received the "Pride of Gas" award.

At his inauguration as the 19th president of Korea Gas Corporation on July 29, Hong set out his vision to "connect the future of South Korea's energy" and announced three management priorities: enhancing the standing and value of Korea Gas Corporation, establishing its role as a bridge energy provider, and remaking it as an AI-based energy platform company.

Hong graduated from Gyeseong High School in Daegu and Korea University's Department of Agricultural Economics. He previously served as a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker in the 19th and 20th National Assemblies and as deputy mayor for economic affairs of Daegu Metropolitan City.


oskymoon@heraldcorp.com