The future of Choi Chang-won, chairman of the SK Supex Pursuit Council, SK Group's top-level council, has become a focus of attention, with speculation emerging that he may change in the fall. Attention is centered on the future of his role in leading financial improvements and the group's shift in management strategy toward expanding its AI business.
As SK Group pursues the expansion of its AI business, speculation has spread over the future of Choi Chang-won, chairman of the SK Supex Pursuit Council, SK Group's top-level council. While there is a view that his role in leading improvements to the group's financial structure has effectively entered its final stage, others expect him to leave because of the poor performance of the group's core businesses.
Reports said on the 24th that speculation over a change in the fall had been raised internally, with a view that he could leave as early as around September. At present, however, the prevailing view is that he will remain chairman through the year-end and New Year period. The shift in management policy from austerity to expansion has come against the backdrop of growth in the AI market.
The structural reorganization pursued by Chairman Choi immediately after taking office included business restructuring through mergers and sales. Some have also pointed to a leadership vacuum among the group's owners. There is speculation that the new organization will appoint someone capable of swiftly executing business expansion.
Meanwhile, the deterioration in the performance of SK Discovery's subsidiaries, which was driven by Chairman Choi, is also affecting the decision over his future. SK Discovery has a high equity stake, but the earnings of its core affiliates have continued to deteriorate, becoming a factor supporting discussions on a new organization.