Hanwha chairman pledges AI defense push, deeper Korea-US shipbuilding ties

Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-youn/ Courtesy of Hanwha Group
SEOUL, January 02 (AJP) - South Korea's Hanwha Group is eager to strengthen its long-term competitiveness by securing core technologies in key businesses, including artificial intelligence-driven defense systems, while playing a leading role in South Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation, Chairman Kim Seung-youn said in a New Year's message on Friday.

Kim said Hanwha had spearheaded bilateral industrial cooperation symbolized by the MASGA initiative and grown into a national champion in defense and shipbuilding over the past year. He said the group is now “recognized as an essential engine for industry and society,” adding that this status carries greater responsibility.

Kim emphasized a shift toward a technology-led growth strategy.

“To secure competitiveness over the next 50 or 100 years, we must possess the foundational technologies that will shape the future in key business areas such as AI defense,” he said.

He called on Hanwha to focus on future-leading technologies across its portfolio, including defense, aerospace, maritime, energy, materials, finance, machinery and services.

By business unit, Kim urged the energy and materials divisions to respond proactively to global policy changes and ongoing restructuring in the petrochemical sector. In finance, he proposed expanding global operations by combining digital assets and artificial intelligence, while the services unit should develop new growth models through closer integration with machinery businesses, including AI-based solutions.

Kim also highlighted MASGA as a central pillar of Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation, saying Hanwha must position itself as a trusted strategic partner in global markets.

He said the initiative should be planned and executed with a sense of full responsibility, centered on the company’s U.S.-based Philly Shipyard, and that cooperation in warship and nuclear-powered submarine construction should further deepen bilateral ties.

Pointing to Hanwha Ocean’s decision to pay performance bonuses to workers at partner companies at the same rate as those for directly employed staff, he stressed that partner-company employees and local communities are integral to the group’s operations.

On safety, Kim delivered a firm message, calling it a core value for sustainable management. “Results cannot replace a life,” he said.

Kim also said Hanwha has turned a long-envisioned future into reality by entering the era of private space and establishing itself as a key player in the global defense industry. He credited employees for their continued dedication and urged them to work together to further strengthen the group.
Jeong Bo-un 기자 dkwndl@economidaily.com