Um Gi-cheon, the new head of the Korea Battery Industry Association (KIBA) and president of POSCO FUTURE M, said on the 11th that "China has overtaken Korea in the battery field, but we will regain our honor by crafting a strong strategy with member corporations and materials companies, and the government."
That morning at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seocho District, Seoul, at the "2026 Korea Battery Industry Association (KIBA) board and general meeting," Um told reporters the same. The battery industry association named Um as the ninth chair at its board meeting that day. The term is three years.
Although the electric vehicle chasm (Chasm, a temporary demand lull) is lengthening, he also expressed an ambition to break through the downturn in Korea's battery industry by strengthening supply chains and fostering future industries.
Um said, "Because our cost competitiveness falls short compared with China, we must completely innovate on the process side and stake our chances on next-generation products such as all-solid-state."
In his inaugural address, Um said, "Our battery industry must evolve from a cell-centered growth stage into an organic, high-completeness value chain encompassing materials, parts, and equipment, and we will create a turning point for the industry to take off by expanding battery applications beyond electric vehicles to energy storage systems (ESS), robots, drones, and defense."
He set out four key tasks for his term: ▲ strengthening a supply chain ecosystem centered on materials, parts, and equipment ▲ enhancing supply chain competitiveness by localizing and diversifying key mineral materials ▲ establishing a culture of mutually beneficial cooperation based on trust between cell and materials corporations ▲ securing next-generation technologies and achieving AI-based manufacturing innovation.
Um said, "I extend my respect and gratitude to former chair Kim Dong-myung (president of LG Energy Solution), who led the association with outstanding insight and leadership," adding, "Under the name of K-battery, we will unite as one so the association can fully play a centripetal role for industry and solidify a firm position in the global market."