Sohn Kyung-shik (87), head of the Korea Enterprises Federation, whose term expires this month, was re-nominated as chairman, effectively securing a fifth consecutive term.
According to the business community on the 13th, the KEF chairmanship council held a meeting at the Westin Josun Seoul in Jung-gu on the 11th and unanimously re-nominated Sohn as chairman. Accordingly, the KEF plans to vote on the agenda for Sohn's consecutive term at a regular general meeting on the 24th. As there has been no case where a candidate recommended by the chairmanship council was rejected at the general meeting, Sohn's consecutive term is effectively confirmed.
With this, Sohn, who was first appointed KEF chairman in 2018, will lead the KEF for 10 years through 2028. The KEF chairman's term is two years, with no limit on consecutive terms. Accordingly, there were chairmen who served for extended periods before Sohn. The late Kim Yong-ju, former chairman of Jeonbang and the inaugural chairman, and the late Lee Dong-chan, honorary chairman of Kolon and the second chairman, each served as KEF chairman for 12 years and 15 years, respectively.
Sohn said at this chairmanship council meeting that he would decline a consecutive term, but corporations participating as vice chairmen were said to have earnestly asked him to stay on. A business community official said, "Given the KEF's role of handling the delicate task of labor-management coordination, it is not easy for the business community to find a suitable chairman," adding, "It was likely the best option for Sohn, who has led the KEF stably so far, to take on the role once more."
Over the past eight years, Sohn is credited with elevating the KEF from a user group specializing in labor-management relations to a comprehensive economic organization. In addition to its specialty in labor issues, the KEF has been speaking out to resolve various management difficulties such as tax systems like corporate taxes and regulations. On top of that, Sohn has personally engaged with major overseas economic organizations in countries such as Japan and China, contributing to measures to strengthen intergovernmental economic cooperation.
However, this term is expected to be even more challenging for Sohn. Starting on the 10th of next month, the "yellow envelope law (amended Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act Articles 2 and 3)" is set to take effect. Management circles are concerned that the law expands the scope of employers and the targets of labor disputes, and broadens corporations' claims for damages against striking workers. The KEF is in a situation where it must make every effort for supplementary legislation. In addition, the KEF's role is needed in areas such as changes in industrial structures due to artificial intelligence (AI) and the reduction of working hours, including a 4.5-day workweek.