On the 29th, Hong Eui-rak took office as the 19th president of Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS).
In his inaugural address that day, President Hong presented a vision to "consolidation the future of Korea's energy." He then set three management directions: ▲ enhancing KOGAS's status and value ▲ establishing the role of bridge energy ▲ redesigning the company as an AI-based energy platform corporations.
Hong said, "With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the reorganization of global energy supply chains, the capacity to provide a stable energy supply now determines national competitiveness," adding, "KOGAS is not merely a corporations that imports and supplies natural gas, but a strategic public corporation that supports Korea's industries and people's lives and is responsible for national energy security."
He added, "The liquefied natural gas (LNG) value chain accumulated over decades, the nationwide supply network, and global business experience are important national asset for Korea," and said, "By restoring financial soundness and enhancing corporations value, we will further strengthen the competitiveness of Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) and solidify the foundation for future growth."
Hong outlined a plan to foster natural gas as bridge energy that complements renewable energy, promoting a balanced energy transition that delivers both energy security and carbon neutrality.
He also presented a future vision to redesign KOGAS as an energy platform corporations with AI embedded, by advancing core functions such as demand forecasting, supply chain operations, and global trading based on AI and data.
After the inauguration ceremony, Hong visited each department at headquarters to greet employees. He then visited the central control center to review the current status of natural gas supply and demand and emergency response systems in light of geopolitical risks such as the recent situation in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Hong was officially inaugurated after being appointed as the 19th president at an extraordinary shareholders' meeting of Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) on the 23rd, followed by a recommendation from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources Minister and approval by the president.
Hong graduated from the Department of Agricultural Economics at Korea University and served as a lawmaker in the 19th and 20th National Assembly and as Daegu Metropolitan City vice mayor for economic affairs. Hong's term runs for three years, from July 29, 2026, to July 28, 2029.