In the first half of this year, Ryu Young-sang, the CEO of SK Telecom, received the highest compensation among the CEOs of the three major telecommunications companies, following last year's top earnings.
According to the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system on the 14th, Ryu received 2.636 billion won in compensation in the first half of this year. This is an increase of 10.75% compared to last year's first half compensation of 2.38 billion won.
The breakdown includes a salary of 770 million won, a bonus of 1.82 billion won, and employee benefits totaling 46 million won.
The salary reflects continued revenue growth in the AI sector, including AI data centers and AI transformation, as well as improved profitability due to enhanced competitiveness in the mobile communications business.
The bonuses were paid early this year based on quantitative indicators such as last year's revenue and operating profit, as well as qualitative indicators including performance on strategic tasks and leadership.
Last year, SK Telecom achieved balanced growth across its wired and wireless communications and AI business sectors, resulting in a consolidated revenue increase of 1.9% and an operating profit increase of 4.0%.
Kim Young-seob, the CEO of KT, earned a salary of 278 million won, a bonus of 1.151 billion won, and other earned income of 8 million won, totaling 1.437 billion won. KT stated that the bonuses were determined based on last year's business performance, the CEO's contributions, and internal and external management environment.
Hong Beom-sik, the CEO of LG Uplus, received a salary of 714 million won. He earned an average monthly salary of 66 million won as per the executive compensation regulations, along with a position allowance of 53 million won per month. There were no bonuses or other income in the first half.
Hwang Hyun-sik, the former CEO of LG Uplus, who retired last November, received a salary of 449 million won, a bonus of 644 million won, and retirement income of 4.453 billion won, totaling 5.552 billion won.