Park Jae-hyun, CEO of Hanmi Pharmaceutical, said he will step down from the top post when his term ends.
Park said in a statement on the 12th, "I intend to step down as CEO of Hanmi Pharmaceutical at the end of this term."
Referring to the statement recently released by Song Young-sook, chair of Hanmi Group, Park said he felt "overwhelmed by the weight of the remarks that emphasized the 'Im Seong-gi spirit,' Hanmi's identity, and the principles of the next-generation Hanmi management system."
Park explained that he understands Song's message as "a reaffirmation of the principle that Hanmi Pharmaceutical should move forward through professional managers based on the 'Im Seong-gi spirit.'"
He added, "I do not think the professional manager has to be me," and said, "As long as the principle called the Im Seong-gi spirit does not waver, I am confident Hanmi's direction can move straight ahead."
However, regarding recent expressions of support for him, he said, "I hope our small resistance and outcry has become a small grain that sounds the alarm on the importance of preserving the 'Im Seong-gi spirit.'"
He also asked the major shareholder and the board, "The management philosophy and direction may differ, but please join forces to protect the values of the 'Im Seong-gi spirit' and 'quality management,' which are the foundation of Hanmi."
In particular, he added, "Please ensure there is no disadvantage to executives and employees for having supported me," and said, "I will take full responsibility."
Park stressed, "The Im Seong-gi spirit is the core value that has led Hanmi Pharmaceutical, which represents Korea's pharmaceutical industry," adding, "It is the springboard for leaping forward as a global pharmaceutical company centered on R&D (research and development) and the foundation of 'pharmaceutical service to the nation.'"