Chung Ki-sun, executive vice chairman of South Korea’s HD Hyundai Group, is spearheading a bold transformation of the shipbuilding industry through the concept of the Future of Shipyard (FOS), aiming to stay ahead of rising Chinese competition.

Combining artificial intelligence, digital twin technologies, and eco-friendly innovation, Chung’s vision centers on redefining one of Korea’s most traditional heavy industries.

Since assuming the executive title in the group’s leadership reshuffle in November 2024, Chung, still in his early 40s, has been actively pushing for organizational and technological renewal.

He was instrumental in the group’s rebranding from Hyundai Heavy Industries Group to HD Hyundai Group and has become a visible leader driving strategic change.

“Innovation technologies like AI and digital twins will help HD Hyundai secure a new level of productivity and safety,” Chung said during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos in March.

His remarks underscored the group’s ambition to reposition shipbuilding, historically seen as labor-intensive, into a future-ready, high-tech sector.

AI is seen as a critical tool in improving productivity and streamlining processes—two areas where Korea must excel to fend off rapid advances by Chinese competitors.

An HD Hyundai official noted that maintaining a technological edge over China is viewed as essential to long-term survival.

Green transition is another top priority.

With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) enforcing strict carbon regulations, shipowners are prioritizing carbon dioxide emissions and fuel efficiency when ordering new vessels.

Chung’s participation in energy and logistics councils at Davos this year highlighted HD Hyundai’s commitment to multi-fuel propulsion systems and digitalized ship operations.

His global outreach has also included CES 2024, where he delivered a keynote address emphasizing the need to transform the construction industry through advanced technology.

Despite the event’s electronics focus, Chung was invited by organizers to present his Xite Transformation vision.

He also served as co-chair of the WEF Special Meeting in Riyadh last year and promoted HD Hyundai’s green shipping technologies at Gastech 2024 in Houston.

In March, Chung visited the U.S. to meet Bill Gates, founder of nuclear energy startup TerraPower, to discuss cooperation on small modular reactors (SMRs).

He had previously led HD Hyundai’s investment deal with TerraPower. On the same trip, he met Palantir CEO Alex Karp to explore AI-powered data analytics for shipbuilding process innovation.

Known for his low-key and studious image, Chung is increasingly recognized for his emphasis on communication and modern leadership.

He commutes to the Global R&D Center (GRC) in Pangyo, Gyeonggi Province, where a casual atmosphere contrasts with the industry’s traditionally conservative culture.

New hires are reportedly comfortable enough to ask him for selfies, and Chung is frequently seen dining with junior staff and taking group photos at industry events.

He is also known to attend regular meetings that include both executives and rank-and-file employees—unusual in an industry where decision-making has historically been top-down. Observers note that this open management style reflects his upbringing in the strict Hyundai family tradition, tempered by the quieter personality of his mother, Kim Young-myung.

In November last year, Chung personally visited Ulsan’s Munsu Football Stadium to celebrate a league championship victory by Ulsan FC, a team under the group’s wing.

He watched from the general seating area and mingled with fans, offering a glimpse of a more approachable third-generation chaebol leader. His popularity is especially strong among younger employees, who see his communication-first leadership style as a generational shift.

Chung’s outreach extends beyond the workplace.

A former ROTC officer, he has reportedly sent snacks to junior military trainees and visited the U.S. Naval Academy during an overseas trip.

Industry insiders suggest that his strong sense of duty and national security awareness likely stems from his military service.

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