What's Happening?
Choi Chang-gul, the honorary chairman of Korea Zinc, passed away at the age of 84 due to a chronic illness. Choi was instrumental in transforming Korea Zinc into a leading global company in the non-ferrous metals industry. He joined the company at its inception in 1974 and played a pivotal role in its growth, making it the world's top comprehensive non-ferrous company. His leadership helped Korea Zinc surpass global smelters with over a century of history, despite South Korea's limited natural resources. Choi's funeral will be held at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, with Vice Chairman Lee Je-jung of Korea Zinc chairing the funeral committee.
Why It's Important?
Choi Chang-gul's contributions to Korea Zinc have had a significant impact on the global non-ferrous metals industry. Under his leadership, Korea Zinc became a benchmark in smelting fees negotiations, representing smelters worldwide. His passing marks the end of an era for the company and the industry, as he was a key figure in establishing South Korea as a major player in the global metals market. The company's continued success will depend on how it navigates the transition following Choi's death, maintaining its competitive edge in a resource-scarce environment.