Positioning Korea

Strengthening Trust Through Governance in Uncertain Times

Yulchon LLC and SquareWell Partners are pleased to invite you to “POSITIONING KOREA: STRENGTHENING TRUST THROUGH GOVERNANCE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES.” This exclusive seminar will provide practical insights on how Korean companies can navigate evolving investor expectations in an increasingly active market, informed by first-hand perspectives of global institutional and investors, proxy advisors, governance experts.

Seminar Agenda

Opening Remarks

Yong Suk Oh, Yulchon Corporate Governance Center
Jen Sisson, International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN)
Jae Yeol Kwon, Kyung Hee University Law School

Panel #1: Regulatory Reform and Growing Investor Expectations in Korea
Korea’s regulatory environment is undergoing notable change, with the current administration introducing measures aimed at improving corporate governance standards and enhancing the market’s attractiveness to global investors. These reforms are being closely monitored by institutional investors, who continue to refine their expectations in key areas such as board oversight, capital management, and transparency-developments that are also catalysing greater involvement from investors pursuing active strategies.

This session will therefore draw on recent investor behaviour in Korea to provide practical insights on how companies can anticipate and respond to shifting investor expectations.

Jay Son Yang (Moderator), Yulchon LLC
Chai Won Lee, Life Asset Management
Namuh Rhee, Korea Corporate Governance Forum (KCGF)
Nana Li, Impax Asset Management
Seog Gu Kang, Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Panel #2: Korea’s Increasingly Active Market and Lessons from Abroad
As Korean companies advance efforts to strengthen corporate governance and deploy capital more effectively, this panel will trace how investor expectations and engagement strategies have evolved globally-and how these shifting priorities have influenced company behaviour. Panellists will also consider more contentious situations, highlighting areas where friction has emerged between investors and companies, how escalation typically unfolds, and how both sides have adapted in response.

Using selected case studies globally, panellists will explore both the successes and setbacks from other markets, drawing out practical lessons that may support Korean companies as they navigate a more active investor landscape and work to advance their own governance frameworks.

Andrew Brady (Moderator), SquareWell Partners
Chinguun Nyambat, SquareWell Partners
Hyo Seob Lee Korea Capital Markets Institute
Naoko Ueno, Glass Lewis
Ross Reverson, EOS at Federated Hermes

Panel #3: Fireside Chat: Seth Fischer & Joon Hyug Chung on Shareholder Value from Japan to Korea
In this fireside chat, Seth Fischer, CIO of Oasis Management and Joon Hyug Chung, Seoul National University Law School, will share their perspectives on how shareholder engagement is likely to evolve in Korea, drawing on lessons from their knowledge and experience in the Japanese market. The discussion will highlight the risks corporates often overlook, the red flags that attract investor attention, and practical steps companies can take to address investor concerns before they escalate into disputes. Offering candid insights from one of Asia’s leading engaged investors and academics, this session will help corporate stakeholders prepare for the next wave of shareholder engagement in Korea.