Korean Chaebols Must Prove Governance Value

Squarewell Partners was pleased to be featured in Chosun Ilbo in the article “Korean Chaebols Must Prove Governance Value” by Chae Je-u.

As highlighted by SquareWell Partners, shareholder activism is no longer a regional phenomenon—it is a global force reshaping how companies engage with investors. Markets are seeing rising expectations, and companies are increasingly required to demonstrate performance, transparency, and alignment with shareholder interests.

South Korea is no exception. With activism campaigns reaching 49 cases in 2024 (alongside the U.K. and Australia, according to Bloomberg data), the landscape is rapidly evolving. Policy momentum under the new administration is further accelerating the focus on shareholder returns and governance improvements.

At Squarewell Partners, we believe that offense can be the best defense. Companies that proactively anticipate shareholder expectations and engage constructively can foster a virtuous cycle—driving both corporate value and investor confidence. Aligning company and shareholder interests is not just a response strategy—it is a long-term value creation approach.

Read the full article here (in English) and here (in Korean).