Chairman Chey Tae-won: "Receiving a 5000% Bonus Doesn't Necessarily Bring Happiness"

[Financial News] Amidst the conflict over bonus scale between SK Hynix labor and management, Chairman Chey Tae-won of SK Group expressed the opinion that "even if bonuses increase to 5000%, it does not necessarily bring happiness."
Chairman Chey stated on the 20th at the Icheon Forum's 'Wise SK Life' corner held at the SK Seorin Building Supex Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul, "I heard that some employees are not satisfied even with a 1700% bonus, but even if it increases to 5000%, it does not necessarily bring happiness." This remark seems to take into account the recent conflict between SK Hynix labor and management over bonus payment rates. SK Hynix labor and management have held a total of 10 wage negotiations from May to last month but have not found a point of agreement. The management has proposed raising the payment rate from the current 1000% to 1700%, but the union is demanding bonuses without an upper limit.
Chairman Chey said, "Although SK Hynix has risen to become the No.1 semiconductor company, uncertainties still exist." This is interpreted as a reminder to keep in mind competitors' pursuits and changes in market trends.
Chairman Chey also shared his views on the management philosophy of 'happiness management.' He said, "We must prepare and design to accept happiness together," and "happiness is not something someone creates, but something we must create together to make it bigger." He also emphasized, "Although happiness standards vary from person to person, there is a common part," and "SK pursues enhancing the common happiness that everyone feels together."
Meanwhile, SK Group held the 'Icheon Forum 2025,' a representative change-driving platform, for three days starting from the 18th. Major group executives and members, including Chairman Chey, Senior Vice Chairman Chey Jae-won, and Supex Pursuit Council Chairman Chey Chang-won, attended the forum held on the first day, the 18th, at the Grand Walkerhill Seoul in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, with the agenda of 'AI and Digital Transformation.'
ehcho@fnnews.com Eunhyo Cho Reporter