Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Lee Ho-jung, CEO of SK Networks "Targeting 'Zero' Net Debt... Strengthening Core Competitiveness"

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2025-08-31 11:19:39
Updated
2025-08-31 11:19:39
Transitioning to an AI-centered business company... Accelerating financial structure improvement through the sale of non-core assets
Lee Ho-jung, CEO of SK Networks. Provided by SK Networks
Lee Ho-jung, CEO of SK Networks (left), is conversing with employees at the communication event 'Employees Ask, Leaders Answer' held on August 28. Provided by SK Networks
[Financial News] Lee Ho-jung, CEO of SK Networks, announced plans to strengthen core competitiveness and achieve a stable financial structure with 'zero' net debt.
According to SK Networks on August 31, CEO Lee held an employee communication event titled 'Employees Ask, Leaders Answer' at the headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 28th, stating, "Strengthening the 'core competitiveness' in our existing business areas is of utmost importance," and "We will achieve a stable financial structure with zero net debt and secure the industry's top level of operational capabilities." Net debt is an indicator showing the financial burden of a company, calculated by subtracting cash or deposits held by the company from the total debt that requires interest payments.
CEO Lee has been accelerating financial structure improvement by transitioning to an AI-centered business holding company and selling non-core assets such as SK Rent-a-Car and SK Electric Link (electric vehicle charging business). SK Networks' net debt on a consolidated basis decreased from 4.5 trillion won at the end of 2023 to 1.3 trillion won at the end of June this year. SK Networks' debt ratio improved significantly from 322% at the end of 2023 to 151% at the end of 2024. CEO Lee emphasized, "Actively utilizing AI to innovate the processes of the current business models and create new value is the direction SK Networks should pursue."
After listening to various opinions from employees, CEO Lee said, "Employees are the only and most important stakeholders who can ask the CEO questions at any time," and "We will consistently create opportunities to transparently share the company's direction." CEO Lee has been listening to the voices of employees through 'SKMS Day Connect Time' every month, and during the heatwave this summer, he personally visited sites such as the information and communication logistics center and Walkerhill to ensure the safety of employees.

ehcho@fnnews.com Cho Eun-hyo Reporter