"We Apologize Again to the Public, Shareholders and Customers": Samsung Executives Pledge 5 Trillion Won in Social Investment Over Five Years [Full Text]

[The Financial News] With the tentative wage agreement between Samsung Electronics management and labor for 2026 now finally approved, the company said it will invest a total of 5 trillion won over the next five years to build a win-win ecosystem and nurture future talent. As the labor dispute, which had escalated to the brink of a general strike, came to an end, the company appears to have unveiled measures to strengthen its social responsibility along with a public apology.
In a joint message on the 27th, the Samsung Electronics executive team said, "We deeply appreciate the interest and support of the public, shareholders, customers and employees, as well as the government's dedicated support efforts." It added, "We apologize once again for causing concern and worry over the past period."
The two sides had remained locked in an extreme standoff earlier this month, including a warning of a general strike and the collapse of post-mediation talks at the National Labor Relations Commission. But they reached a tentative agreement in a dramatic last-minute compromise. In the subsequent vote by union members, the Samsung Electronics labor union's joint bargaining team announced that the deal was finally approved with 73.7% support on the morning of the same day.
The executive team said, "This incident has led us to reflect on Samsung's management philosophies of 'Business for the Nation' and 'Talent First.'" It added, "We will deeply reflect on labor relations as well as overall management to make sure this never happens again."
It also announced plans to strengthen social responsibility, saying, "Over the next five years, we will raise a total of 5 trillion won and invest it in 'building a win-win and healthy ecosystem' and 'nurturing future talent.'" Samsung Electronics plans to use the fund to support small and medium-sized partner firms, especially second- and third-tier suppliers, establish an industrial accident fund, expand inclusive finance for vulnerable groups and small self-employed business owners, and promote university-industry cooperation and youth education to foster AI talent. The specific operating plan will be finalized after discussions by the board of directors and the Compliance Oversight Committee.
It also told employees, "We are one body, one family," and urged them to "wisely join forces and move in one direction."The following is the full message from the Samsung Electronics executive team.Samsung Electronics' wage and collective bargaining agreement has been finally settled after the union vote passed. We deeply thank the public, shareholders, customers and all employees for their interest and support, as well as the government's dedicated efforts to provide support. We apologize once again for causing concern and worry.
Through this incident, we have come to reflect on Samsung's management philosophies of 'Business for the Nation' and 'Talent First.' To ensure that something like this never happens again, we will humbly and deeply reflect on labor relations as well as overall management.
We will prepare for the future through relentless technological innovation and bold investment, and become a steadfast pillar of the South Korean economy.
We will also strengthen our social responsibility so that Samsung's growth and achievements can create a positive cycle not only for our employees but for society as a whole. Over the next five years, we will raise a total of 5 trillion won and invest it in 'building a win-win and healthy ecosystem' and 'nurturing future talent.'
For example, we are considering support for small and medium-sized partner firms, especially second- and third-tier suppliers, the creation of an industrial accident fund, expanded inclusive finance for vulnerable groups and small self-employed business owners, university-industry cooperation to foster AI talent, and youth education. The specific form of contribution will be decided after discussions by the board of directors and the Compliance Oversight Committee.
Employees, including the labor union, have also decided to actively take part in the company's decision.
Samsung will continue to think more fundamentally about what role it should play in our society, taking into account the public's expectations and standards.
Samsung employees, we are one body, one family. Let us wisely join forces and move in one direction. Let us do our best so that we can be proud to call ourselves Samsung people.
Finally, we thank the public for its unwavering love and encouragement, and we apologize once again.
Samsung Electronics executive team
soup@fnnews.com Im Subin Reporter