Yang Seung-jo Takes Office as K-water President: “Semiconductor Water Supply Must Match Companies’ Timelines”

[Financial News] Yang Seung-jo, the new president of K-water, identified supplying water for major semiconductor projects as the top priority for implementing government tasks.
Yang took office as K-water’s 17th president on the 13th and said, “This is the time to fundamentally strengthen the organization across all aspects of management in response to the climate crisis and the AI transition, and to lead a transformation in water management in South Korea.”
The six management priorities he set out that day are: safeguarding people’s lives and water safety; leading the implementation of government tasks; fostering the water industry as a future growth engine; addressing polarization based on performance; strengthening public trust through safety, integrity and ESG; and creating a workplace where people grow together.
On government tasks, he stressed the timely supply of water needed by the semiconductor industry. Yang said, “With the mindset of laying the foundation for the nation’s industries for the next 100 years, do your utmost to meet companies’ timelines,” adding, “I will spare no effort to provide the support needed so that you can focus on your work.”
He plans to speed up project implementation by working with the government and businesses, drawing on his experience in reconciling stakeholders’ interests gained in the National Assembly and local governments. He will also pursue clean energy projects that use water infrastructure, including hydropower, floating solar power and hydrothermal energy.
In water safety, the focus is on establishing a water management system from a nationwide perspective and supplying water where it is needed, when it is needed. The plan is to improve efficiency and stability by developing alternative water resources, linking water supply networks and upgrading responses to algal blooms.
In the water industry, the plan is to advance digital twins, AI-powered water treatment plants and ultrapure water technology, and support the growth of climate-tech firms and unicorn companies. Yang also set out the goal of expanding nationwide the seawater desalination project launched in Daesan, South Chungcheong Province, and strengthening competitiveness in global markets.
He also said he would connect project outcomes to support for vulnerable groups and expanded access to water-related welfare. Yang said, “The boundless economic value of water will truly bear fruit only when it is used wholly to address social polarization, South Korea’s most pressing challenge.”
He will make safety and integrity core management principles and focus on securing financial soundness to provide sustainable water services. He also plans to strengthen trust and cooperation between labor and management and create a work environment where employees can exercise their expertise while balancing work and family life.
Yang said, “I will make full use of the experience and resources I have built up in the National Assembly and local governments to tackle the national challenges facing K-water.”
[email protected] Choi Ga-young Reporter