Life Summary
Chang Sae-joo is the Chairman of Dongkuk Steel Group.

He has been working to improve profitability in the steel industry, which has been suffering from a prolonged structural downturn, while also securing a portfolio that will serve as the group’s future growth engine.

He was born on November 8, 1953, in Busan as the eldest son of Chang Sang-tae, Honorary Chairman of Dongkuk Steel.

He graduated from Seoul Joongang High School, studied at Yonsei University’s College of Science and Engineering, and later earned a degree in economics from Towson University in the United States.

After joining Dongkuk Steel, he served as head of the Incheon Steel Plant, head of the Planning and Coordination Office, head of the Management Planning Office, and head of the Sales Division.

In 1999, he was appointed President and CEO, and in 2001, he rose to the position of Chairman of Dongkuk Steel Group.

After 23 years of management experience, he became well-versed in the company’s internal affairs.

He once aggressively expanded the company’s business, but when the steel industry slumped, he faced a major crisis and was even forced to enter into a debt restructuring agreement to stabilize the company’s finances.

In 2015, he was indicted and sentenced to prison on charges including embezzlement, which forced him to step down from his position as a board director of Dongkuk Steel.

After being released on parole, he was reinstated through a special presidential pardon on Liberation Day, and he returned to management in May 2023.

He has sought to streamline management by converting the group into a holding company structure, while also laying the groundwork for a fourth-generation succession.

He has also served as Vice Chairman of the Korea Employers’ Federation (KEF) and as Vice Chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI).

He is known to be modest yet determined.

He enjoys sports, especially golf.

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