KT’s next CEO must be an innovator that leads AI transformation

KT CI

South Korean telecom carrier KT Corp. has entered the final stretch of its search for a new chief executive officer. The shortlist now includes Park Yoon-young, former head of KT’s enterprise division; Joo Hyung-chul, former CEO of SK communications; and Hong Won-pyo, former CEO of SK shieldus Co.

Whoever takes the helm will inherit the responsibility of charting KT’s strategy as the company pushes deeper into artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications, and data-driven businesses. This choice demands a clear priority – expertise and the capacity to innovate.

KT may be a private company, but history shows that its leadership selections have rarely been free from political influence.

Administration after administration has played a role, directly or indirectly, in the process, often resulting in ill-matched appointments, wavering leadership, delayed decisions, and shrinking investment in future growth.

That legacy makes rigorous scrutiny of this year’s finalists all the more critical. Park and Hong rose through KT’s ranks, while Joo previously served at SK telecom and took part in the presidential policy planning committee for the Lee Jae-myung administration.

All three bring substantial information and communication technology (ICT) experience.

What matters now is whether the board nomination committee can evaluate them on the criteria that count demonstrated expertise, genuine independence, and a forward-looking vision suited to the AI era.

KT stands at a moment of strategic realignment. It must evolve beyond its identity as a conventional telecom provider and position itself at the center of AI transformation. Rivals are already investing aggressively, from AI data centers to satellite communications, cloud services, and global big-tech partnerships.

KT cannot afford another spell of political turbulence or a leadership vacuum. The cost would be immediate – weakened shareholder value and a blow to the nation’s digital infrastructure competitiveness.

For that reason, the government and political leadership must stay out of the selection process entirely. Public doubts surrounding recent personnel controversies under the Lee administration only heighten the need for restraint.

KT will regain its footing as a true private enterprise only when it is liberated from political pressure. If that happens, Korea’s broader ICT sector will be far better positioned to advance.