KTG Concludes 38th Annual General Meeting with Successful Agenda Approvals

On March 26, 2025, KTG Corporation held its 38th annual general meeting (AGM) at the KTG Human Development Center in Seoul, South Korea. The meeting marked a significant moment for the company as shareholders approved all items on the agenda, reflecting strong confidence in KTG's current trajectory and its governance practices.

Key Items Approved

Among the crucial agenda items discussed and ratified were the approval of financial statements and the statement of appropriation of retained earnings. Shareholders authorized a year-end dividend of KRW 4,200 per share. This additional payment, combined with the interim dividend of KRW 1,200 paid last year, brings the total annual dividend to KRW 5,400, an increase of KRW 200 from the previous year. This increment indicates KTG's commitment to delivering greater shareholder value.

Further amendments to the articles of incorporation (AoI) were also approved, refined to enhance governance standards. Among these changes were provisions clarifying the appointment process of the president and adjusting the quarterly dividend record dates to better align shareholder expectations. Notably, these amendments aim to establish a more transparent governance structure within the company.

Director Appointments

The AGM also saw the appointment of one inside and two outside directors. Sang-Hak Lee, the Chief Operating Officer, was appointed as an inside director. His leadership was recognized for effectively driving growth in both corporate and shareholder value, primarily through enhancing KTG’s core business profitability and leveraging competitive advantages.

Two outside directors, Kwan-Soo Shon and Jee-Hee Lee, were re-appointed, bringing continuity and expertise to the board. Mr. Shon, the former CEO of CJ Logistics, will also serve as a member of the audit committee, ensuring robust oversight of the company's fiscal health.

Focus on Growth and Modernization

During the meeting, CEO Kyung-Man Bang emphasized the dual objectives of enhancing profitability and accelerating growth to improve KTG's corporate value. He noted the success of expanding direct overseas operations, which significantly contributed to profitability within the global cigarette market. KTG's approach in focusing on diverse markets is aimed at reinforcing its leadership position in the industry.

Moving forward, the CEO highlighted the strategic direction of transitioning from traditional cigarette products to what he referred to as ‘Modern Products.’ This shift reflects KTG’s commitment to innovate and adapt to evolving consumer demands and market changes.

Conclusion

The 38th AGM of KTG Corporation not only reaffirmed shareholder trust through the approval of critical agenda items but also solidified the company's commitment to enhancing governance structures and shareholder returns. The forward-looking strategic initiatives presented promise to position KTG favorably in an increasingly competitive landscape. With shareholders supporting changes aimed at improving operational efficiency and corporate governance, KTG is set to navigate future market dynamics effectively.

As the company celebrates its achievements and prepares for the next fiscal year, the emphasis remains on enhancing stakeholder engagement and delivering value through strategic growth initiatives.