Korea Zinc Chairman outlines growth plan amid management dispute

Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yun-beom has outlined a growth strategy to expand the company’s product portfolio from 20 to approximately 30 types over the next five years. This “periodic table roulette strategy” aims to reduce dependence on specific metals by diversifying into various minerals and refining waste products to secure value across the periodic table. Additionally, Choi highlighted ‘Project Crucible,’ a plan to build an integrated smelter in the United States to strengthen the global critical mineral supply chain.

Simultaneously, the ongoing management dispute between Choi and major shareholders Young Poong and MBK Partners has intensified. Young Poong and MBK Partners have accused Choi of misappropriating corporate funds for private interests, specifically alleging that hundreds of billions of won were invested in unrelated entertainment companies and a newly established holding company. The challengers claim these investments caused significant financial losses and increased debt, and they are calling for an investigation into the legality of these transactions and the immediate removal of Choi from management to normalize corporate governance.