Kim Do-kyun has officially assumed the role of CEO of Kangwon Land, setting out a strategy centered on expanding the operator into a global integrated resort while strengthening its role in supporting the local economy.
Before his inauguration ceremony, Kim visited the Memorial Tower for Deceased Industrial Warriors in Taebaek City to pay tribute to former miners, underscoring Kangwon Land's historic ties to South Korea's former coal-mining regions.
Addressing more than 300 executives and employees, Kim described Kangwon Land as a key driver of regional economic development and said the company must turn current challenges into opportunities for long-term growth.
His management agenda is built around three priorities. The first is transforming Kangwon Land into a "global public complex resort" by accelerating the K-HIT Project, a large-scale investment program designed to develop the property into a year-round entertainment destination while balancing commercial performance with its public mission.
The second priority focuses on revitalizing the regional economy through job creation, particularly for younger workers, while strengthening the local industrial ecosystem and advancing environmental, social and governance initiatives.
Kim also pledged to modernize the company's organizational culture by promoting fair personnel practices, improving labor-management relations, prioritizing workplace safety and reinforcing gender equality.
His appointment follows shareholder approval at Kangwon Land's extraordinary general meeting on August 26, ending the company's longest CEO vacancy after operating under acting leadership since December 2023. Shareholders also approved governance-related amendments to the company's articles of incorporation, reflecting recent changes to South Korea's Commercial Act.
Kim takes over during a significant expansion phase. Kangwon Land's K-HIT plan includes a second casino scheduled to open in early 2028, adding 50 gaming tables and 250 slot machines, alongside ongoing hotel and condominium renovations.
Earlier this month, Kangwon Land also hosted an AI and data psychology symposium as part of its ongoing responsible gambling initiatives.
Kim's appointment ends Kangwon Land's longest leadership vacancy, which lasted more than two years
