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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] KT’s labor union has filed a complaint against outside director Lee Seung-hoon and called for a sweeping overhaul of the company’s board, citing allegations of undue influence over personnel decisions and involvement in a specific overseas investment.
The KT union said on March 16 that it filed a complaint with the Jongno Police Station in Seoul against Lee, accusing him of abusing his position as an outside director to exert improper influence over appointments and to intervene in KT’s potential investment in German satellite communications firm Rivada.
The alleged charges under review include obstruction of business, breach of fiduciary duty, and attempted breach of fiduciary duty.
The union raised two main issues. First, it claims that between the second half of 2025 and January 2026, Lee attempted to influence personnel decisions by leveraging his position, including recommending specific appointments to those in charge of human resources. The union said this could constitute coercion or obstruction of business through the abuse of authority.
Second, the union alleged that Lee pressured or strongly recommended that KT invest in Rivada, suggesting potential violations of an outside director’s duty of care and raising concerns about possible financial harm to the company.
“The allegation that an outside director—who is supposed to serve as an independent overseer—intervened in personnel decisions and influenced specific investments undermines the foundation of corporate governance,” the union said.
It added that relying solely on an internal investigation would be insufficient to ensure objectivity and speed, calling for a thorough probe by law enforcement authorities.
The union urged investigative authorities to conduct a swift and comprehensive investigation and called on the company and its board to take follow-up measures.
It demanded that Lee immediately suspend his duties and cooperate with the investigation, while also calling on KT to implement broad governance reforms, including a full board reshuffle, the introduction of an outside director evaluation system, adoption of a labor director system, and strengthened compliance measures.
The union said it views the issue not as an isolated case involving an individual, but as a structural problem within the company. It added that it is considering additional legal action based on findings from the investigation and may also exercise shareholder rights going forward.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
