IBK Corporate Bank Opposes KT&G Executive Appointments

News by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mar.13.2024
IBK Corporate Bank Opposes KT&G Executive Appointments
IBK Corporate Bank opposes nominations of KT&G executives, calling for better corporate governance structure with independent directors.

According to South Korean media outlet Naver, IBK Corporate Bank officially announced its opposition to the appointment of Bang Kyung-man and others recommended by the KT&G board as directors.

 

The industrial bank emphasized that as the largest shareholder of KT&G, they have put forth a shareholder proposal opposing such nominations, and are urging other shareholders to join their stance.

 

Finance industry professionals say that industrial banks hope to improve the governance structure of companies by enhancing the professionalism and independence of the board of directors. They are urging other shareholders to oppose the appointment of Bang Kyung-man and Lin Minkui, while supporting the candidate recommended by the industrial bank, Choi Dong-hwan. It is understood that these measures may be aimed at preventing Bang Kyung-man from being appointed as the representative of KT&G at the upcoming shareholders' meeting.

 

With the appointment of Bang Kyung-man, KT&G's operating profit has decreased by 20%, and issues such as overseas business trips have become a focus for the company. IBK Industrial Bank has expressed strong dissatisfaction with this and stated that KT&G's external directors were reappointed without adequately addressing market concerns, increasing the power of external directors and creating a clear conflict with the goal of increasing industrial value.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Product | JTI Expands Ploom Ecosystem as LYO Tobacco-Free Nicotine Sticks Roll Out Across Europe
Product | JTI Expands Ploom Ecosystem as LYO Tobacco-Free Nicotine Sticks Roll Out Across Europe
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) is expanding its Ploom heated product ecosystem with LYO tobacco-free nicotine sticks. Designed specifically for Ploom devices, LYO contains nicotine but no tobacco. Public information shows that the product has gradually entered several European markets, including Spain, Portugal and Germany, and was officially introduced in Romania in July 2026. The launch highlights JTI’s efforts to explore broader nicotine consumable formats beyond traditional tobacco-based sticks.
JTI
Jul.21 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Dutch NVWA Seizes Record 277,000 Illegal Vapes; Video Shows “AL FAKHER” Cartons
Dutch NVWA Seizes Record 277,000 Illegal Vapes; Video Shows “AL FAKHER” Cartons
The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, known as the NVWA, seized more than 277,000 illegal vapes near Rotterdam and nearly 150,000 boxes of nicotine pouches in Utrecht and Rotterdam, calling them the largest batches of such products it has found to date. Video footage released by the NVWA shows some cartons in the warehouse bearing the “AL FAKHER / الفاخر” name, though the agency did not identify brands.
Jul.10
JTI Research Finds 31% of UK Respondents Offered Illicit Tobacco, While 63% of Ennis Packs Lack Duty Marks
JTI Research Finds 31% of UK Respondents Offered Illicit Tobacco, While 63% of Ennis Packs Lack Duty Marks
Multiple JTI-backed studies in the UK and Ireland indicate that illicit tobacco remains visible across consumer interactions and local markets. In the UK, JTI research found that 31% of respondents said they had been offered illicit tobacco products. In Ireland’s Ennis area, a JTI-commissioned empty pack survey found that 63% of sampled cigarette packs did not carry Irish duty-paid markings. The findings come from industry research rather than official government estimates of illicit tobacco market size, but highlight continued concerns among regulators, legitimate retailers and tobacco companies over illicit trade.
Aug.19
U.S. Appeals Court Says BAT Must Face Class Action Over Cigarette Labels
U.S. Appeals Court Says BAT Must Face Class Action Over Cigarette Labels
A U.S. appeals court ruled that British American Tobacco (BAT) must continue facing a consumer class action lawsuit over cigarette labels. The ruling allows the case to proceed but does not determine that BAT violated the law or is liable for damages. The case highlights ongoing legal risks facing major tobacco companies related to product labeling, consumer disclosures and product liability claims.
Jul.31
IQOS Global Flagship Space to Open in Tokyo Ginza as PMI Expands Consumer Experience Strategy
IQOS Global Flagship Space to Open in Tokyo Ginza as PMI Expands Consumer Experience Strategy
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) announced that it will open “IQOS Flagship Ginza” in Tokyo on September 4, 2026. The location will become the first global flagship space for PMI’s IQOS brand. PMJ said the venue will target adult smokers aged 20 and above and combine product experiences, community engagement and local cultural elements. The design will incorporate Japanese natural aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship. The launch reflects PMI’s broader strategy of strengthening consumer engagement through experiential retail and brand spaces. The existing IQOS Store Ginza is scheduled to close on August 30, 2026.
Jul.21
Tobacco Companies Are Redesigning Nicotine Products. BAT Wins Three Red Dot Awards
Tobacco Companies Are Redesigning Nicotine Products. BAT Wins Three Red Dot Awards
According to BAT and the Red Dot Design Award website, BAT’s glo Hilo Plus, Vuse Pro One Box and Vuse Ultra x McLaren F1 Team Limited Edition received Red Dot recognition in the Product Design 2026 competition.BAT said the awards reflect not only the design quality of the individual products but also the development of design as a core internal capability across industrial design, user experience and sustainability. Red Dot’s product pages describe glo Hilo Plus as a two-part tobacco heater with a pen and charging case, plus a touch-sensitive AMOLED display. Vuse Pro One Box is described as a rechargeable e-cigarette with replaceable pods, USB-C charging and a switchable VapourBoost mode. Vuse Ultra x McLaren F1 Team Limited Edition brings motorsport-inspired design elements into a compact e-cigarette device and includes exchangeable batteries.
Jul.17