Home Icon Sustainability Governance Ethics Management

Governance

        Hyosung Group’s Ethics Management

        Hyosung has established the foundation for ethics management by enacting a Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice, and systematically manages and supervises ethical practices through the Board of Directors and the ESG Management Committee.
        To foster a company-wide culture of ethics management, Hyosung operates related training and engagement activities, provides channels for stakeholders to report risks both proactively and reactively, and monitors the results of actions taken on reported cases. Through this ethics management framework and activities, Hyosung aims to prevent risks, build trust, and meet stakeholder expectations.

        In order to comply with laws and ethical standards, respect our customers and employees, and fulfill our corporate roles and social responsibilities, we have established the Code of Ethics, which serves as the standard of conduct for and commitment of Hyosung Group. This Code of Ethics is the standard for the ethical value judgment and behavior of all Hyosung Group employees, as well as the standard for corporate decision-making and behavioral judgment for transparent and continuous ethics management.

        Ethics Management
        • Compliance with Laws and Regulations
        • Customer-respecting Management
        • Shareholder-oriented Management
        • Employee-respecting Management
        • Employees' Ethics Management
        • Suppliers' Shared Growth Management
        • Social Responsibility Management

        Code of Ethics

        I . Compliance with Laws and Regulations

        “We strictly comply with laws and company regulations.”



        • 1.

          We respect national policies and abide by all applicable laws and ethical standards.

        • 2.

          We comply with the management policies and regulations of the Company and fulfill our responsibilities and obligations.

        • 3.

          We adhere to all applicable laws and regulations and respect the market economy order and trading customs in all regions in which we conduct business, both domestically and internally.

        • 4.

          We do not engage in illegal insider trading or money laundering.

        II . Customer-respecting Management

        “A company exists to offer the value that can satisfy customers.”



        • 1.

          Customer trust is our top priority.

        • 2.

          We provide our customers with products and services of differentiated quality to ensure satisfaction.

        • 3.

          We strive to establish a culture of openness and fairness in our dealings with customers and to form solid partnerships.

        III . Responsibilities to Shareholders

        “We fulfill our responsibilities to become a company in which our shareholders can have confidence.”



        • 1.

          We increase shareholder and investor profits by enhancing management performance via value creation.

        • 2.

          We conduct rational and open management to gain the trust of shareholders and investors.

        • 3.

          We respect the rights of shareholders and investors and provide timely information in order to generate profitable returns.

        IV . Employee-respecting Management

        “Each of the employees is the most important asset of the company.”



        • 1.

          We respect individuality and establish a rational and effective corporate culture based on mutual trust and understanding.

        • 2.

          We create a work environment in which individuals can freely express their creativity, as well as ensure a pleasant and secure workplace.

        • 3.

          We do not tolerate discrimination based on such factors as gender, religion, disability, age, social status, national origin, ethnicity, physical conditions such as appearance, marital status, family type or status, race, color, ideology or political opinion, sexual orientation, or medical history.

        V . Employees' Ethics Management

        “All employees aim to perform their tasks in a transparent and fair manner by complying with ethics management.”



        • 1.

          Employees within the organization do not force, direct, or respond to unfair or unethical instructions.

        • 2.

          Employees are prohibited from accepting, providing, or promising cash or valuables in exchange for work or entertainment.

        • 3.

          When giving and receiving gifts from stakeholders in the course of their duties, employees comply with country-specific laws and regulations and follow the relevant company policies.

        • 4.

          Employees strive to avoid conflicts of interest between the company and customers and between customers, and in the event of a conflict, the interests of the company and customers take precedence.

        • 5.

          Employees strictly manage and protect company and customer information obtained in the course of their employment and do not use it for their own purposes.

        VI . Suppliers’ Collaborative Partnership Management

        “Suppliers are a source of competitive edge for the company, and we aim for shared growth based on transparent and fair trading with suppliers.”



        • 1.

          We evaluate whether Hyosung's human rights and environmental and social values align with the selection of and transactions with partners.

        • 2.

          We trade on a level playing field and do not engage in unfair business practices leveraging our superior position.

        • 3.

          We establish a basis for mutual growth through a variety of activities promoting partner sustainability.

        VII . Social Responsibility Management

        “A company is a member of society and must achieve harmony with society to grow.”



        • 1.

          We fulfill our societal obligations and responsibilities and strive for the common good and development through social contribution activities.

        • 2.

          We strive to be an environmentally conscious business and to earn the respect of society.

        • 3.

          In order to form a sustainable supply chain, our purchasing criteria reflect the long-term viability of partners and products, as well as the integrity of the manufacturing process.

        Hyosung Corporation Code of Ethics
        Announced: January 2, 2014

        Revised: July 28, 2023

        Code of Ethics Practice Guidelines

        I . Compliance with Laws and Regulations

        Observance of National Policies and Laws

        • 1.

          We respect national policies and avoid illegal or unlawful conduct.

        • 2.

          In our business activities, we compete on the basis of products and services with competitors in good faith and do not engage in unfair competition.

        • 3.

          We shall not obtain information in violation of applicable laws or through unethical means.

        • 4.

          Employees working abroad comply with the laws and social order of the host country so as not to impede the company's operations.

        • 5.

          We respect and comply with domestic and international market economy order, transaction customs, and laws in order to conduct legal and fair business with partners.

        • 6.

          As citizens and members of the community, we abide by the laws and regulations pertaining to the prevention of corruption, bribery, and money laundering, and we report suspicious transactions in accordance with the law.

        • 7.

          Employees are strictly prohibited from engaging in any act of embezzlement or betrayal of confidence. Employees are prohibited from engaging in acts that result in the loss of company assets, such as embezzlement of public funds, misappropriation of public funds, property leakage, or use for other purposes.

        Compliance with Company Regulations and Fundamental Business Ethics

        • 1.

          . We adhere to the company's management policies and regulations and concentrate our capabilities based on a sense of ownership and responsibility to complete assigned tasks promptly and accurately.

        • 2.

          When performing duties, we prioritize the company's interests over our own, and we are objective and logical in our approach.

        • 3.

          We do not work for others or other companies with a stake in the company, nor do we form any special relationships with them.

        • 4.

          We safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of the company's private and vital information, deliver vital information to those who require it for work, and do not distort or spread false information.

        II . Customer-respecting Management

        Transactions with Customers

        • 1.

          With customer satisfaction and trust as our top priority, we strive to provide products and services of the highest quality and adhere strictly to our promises to customers.

        • 2.

          We strive to treat customers with mutual regard and conduct reasonable and equitable transactions on an equal footing.

        • 3.

          We do not demand any form of compensation or unreasonable terms from our customers using our superior position.

        • 4.

          We do not engage in deceptive or exaggerated advertising, claims, or concealment of information, and we disclose truthfully all information that customers need to know.

        • 5.

          We take responsibility for the entire product life cycle in consideration of customer safety, beginning with the procurement of non-hazardous raw materials, components, and packaging materials, and continuing through product development, manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal.

        III . Shareholder-oriented Management

        Protection of Shareholder and Investor Interests

        • 1.

          We make every effort to generate solid profits through effective management and to increase the investment value of our shareholders through prudent investments.

        • 2.

          In accordance with accounting standards, we record and manage our financial position with honesty and precision, and we make our accounting public.

        • 3.

          We do not engage in unfair acts such as securities transactions for our own benefit or the benefit of third parties using the company's internal information.

        Protection of Shareholders’ Right to Know

        • 1.

          We provide shareholders and investors with timely, accurate, and useful information regarding the company's overall management.

        • 2.

          Through active PR and IR, we work to ensure that the value of our company is accurately assessed.

        IV . Employee-respecting Management

        Respect for Employees

        • 1.

          We respect the uniqueness of each employee, foster creativity and independence, and provide active assistance and educational opportunities for competency development.

        • 2.

          We provide our employees with equal opportunities and evaluate them fairly based on their achievements and abilities.

        • 3.

          Regarding employment, work, promotion, wages, welfare, and other forms of treatment, we do not favor or discriminate against certain employees on the basis of factors such as regional ties, family ties, school ties, gender, religion, disability, age, social status, national origin, ethnicity, physical conditions such as appearance, marital status, family type or status, race, color, ideology or political opinion, sexual orientation, or medical history.

        Creating a Sound Organizational Culture

        • 1.

          We do not engage in unethical behavior such as employee gambling, nor do we accept inappropriate money or valuables, borrow money, or offer joint guarantees.

        • 2.

          We do not engage in offensive verbal, physical, sexual, or visual conduct, and we respect the privacy of individuals.

        • 3.

          The company and its employees cultivate an active, innovative, and collaborative organizational culture in order to achieve common goals, and do not engage in actions that promote selfishness or unnecessary departmental conflict.

        • 4.

          The company endeavors to promote safety and health awareness among its employees. The company takes proactive measures to ensure the safety of employees and maintain a workplace free of accidents, injuries, natural disasters, illnesses, and contagious diseases.

        V . Employees’ Ethics Management

        Compliance with Ethics Management

        • 1.

          Supervisors shall not issue instructions to subordinates that contravene applicable laws or company regulations. Subordinates have the right to refuse such instructions, provided they present a legitimate explanation for doing so.

        • 2.

          The Company shall protect whistleblowers by safeguarding their identity and taking necessary measures to ensure that they are not subjected to unfair treatment, discrimination, or retaliation.

        Transparent and Fair Business Conduct

        • 1.

          In the performance of their duties, employees shall not engage in solicitation, lobbying, or other acts that undermine the fair execution of another employee’s duties for the purpose of securing undue benefits for themselves or others.

        • 2.

          Employees shall neither receive nor offer any valuables, bribes, entertainment, or other benefits in connection with their work, nor shall they make any such promises.

        • 3.

          Employees shall not exploit their position of authority or personal interests in ways that may create conflicts of interest between the Company and its clients or among clients themselves. Should such conflicts arise, employees shall seek and implement measures to minimize potential harm to the parties concerned.

        • 4.

          Employees shall strictly manage and safeguard any information acquired in the course of their duties concerning the Company or its clients in accordance with relevant laws and internal security regulations, and shall not disclose such information externally or use it for personal purposes

        VI . Suppliers’ Collaborative Partnership

        Pursuit of Shared Growth

        • 1.

          We maintain an attitude of mutual trust and respect with our partners in pursuit of mutually beneficial growth.

        • 2.

          We maintain productive relationships by identifying and cultivating exceptional partners.

        • 3.

          When selecting a partner and initiating and continuing a transaction, we evaluate whether it complies with the company's human rights and environmental and social values.

        • 4.

          We provide various development and growth support activities to achieve sustainable transactions with our partners, thereby laying the groundwork for mutually beneficial growth.

        • 5.

          We actively support companies in the supply chain for sustainability management and evaluate partners based on their sustainability management activities.

        Relationship with Partners

        • 1.

          We ensure that transactions with partners are conducted fairly through mutual respect and equal relationships, and we do not engage in unfair transactions that take advantage of our superior position by adequately discussing transaction conditions and procedures.

        • 2.

          We provide partners with equal opportunities in areas such as bidding and contracting, and we conduct business by signing contracts on an equal footing.

        • 3.

          We protect the physical and intellectual property rights of partners, as well as their confidential information

        VII . Social Responsibility Management

        Contribution to Social Development

        • 1.

          We respect the values of the local community at home and abroad where we operate our business and business activities, create jobs continuously, and fulfill our basic social responsibilities with integrity.

        • 2.

          As exemplary members of society, we respond to and support social needs, such as through social contribution activities.

        • 3.

          We strive to protect the environment and participate in environmental protection activities within communities.

        Social Responsibility Management

        • 1.

          We actively promote purchasing eco-friendly products in accordance with the specifics of the Green Procurement Policy.

        • 2.

          In the production process, we do not purchase raw and subsidiary materials that have issues like human rights violations and political disputes, such as conflict minerals, and we apply this principle when making a purchase from suppliers.

        Ethics Management Organization System

        Hyosung Corporation is promoting ethics management under the supervision of the Board of Directors and the ESG Management Committee. The Chief Executive Officer, who chairs the ESG Management Promotion Committee, strives to ensure that the principles of ethics management are seamlessly integrated into the Company’s business activities.

        Major ethics management activities are supervised by the Legal Compliance Team, whose members have an in-depth understanding of the organization, thereby laying the groundwork for the efficient implementation of ethics management activities.

        In addition, a person responsible for ethics management activities has been assigned to each field department to assist the Legal Compliance Team with ethics management activities, and we have developed a system to effectively manage performance.

        We appoint an independent and unaffiliated internal auditor so as to ensure comprehensive oversight of the company's overall management, from field work to office work.

        The CEOs of Hyosung, Hyosung TNC, Hyosung Heavy Industries, and Hyosung Chemical participated in the "Ethics Management CEO Pledge Ceremony" hosted by the BEST ESG Forum for three consecutive years beginning in 2020 and pledged their compliance with ethics management both internally and externally.

        Ethics Management Communication Channels

        Hyosung Ethics Management Communication Channels
        • Grievance Handling Office
        • Whistleblowing Center
        • HR Counseling Center

        Hyosung operates an HR counseling center and grievance handling room where employees can report unethical behavior and grievances, such as sexual harassment, corruption, and workplace bullying, and receive ethics counseling.

        In addition to basic in-person counseling, we also provide anonymous online counseling to protect our employees' identities. We also operate a variety of communication channels, including e-mail and postal mail.

        We have also established a reporting channel on our website where we receive reports of unethical supply-chain related behavior, such as providing money or valuables, improper solicitation, or unfair trade.

        Hyosung fosters a transparent and responsible corporate culture by strengthening the ethical awareness of all employees, promoting mutual growth with its partners, and implementing a rigorous internal audit system.

        Increasing awareness of ethics management

        All executives and employees, including contract workers at Hyosung, are familiar with the ethics management philosophy, code of ethics, and guidelines for the practice of the code of ethics when entering the company, and pledge to ethics and compliance management practice.

        Furthermore, to effectively foster ethical awareness, the Company produces promotional videos and magazine-style publications, which are distributed via the internal groupware platform. Hyosung also requires its business partners to sign the “Hyosung Partner Code of Conduct Compliance Pledge” to promote anti-corruption and ethics management practices. Through the provision of ESG management consulting for partners, the Company works to extend awareness and practice of ethics management across its supply chain.

        Ethics management training

        Ethics management training
        Activity Details Targets
        Online Training on
        Ethics Management

        ethics management, fair trade, greenwashing,
        overall human rights management

        All employees
        Ethical Practice Pledge

        Compliance with the Code of Ethics and Practice Guidelines

        Prohibition of improper solicitations and gifts

        New employees
        Training for High-Risk Tasks

        Understanding Subcontracting Act and Fair Trade Act

        Case studies of contract violations

        Procurement team

        Education on protection of trade secrets, embezzlement, bribery,
        document forgery, etc.

        Sales team
        Spreading Ethics Management
        in the Supply Chain

        Pledge to comply with the Code of Conduct

        Provision of ethical training materials

        Suppliers

        Enhancing internal monitoring and follow-up management

        • Hyosung conducts regular audits in accordance with the annual audit plan and performs ad-hoc audits in response to issues identified through internal and external reports.
        • The audit process includes comprehensive assessments across areas such as quality, technology, sales, and production, with a focus on preventing ethical violations.
        • Hyosung ensures the independence and anonymity of audit activities to minimize any unfair treatment of both auditees and whistleblowers.
        • Based on the severity of findings, appropriate measures such as warnings, disciplinary actions, or compensation claims are taken. The CEO oversees the audit results and their follow-up.
        • Improvement actions are implemented immediately following audit findings, and periodic re-evaluations are conducted to ensure similar issues do not recur.

        Description and goal

        The Compliance Program (CP) is a series of internally administered programs and systems, such as monitoring, training, and supervisory sanctions, for the company to voluntarily comply with fair trade laws and regulations.

        We aim to realize responsible management by preventing losses resulting from law violations in advance, fostering a desirable culture of competition and fair trade, and adhering to our responsibilities in the area of business ethics. Hyosung launched the CP in September 2006 and annually revises the Compliance Program Handbook, allowing employees to review the program's operational guidelines.

        By instilling compliance and ethics management among employees, we operate the CP with the goal of preventing risks associated with legal violations in advance and becoming a model business that complies with fair trade.

        CP organization and CP manager

        The Legal Compliance Team is responsible for the daily operation of the CP and strives to minimize related risks through activities such as familiarizing all employees with the program's operating guidelines, fair trade training, and monitoring.

        The compliance assistants appointed by the Board of Directors operates the CP, directly reports significant issues to the board and top management, and reports on a regular basis to the board and top management.

        Hyosung actively listens to consultations, opinions, and grievances from all internal and external stakeholders, including employees, and operates reporting channels to promote human rights protection, improve working conditions, prevent violations of laws and ethical codes, and enhance overall satisfaction.

        Matters submitted through Hyosung’s reporting channels, which involve reception, resolution, and feedback processes, are promptly addressed to ensure swift resolution.

        Inquiry Top Btn