Korean Register Names Lee Yongsok as New Chairman

Classification society Korean Register (KR) has named Lee Yongsok as its 26th chairman and chief executive.

Lee assumed the position following an election held during an extraordinary general assembly on December 23. He brings nearly 30 years of experience at KR, having joined the organization in 1995. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of technical and leadership roles, including serving as general manager of KR’s Copenhagen office and leading the domestic business development team.

Prior to his appointment as chairman and CEO, Lee had been serving as executive vice president in charge of KR’s business division, a position he has held since 2020.

Speaking about his new role, Lee said he is stepping into leadership during a period of major transformation for the maritime industry, as decarbonization and digitalization continue to influence ship design, operational practices, and regulatory compliance.

He noted that his priorities include reinforcing KR’s responsibilities as a classification society through transparent communication, while also contributing to the long-term sustainable growth of the global maritime industry.

Lee’s three-year term will run until December 22, 2028. Headquartered in Busan, Korean Register currently provides classification services for more than 3,200 vessels, representing a total gross tonnage of approximately 90 million.