HK Executives and Largest Shareholder's Special Affiliates Continue Share Purchases: "Confidence in Growth"

Special parties related to the largest shareholder of HK, a leading Korean laser processing machine manufacturer, along with key executives, have been successively purchasing company shares. This trend reflects both a sense of confidence in performance growth, driven by increased demand for high-powered and large-scale laser processing machines, overseas market expansion, and the strengthening of total solution business, as well as a commitment to responsible management.

HK announced on August 10 that, over the past month, special parties related to the largest shareholder and main executives have bought approximately 140,000 company shares on the open market. The total purchase value is around 180 million won.

According to the Financial Supervisory Service's DART disclosure system, Director Gye Sumin acquired 100,000 HK shares on August 7. The purchase cost was roughly 130 million won. Director Gye is a special related party of CEO Gye Myeongjae, who is both the largest shareholder and the founder of HK.

Previously, President Park Jeongsik of HK also purchased about 40,000 company shares on July 1. In total, over the past month, special related parties of the largest shareholder and key executives together acquired 140,000 shares.

The company explained that this equity acquisition was driven by confidence in future business growth. By increasing the direct stake in the company, both the management team and the largest shareholder’s related parties are aiming to align their interests with other shareholders and reinforce a sense of responsible management.

HK independently develops and supplies industrial high-powered and large-scale laser processing machines to both domestic and overseas markets. Having maintained the top market share in Korea's laser processing sector—which was previously led by German and Japanese firms—HK has recently been expanding its business to overseas markets such as North America and Europe.

The company is also strengthening its product competitiveness. In particular, its lineup of high-powered laser processing machines capable of precisely cutting 25–50mm thick plates is accelerating the replacement of the existing plasma cutting market.

Laser processing offers advantages over plasma cutting, such as higher cutting precision and superior surface finish, and it can also reduce the number of subsequent operations required. HK notes that less dust and noise are generated, improving productivity and work environment competitiveness.

The application areas for high-powered laser processing machines are also expanding. In addition to automobiles, shipbuilding, and large plants, the machines are being used across a range of sectors from energy infrastructure to defense and military industries.

Recently, large-scale infrastructure investments in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, renewable energy facilities, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plants have further increased the likelihood of additional equipment demand. This is primarily because there is increasing need for equipment that can precisely and rapidly process thick steel plates in the construction of large-scale structures and facilities.

HK is expanding its operations beyond equipment sales by moving into a “laser processing total solution” business that integrates automated systems, software, and workflow management services.

The company aims to enhance both profitability and corporate value by pursuing horizontal expansion—broadening application industries and overseas sales—and vertical growth from equipment to automation and operational solutions.

HK also plans to intensify its overseas business efforts. The company’s vision is to identify high-powered laser processing machinery demand in key markets such as North America and Europe, while broadening its offerings of high-value-added solutions integrating automation and software, thereby transitioning from a simple equipment manufacturer into a total laser processing solution provider.

An HK official stated, "Driven by confidence in the company’s growth and a sense of responsibility in management, key executives and special parties related to the largest shareholder acquired company shares. Given the favorable environment in the downstream market, we will seize market opportunities, expand domestically and internationally, and strengthen our high-value total solutions to establish a new growth foundation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.