[Power K Woman] "Direct LNG Import and U.S. Market Entry... Became the First Female Power Plant Director Through Expertise and Performance"

Interview with Kim Hyunju, Head of New Sejong Bitdream Division at Korea Southern Power

From Administrative Role to the First Female Power Plant Director at a Public Generation Company

“Do Not Set Limits on Your Potential—Embrace New Challenges”

She did not come from a technical background handling power plant equipment. She joined a power generation public enterprise in an administrative role and built her career in the fields of power generation fuel procurement and overseas business development. She was instrumental in establishing the company’s first direct import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and led entry into new projects in the United States. Last year, she became the first female power plant director in the history of domestic power generation public enterprises.

This is the story of Kim Hyunju, Head of the New Sejong Bitdream Division at Korea Southern Power. In an industry that has traditionally had a strong male-dominated image, she has pioneered her own path by emphasizing expertise and performance over gender. Currently, she leads the New Sejong Bitdream Division, which has adopted the world’s latest gas turbines, hydrogen co-firing capable facilities, and direct LNG import systems. The role not only requires the stable supply of power and heat—the core responsibilities of a power plant—but also preparation for the forthcoming era of hydrogen co-firing. We met with Kim, who has set a new milestone as the first female power plant director at a power generation public enterprise, to hear her story of horizontal and inclusive leadership.

Hyunju Kim, Head of the New Sejong Light Dream Headquarters at Korea Southern Power, is having a commemorative photo taken at an office located in Sejong Special Self-Governing City. Korea Southern Power

-You have been appointed as the first female power plant director at a domestic power generation public enterprise. What was the first thought that came to mind when you heard the news?

▲While the title itself was significant, the very first thought I had was the heavy sense of responsibility to operate the New Sejong Bitdream Division safely and reliably. Since I developed my career as an administrative, not a technical, staff member, I felt pressure about whether I could effectively lead a combined heat and power plant, which is a key pillar in Korea’s electricity supply. However, I also resolved that I must use the experience and expertise I have accumulated thus far to manage the plant stably.

-The power generation and energy industry is still considered to have a strong male-centric culture. Have you encountered any ‘walls’ on-site?

▲It’s true that the power generation industry has a traditionally masculine image, as power production is fundamentally about equipment operation. However, the public enterprise I have worked for has long focused on ability and performance, fostering a culture that values these qualities. For this reason, I have rarely experienced significant barriers or difficulties in demonstrating my abilities simply because I am a woman. My main responsibilities have been in power generation fuel procurement and overseas business development, and in those tasks, expertise and performance were always the most important criteria. I believe the reason I was able to grow by fully demonstrating my capabilities within my given roles was thanks to this kind of environment.

-What project marked the biggest turning point in your career?

▲It was our company’s first LNG direct import project. Fuel costs account for the largest share of power plant operating expenses and have a direct impact on electricity price costs. At the time, most LNG was supplied through Korea Gas Corporation. We pursued direct import to diversify procurement channels and enhance cost competitiveness. Since it was a first for our company, everything from legal and regulatory review to global LNG market analysis was a series of challenges. The process was not easy, but the sense of achievement I felt when we finally signed the first long-term LNG purchase contract remains vivid. It was the most important turning point in my career because it was an experience where I forged a new path myself.

Kim Hyun-joo, Head of the New Sejong Bitdream Headquarters at Korea Southern Power, is posing for a commemorative photo in an office located in Sejong Special Autonomous City. Korea Southern Power

-Now that you are leading a power plant yourself, what are your top management priorities as Head of the New Sejong Bitdream Division?

▲The New Sejong Bitdream Division is a power plant with the distinction of many “firsts.” The world’s latest gas turbine has been applied here for the first time in Korea, and it is also the first gas turbine in the country capable of hydrogen co-firing. It is our company’s first direct-import LNG power plant as well as a combined heat and power plant. Since it is an eco-friendly plant incorporating state-of-the-art technology, the most important thing is to operate it with stability. With many facilities being introduced for the first time in Korea, we must be thoroughly prepared for any unforeseen variables that may arise during operation. The key goal is to leverage our expertise in each field to contribute to achieving national carbon neutrality and supplying clean energy.

-With carbon neutrality and the energy transition accelerating, the role of a power plant director is also changing. How are you preparing for the hydrogen co-firing era?

▲The New Sejong Bitdream Division is already equipped with the latest gas turbine capable of hydrogen co-firing. However, as the hydrogen supply infrastructure is not yet in place, actual hydrogen co-firing power generation has not started. Nonetheless, given the government’s carbon-free energy policies and the global shift toward energy transition, I believe hydrogen infrastructure will gradually expand. In preparation, we are developing our own roadmap and benchmarking advanced domestic and overseas examples, while also focusing on training related specialists. We are steadily preparing so that, when the hydrogen co-firing era fully arrives, we will be firmly established as Korea’s first combined heat and power plant capable of hydrogen co-firing.

-As a female leader, what aspect of leadership is most important to you when leading an organization?

▲An organization is essentially made up of people, and the best results come when each member fully plays their role. I consider myself horizontal and inclusive in leadership style. I strive to create a flexible and collaborative organizational culture where I listen to the opinions of all members and enable everyone to maximize their potential. Since the New Sejong Bitdream Division is a symbolic power plant located in Happy City Sejong, I also want to focus on building a culture where employees feel proud and enjoy their work.

-Have you noticed any changes in the company’s women’s talent development policies during your time on-site?

▲When I first joined, systems and environments for cultivating female leaders were not as well established as they are now. Today, Korea Southern Power is expanding growth opportunities for women during recruitment and promotion, and offers leadership training for female executives at both headquarters and business sites. I feel that the environment for women to fully realize their potential continues to improve. More male employees are also taking parental leave. I believe this is a positive sign that the entire organization is advancing a culture of diversity and inclusion beyond specific genders.

Kim Hyunju, Head of New Sejong Bitdream Headquarters at Korea Southern Power Co., is posing for a commemorative photo in front of the headquarters located in Sejong Special Self-Governing City. Korea Southern Power Co.

-Having experienced both overseas business and power generation operations, what trends stand out in the global energy industry?

▲Currently, the biggest trend in the global energy industry is the transition to eco-friendly energy for carbon neutrality. Power generation public enterprises are expanding renewable energy development, particularly solar and wind, and are also striving to secure stable power supply infrastructure such as LNG power generation and energy storage systems (ESS) to meet rising electricity demand from increased AI data centers. Although political factors sometimes exert influence depending on the global environment, I believe the overarching direction toward carbon neutrality will remain unchanged. The most important task is to strike a balance between stable power supply and carbon neutrality. We must advance a realistic and efficient energy transition that keeps pace with technological progress, while also considering its impact on electricity bills and the national economy.

-Do you have any personal principles for maintaining balance between demanding work and your personal life?

▲I believe stress is something everyone faces in the workplace. Even so, I try my best to manage it so it doesn't affect my personal life. I concentrate and do my utmost during work hours, but also strive to complete tasks on time and focus fully on my personal life after work. Of course, this principle is not always perfectly upheld. But I believe true balance begins by separating work and life as much as possible and being present in each area as it comes.

-What advice would you give to junior and future female leaders?

▲Compared to the past, I think that unfair discrimination or prejudice against women has greatly diminished in many organizations. In the energy and STEM fields as well, individual ability and performance are now more important than gender. If you ever encounter unfair discrimination or institutional limitations, I hope you do not hesitate to speak up. Most importantly, do not set limits on your own potential. Since everyone has equal opportunities for competition and growth, I encourage you to believe in yourself and take on new challenges.

Hyunju Kim, Head of the Shin Sejong Bitdream Division at Korea Southern Power, is taking a commemorative photo in front of the headquarters located in Sejong Special Autonomous City. Korea Southern Power

-Could you recommend a book to readers and aspiring female leaders?

▲I would recommend Douglas Adams' "The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy." From the first scene featuring aliens trying to destroy Earth, it’s a comic science fiction novel overflowing with extraordinary imagination. It’s filled with sharp satire and humor on society and humanity, and presents a fresh way of looking at the world. Even though the book was written over 40 years ago, it doesn’t feel outdated at all. It’s an easy, enjoyable read, but one that stays with you for a long time, which is why I recommend it to many people.

-Do you have a particular belief or life motto that has been your greatest source of strength?

▲There is a phrase in "Flower Place" by the poet Kusang that I love: "The seat you now consider a bed of thorns, that very place is your flower place." Everyone faces difficult situations or less-than-ideal circumstances at some point in life. But I believe that if you persevere and do your best amid those conditions, you will eventually grow—and become warmer toward those around you.

▶About Kim Hyunju, Head of the New Sejong Bitdream Division at Korea Southern Power

From 2021 to 2023, she led the establishment of Korea Southern Power’s first direct LNG import system as Head of the Clean Fuel Team in the Procurement Cooperation Division. From 2024 to May 2025, she served as Director of the Overseas Business Division, driving efforts for new U.S. business entry, among other initiatives. In recognition of her expertise and experience in future growth projects, she was appointed in 2025 as the first female power plant director at a power generation public enterprise, heading the New Sejong Bitdream Division.

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