New fire protection association chief vows shift from response to prevention

Kim Ki-hwan, chairman of the Korean Fire Protection Association, speaks during his inauguration ceremony at the association's office in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of the Korean Fire Protection Association

Kim Ki-hwan, the newly appointed chairman of the Korean Fire Protection Association, pledged to shift the organization's focus from post-accident response to proactive risk management and prevention.

Speaking at his inauguration ceremony on Monday, Kim said the association should evolve into a comprehensive disaster risk management institution capable of identifying risks before accidents occur.

"Our mission is to identify risks before they materialize, prevent accidents and help build a safer society," Kim said.

"Over the past 53 years, the association has helped shape Korea's history of risk management and disaster prevention," he said. "The expertise, experience and data we have accumulated over these decades are valuable assets that only few organizations can match."

Kim pointed to growing challenges posed by climate-related disasters, electric vehicles, energy storage systems and data centers, saying rapid technological change is creating new demands for risk management.

"Change is not a choice but a reality. However, this is not a crisis, but an opportunity for us to leap forward."

The chairman also emphasized the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics in strengthening disaster prevention capabilities, pledging to transform the association into an AI- and data-driven risk management organization.

Kim said the association would seek to expand its expertise in risk assessment and prevention, while strengthening cooperation with leading international institutions.

Born in 1963, Kim previously served as CEO of KB Insurance and held several senior positions at KB Financial Group and KB Kookmin Bank, including chief risk officer and chief financial officer.

Founded in 1973, the Korean Fire Protection Association conducts fire safety inspections of large-scale commercial and industrial buildings and engages in a wide range of activities, including research into disaster prevention technologies, training programs and fire investigations.

The association has played a key role in advancing fire safety standards and risk management practices in Korea.