The late Choi Chang-geol, Honorary Chairman of Korea Zinc, passed away on the 6th due to an illness. He was 84 years old. Korea Zinc announced that Chairman Choi passed away peacefully while receiving inpatient treatment at Seoul National University Hospital. His wife, Mrs. Yoo Jung-geun, and his son, Chairman Choi Yoon-bum, were by his side at the time of his passing.

Chairman Choi was born in 1941 in Bongsan, Hwanghae Province. He participated in the management of Korea Zinc from its establishment in 1974. Under his leadership, Korea Zinc grew into the world's top comprehensive non-ferrous metals company, surpassing global smelters with histories of over 100 years within 30 years, by leading the zinc smelting industry amid Korea's resource-poor situation. Under his management, Korea Zinc secured an important position in the non-ferrous metals industry, negotiating benchmark treatment charges (TC) with the world's largest mining companies.

After the death of his father, Choi Ki-ho, co-founder of Youngpoong and Korea Zinc, in 1980, Chairman Choi led the company's growth. He is recognized as a figure who elevated Korea's smelting industry to world-class levels. Korea Zinc has now established itself as a representative company of smelters worldwide.

The funeral will be held as a company funeral for four days starting from the 7th. The funeral committee chairman will be Lee Je-jung, Vice Chairman of Korea Zinc. The funeral hall is prepared in Room 20 of the Seoul Asan Hospital Funeral Hall, and the memorial service is scheduled for 8 a.m. on the 10th. Chairman Choi's passing is regarded as a great loss to the non-ferrous metals industry.