Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) President Kang Gu-young submitted his resignation on the 4th. A former Air Force officer, Kang was appointed as president of KAI in September 2022 by the Yoon Suk-yeol government.

According to KAI, Kang noted in the morning on that day that he would serve out his term until a new president is appointed. The Korea Export-Import Bank is the largest shareholder, holding 26.41% of KAI's equity.

Kang Gu-young, President of KAI, is being interviewed by the Ministry of National Defense joint coverage team at the defense exhibition LIMA 2025 held in Langkawi, Malaysia on the 21st (local time). /Courtesy of Korea Aerospace Industries

Kang's term is three years, ending in September. A KAI official explained, "Kang will maintain his term until the successor appointment is finalized. We will minimize operational gaps."

Kang is a graduate of the 30th class of the Air Force Academy and has served as the commander of the 5th Tactical Airlift Wing, the deputy chief of staff of the Air Force, and the head of the Military Support Bureau of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He has also participated in the development of domestic training aircraft such as the KT-1 and T-50 as a first-generation test pilot.

During the last presidential election, he served as the chairman of the operating committee for the "Defense Forum with the People," a group of military personnel supporting former President Yoon Suk-yeol.