SK Telecom has once again secured a place in the 2026 DJ BIC World Index, reinforcing its position as one of South Korea’s leading companies in environmental, social and governance (ESG) management.
The DJ BIC Index, formerly known as the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), is an annual sustainability benchmark released by S&P Global that evaluates major global corporations on long-term ESG performance and responsible business practices. The index was renamed in late 2025 as part of a broader branding transition.
For SK Telecom, this marks its 17th inclusion since first entering the global index in 2008, highlighting the company’s consistency in sustainability-related management and corporate governance.
The DJ BIC World Index is considered one of the most selective sustainability benchmarks in global capital markets. Companies are evaluated through S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), which examines not only ESG policies but also measurable targets, operational execution and real-world impact across hundreds of criteria.
Only the top 10% of companies in each industry category are included in the World Index. Among global telecommunications operators, only seven companies were selected this year, with SK Telecom remaining the sole telecom company from South Korea on the list.
Industry observers say the recognition reflects the company’s broader efforts to strengthen board-level accountability, improve climate governance and expand ESG oversight across its supply chain and operational network.
In recent years, SK Telecom has placed greater emphasis on board-centered governance. The company has strengthened participation standards for directors and expanded the role of specialized committees overseeing management transparency and corporate accountability. According to the company, all board members recorded full attendance across 17 board meetings held in 2024.
Supply chain management has also become a major focus of the company’s ESG strategy. SK Telecom said it has conducted in-depth reviews of potential ESG risks among suppliers while increasing consulting and educational support programs designed to help partner companies improve sustainability capabilities and compliance standards.
Climate response measures have similarly expanded. The company has been promoting its “2050 Net Zero” roadmap through a board-led ESG committee, with a particular focus on improving power efficiency and increasing renewable energy adoption.
Because electricity usage represents the largest portion of the company’s emissions profile, SK Telecom has been expanding renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs) while working to reduce energy consumption across network operations and facilities. The company has also widened its emissions monitoring framework to include Scope 3 emissions covering broader value-chain activities.
Workplace safety has emerged as another key area of ESG implementation. SK Telecom was recently recognized for the third consecutive year in a workplace safety partnership program jointly overseen by South Korea’s labor authorities and the national occupational safety agency.
The company has been providing field safety training, risk assessment programs and consulting support for suppliers seeking international occupational safety certifications and higher safety management ratings.
Eom Jong-hwan, head of sustainability management at SK Telecom, said the company plans to continue strengthening its sustainability management framework in line with growing expectations from both investors and customers.
The latest inclusion underscores how ESG competitiveness is increasingly becoming a strategic factor not only for corporate reputation, but also for long-term investment value and global business credibility.
