On April 1, 2026, the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) took a decisive step toward reinforcing personal information protection by officially launching the 'KEPCO Personal Information Protection Council' at its headquarters in Naju, Jeollanam-do. This move, widely reported by outlets such as Enews Today, Newsis, and Business Post, signals a significant shift in how the energy giant approaches the challenges of data security and customer privacy in an era defined by rapid digital transformation and the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI).
The newly established council is more than just a symbolic gesture. It is a comprehensive governance body, chaired by KEPCO’s Vice President of Management, An Jung-eun, and includes key leaders from both the company’s headquarters and its various business sites. What sets this council apart is its collaborative structure: not only does it draw on internal expertise, but it also incorporates the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) as an external advisory institution. This partnership, as highlighted by Pinpoint News and Energy Daily, is designed to bolster both the objectivity and the professionalism of KEPCO’s data protection efforts.
So, why now? The timing is no accident. The energy industry, like so many others, is undergoing a digital revolution. AI technologies are transforming everything from grid management to customer service. But with this transformation comes new risks—especially when it comes to the handling of vast amounts of personal and energy usage data. As Startup Today noted, recent high-profile data breaches at public institutions have made the public and regulatory bodies alike acutely aware of the dangers posed by inadequate data protection. For KEPCO, a company that sits at the heart of South Korea’s infrastructure, the stakes could not be higher.
The council’s mandate is both broad and deep. It will function as a “control tower,” overseeing the formulation of personal information protection policies, the prevention and response to data leakage incidents, the assessment of potential impacts, and the supervision of both internal and contractor compliance. Three specialized subcommittees have been established to focus on practical, field-oriented issues: personal information policy, cooperation with contractors, and response to leakage incidents. This structure, according to Business Post and White Paper, is intended to create a robust, hands-on protection system that can adapt to emerging threats in real time.
One of the council’s key responsibilities is fostering a company-wide culture of security awareness. To this end, KEPCO has announced a series of initiatives aimed at raising the profile of personal information protection among its employees. These include regular campaigns, periodic inspections, and tailored educational programs designed to ensure that every staff member—regardless of their role—understands the importance of data security. As Energy Daily reported, these efforts are not limited to KEPCO’s own workforce; they extend to contractors and external partners as well, ensuring a unified front against potential data breaches.
Vice President An Jung-eun, who has emerged as the public face of this initiative, has been unequivocal in his messaging. In a statement echoed across multiple news outlets, he declared, “Personal information protection is as important as the value of data itself. We will build a world-class protection system so that customers can use electricity services with peace of mind.” This sentiment reflects a broader recognition that trust is now a key competitive advantage in the utility sector. Customers expect not only reliable service, but also assurance that their personal details are handled with the utmost care.
The involvement of KISA as an external advisor is particularly noteworthy. As Newsis and Pinpoint News explained, KISA’s participation is intended to provide an independent layer of oversight and bring cutting-edge expertise to the table. This is especially important in the context of AI and digital transformation, where the risks are constantly evolving and require sophisticated, up-to-date responses.
The council’s work is not occurring in a vacuum. Across South Korea and beyond, regulators are tightening oversight of data practices, and public institutions are under increasing pressure to demonstrate their commitment to privacy. The establishment of the council can be seen as both a proactive response to these external pressures and a genuine effort to lead by example within the industry. As Startup Today observed, KEPCO’s move is part of a broader trend in which major public entities are prioritizing information security as a core management value.
Looking ahead, KEPCO has pledged to continue making personal information protection a central pillar of its corporate governance. The company plans to integrate these principles into every aspect of its operations, from the design of new digital services to the management of its vast energy data resources. This holistic approach is intended not only to prevent incidents, but to cultivate a sustainable, trust-based relationship with the public.
It’s worth noting that this initiative comes at a time when the energy sector is under intense scrutiny for both its technological ambitions and its social responsibilities. As AI and big data become integral to the management of national infrastructure, the potential consequences of a data breach grow ever more serious. KEPCO’s decision to treat personal information protection as a “core management value” is a clear signal that the company intends to meet these challenges head-on.
Ultimately, the launch of the KEPCO Personal Information Protection Council represents a significant milestone in the evolution of data governance within South Korea’s public sector. By combining internal leadership, external expertise, and a company-wide commitment to security, KEPCO is aiming not just to comply with regulations, but to set a new standard for trust and responsibility in the digital age. As Vice President An Jung-eun put it, “We will continue to fulfill our responsibilities as a trusted public institution.”
With these measures in place, KEPCO hopes to reassure its millions of customers that their personal data is in safe hands, even as the energy landscape continues to change at breakneck speed.