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S.K. Kim

S.K. Kim

Senior Associate, MSCI Research

SK Kim’s research covers ESG in the global consumer-discretionary and industrial sectors, with a focus on labor rights and other social issues. She has published research on labor unions and #MeToo, as well as a paper analyzing the track record palm-oil producers and buyers in meeting deforestation targets. SK is also a specialist in ESG in Korea and has published a Korea ESG snapshot report, highlighting major ESG themes in the Korean market, and a thematic report on workplace safety risks in South Korea. SK holds a master’s degree in finance from Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance in Shanghai Jiaotong University and a B.A. in English language and literature from Ewha Womans University.

Research and Insights

Articles by S.K. Kim

    Assessing Biodiversity-Related Risks in APAC

    2 mins read Quick Take | Dec 8, 2023 | S.K. Kim, Jurgita Balaisyte

    As the link between biodiversity and climate change becomes increasingly apparent, companies with operations or assets in biodiversity-rich areas may find themselves under growing scrutiny. We assessed companies in APAC to identify where the risks lay.  

    Climate Infuses Proxy Strategy and South Korea Ponders 69-Hour Work Week

    Podcast | Mar 17, 2023 | S.K. Kim, Florian Sommer

    South Korea’s government has proposed a change to laws governing working hours. We look at why the proposal has not been well received by some stakeholders and what it could mean for how companies manage their workforces in future. And then we look at how shareholders’ approach to climate engagement might be changing, but also staying the same.

    Retail, Hotels and Restaurants Face Labor Challenges

    2 mins read Quick Take | Sep 30, 2022 | S.K. Kim

    Inflationary pressures and looming labor shortages might escalate two key challenges for retailers, hotels and restaurants: squeezed profit margins and rising demands for a living wage. We identify  companies that might be particularly vulnerable.

    Europe’s Dependence on Russian Gas and Online Gambling

    Podcast | Feb 18, 2022 | S.K. Kim, Elchin Mammadov

    Tensions continue to rise between Russia and Ukraine. The crisis is complicated because of the dependence of the West on Russian natural gas. We discuss how that dependence plays out and what could happen to companies’ carbon targets if Russia cuts off its supply of natural gas. Then, we discuss the proliferation of online gambling in the US.

    Regulatory Risk Rises for South Korean Employers

    5 mins read Blog | Sep 14, 2021 | S.K. Kim

    Are South Korean companies ready to deal with the country’s new workplace-safety law? Our research finds that many of those companies — often located in the machinery and metals and mining industries — are ill-prepared.

    Riding Rail Through the Floods and an Ex-con Back in the Saddle at Samsung

    Podcast | Aug 13, 2021 | Patric Kellermann, S.K. Kim

    The IPCC’s newest climate science has signaled a code red for humanity. As the specter of physical climate risk looms large, we look at how railways will need to adapt and how investors can think about the challenge. Then we break down the decision of the South Korean government to grant early parole to Samsung’s de facto leader, Lee Jae-yong.