On Monday, April 27, 2026, Geum Jeong-ho, president and CEO of Shinhan Financial Investment, announced his participation in the “Youth Illegal Gambling Eradication Campaign Challenge,” a nationwide initiative led by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to combat the rising issue of underage involvement in unlawful online betting activities.
The campaign, launched in response to growing concerns over the rapid spread of illegal gambling platforms targeting minors through digital channels, aims to raise public awareness and promote preventive measures across sectors. Geum’s involvement follows a relay-style invitation from Park Hyun-cheol, CEO of Bukuk Securities, and he subsequently nominated Jeong Jun-ho, CEO of SK Securities, as the next participant in the chain.
According to multiple verified reports from South Korean news outlets including Yonhap News Agency, JKN News, and BizWorld, Geum emphasized the societal responsibility of financial institutions in safeguarding youth during his participation. He stated that addressing the issue requires collective action and reaffirmed Shinhan Financial Investment’s commitment to ethical corporate practices and youth protection.
The initiative reflects a broader trend among South Korea’s financial sector leaders to engage in social responsibility efforts beyond traditional business operations. By joining the police-led campaign, executives like Geum are leveraging their public influence to highlight the dangers of unregulated online gambling, particularly its impact on adolescents’ mental health, academic performance, and financial literacy.
Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has identified online gambling as an escalating concern, citing increased accessibility via smartphones and social media as key factors contributing to underage participation. The agency’s campaign seeks not only to educate young people but also to encourage parents, educators, and corporate leaders to recognize warning signs and intervene early.
Geum’s participation marks a continuation of the relay format, which has previously included leaders from various industries. Each participant is expected to publicly endorse the cause, share preventive messages, and nominate another influential figure to sustain momentum. This structure is designed to amplify reach through institutional networks and media coverage.
While specific metrics on the campaign’s reach or participation numbers were not disclosed in the verified sources, the involvement of prominent financial executives underscores a growing institutional focus on youth welfare as part of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments. Shinhan Financial Investment has not released additional details about internal policies or educational programs related to gambling prevention beyond the public statement of participation.
The next step in the relay awaits action from Jeong Jun-ho of SK Securities, whose response will determine the continuation of the chain. As of the latest verified reports, no further public announcements have been made regarding scheduled events, follow-up initiatives, or measurable outcomes tied to the campaign’s implementation.
For ongoing updates on the Youth Illegal Gambling Eradication Campaign Challenge, the public is encouraged to monitor official communications from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and participating organizations’ press releases.
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