Korea Times reports that Ryu announced his company's decision during a press conference held on the sidelines of the CEO Summer Forum 2026 for the Federation of Korean Industries. The executive explained that Poongsan had discussed whether it could value its defense arm but chose not to sell at least for now. At the heart of this choice was the positive trend of the business unit.

Ryu stated that the strong profitability of the military activities was the reason for conserving them within the group. The idea of valuation did not translate into an announcement of a process of dismissal. Poongsan is identified as Korea's main producer of arms.

This has led to repeated speculation about possible sales in the past. Periodically, voices have returned while results improved in the defense sector, supported by international demand growth. The Korea Times connects the increase in profit margins to heightened geopolitical tensions and increased global military spending.

However, no data were provided regarding revenue, profits or attributed values to the activities. No buyers or parties involved in previous valuations were mentioned either. A strategy illustrated by Ryu involves using the generated profits from the defense segment to finance new initiatives in the services sector.

The goal declared was to support local economies through investments made outside Seoul's metropolitan area. Projects considered include golf course construction and hotels. Ryu described these projects as part of a plan aimed at developing locally and generating revenues in areas where the company sees unutilized space.

The president presented this setup as an alternative to selling munitions: profits from the defense would be reinvested to create new businesses and contribute to regional development. He also linked the project to his desire to realize initiatives which his father, who passed away today, could never bring forward. The statement intervenes during favorable times for the military business unit.

Profitability that had contributed to renewed market attention becomes so according to the president's expression the reason not to proceed with sale and to diversify towards service sectors. On the same day, Ryu addressed questions about his continued leadership of the Federation of Korean Industries. His term expires next February and he was asked if he intended running for another three-year-term.

Available text does not report his response.