The International ESG Association, directed by Professors Yong Sik Ok and Jay Hyuk Rhee, is creating carbon-negative methods to boost sustainable ESG outcomes in POSCO International's palm operations

, /PRNewswire/ -- The IESGA, guided by Prof. Yong Sik Ok and Prof. Jay Hyuk Rhee, is moving ahead with ESG-oriented studies that tie scientific farming approaches to corporate sustainability plans. Following POSCO International's recent agreement with IESGA for shared work on "Soil as an Asset" and eco-friendly agriculture, experts are deploying biochar-based emission-cutting methods in palm plantations to meet sustainability targets.

As sectors speed up actions to cut greenhouse-gas output, soil is emerging as far more than a basic resource. With scientific oversight, it can serve as a lasting carbon store and aid real-world climate efforts. Seizing this chance, Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO) International and the International ESG Association (IESGA) signed a memorandum of understanding on June 23, 2026, at the POSCO Center in Seoul to advance studies on "Soil as an Asset" and assess biochar's emission-lowering impact across extensive palm plantations.

The event drew President and CEO Kye-In Lee of POSCO International along with other top leaders, as well as Professor Yong Sik Ok, President of the IESGA and Director of Korea Biochar Research Center at Korea University, and Professor Jay Hyuk Rhee, President of the IESGA and President of Korea University ESG Institute.

The shared study will center on palm plantations run by the Indonesian firm PT.PAR (Prime Agri Resources). The effort seeks to create a "Carbon Mapping" framework that measures carbon storage potential and greenhouse-gas traits based on soil conditions. Experts will test the application of biochar, a carbon-dense substance.

Biochar has gained notice lately for its capacity to lock carbon into soil for extended periods. The partner groups will perform soil tests to develop carbon maps, pinpoint prime zones for biochar use, and progress the pilot project. They will gauge emission-reduction results, broaden application areas, and explore links to carbon-credit opportunities.

This initiative represents a major on-site trial of biochar-driven emission cuts in a Korean-linked palm operation. While the Group advances low-carbon steel production methods, POSCO International backs emission goals via renewable energy growth and biomass projects.

The work will proceed under IESGA leadership by Prof. Ok and Prof. Rhee, whose combined skills span environmental science, biochar carbon storage, ESG practices, and sustainable enterprise. Prof. Ok notes, "The core of future ESG strategy rests in generating nature-based worth. Soil ranks among the biggest carbon stores, and its handling can turn it into either an emission source or a carbon sink. This effort stands as a key demonstration that scientifically tracks and oversees soil carbon while using biochar to turn soil into a true asset."

Prof. Rhee adds, "This partnership offers a model case where soil carbon and biochar research moves from lab to commercial scale and becomes workable industry solutions. We aim to establish this project as a strong global business model that delivers real climate benefits."

Mr. Oh Ji-Heon, Board Director and Attorney at ONE Law Partners, states, "This effort illustrates ESG evolving into a hands-on solution by blending legal and business structures to produce clear climate gains."

Media Contact:
Prof. Yong Sik Ok
82-2-3290-4061
[email protected]

SOURCE International ESG Association