GC Biopharma announced on Monday that it received an “A” rating in the 2025 KCGS ESG Evaluation by the Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and Sustainability (KCGS), representing an upgrade from its previous rating.

KCGS comprehensively evaluates the sustainable management levels of listed Korean companies across three categories -- environmental, social, and governance (ESG) -- and publishes ESG ratings annually.

In this evaluation, GC Biopharma's comprehensive rating was upgraded thanks to positive reflections on its efforts, including quantitative performance improvements and enhanced environmental information disclosure, as well as institutional improvements in governance, the company said.

In the environmental category, the company established concrete implementation plans, including mid- to long-term carbon-neutrality goals and implementation strategies, as well as a board-level climate change response system.

Notably, the expansion of environmental performance metrics served as a key factor in the rating upgrade.

In addition, within the social category, the company operates safety and health education programs for employees and partners and uses measurable indicators to gauge their effectiveness. It also strengthened its management system by establishing policies to prevent unfair trade and unfair competition, and by conducting role-specific compliance training, according to GC Biopharma.

Regarding governance, GC Biopharma established an Outside Director Candidate Recommendation Committee and an Audit Committee to enhance transparency and improve the governance system, which contributed positively to its upgraded rating.

“We will continue to strengthen GC Biopharma’s ESG standards. We will focus on core areas such as human rights management, supply chain management, and the protection of minority shareholder rights,” said Kim Seong-yeol, head of Management Control at GC Biopharma.

Additionally, since 2022, GC Biopharma has published an annual Sustainability Report to transparently disclose its ESG activities and performance.