Human Rights as the Heart of ESG Pillars: A Study on South Korea’s Developments in Sustainability

Human rights constitute a vital yet frequently overlooked element within the ESG framework. Moreover, despite the growing prominence of ESG in corporate governance and regulatory discourse, environmental issues continue to prevail over social ones. This study identifies human rights as a fundamental corporate responsibility, emphasising their crucial importance for regulatory compliance and due diligence. The analysis also examines the increasingly significant influence of younger generations, particularly socially conscious investors, consumers and activists, in shaping a growing demand for ethical, sustainable, and rights-oriented business practices. Specifically, the research focuses on an empirical analysis of South Korea, examining both the strengths and weaknesses of its practices and regulations, with a particular emphasis on social sustainability. It investigates emerging trends in human rights disclosure, evolving investment priorities, and the legal implications of the principle of intergenerational equity. The study further highlights the necessity of recognising the intrinsic relationship among all ESG pillars, arguing that fundamental respect for human rights must be embedded across all three dimensions to achieve authentic, meaningful and enduring sustainability.