KT&G headquarters in Seoul / Courtesy of KT&G

KT&G has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, representing the top 10 percent of the world's 2,500 largest listed companies based on long-term economic, environmental and social criteria.

The tobacco and ginseng manufacturer said Wednesday that it was also listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia-Pacific and Korea indices this year, recognized for its sound management focusing on practices related to environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) factors.

S&P Global, the world's largest financial data provider, annually announces the sustainability indices. Among Korea's listed firms, around 20 companies are on the world index list.

KT&G emphasized that it received higher points than other tobacco makers in terms of ESG management. Its total score reached 86 points, putting it in the top 1 percent of Korean companies.

In particular, KT&G's board of directors was praised for its independence and diversity, according to the company. The Korean firm also said that it received favorable reviews in assessments of dual materiality, supply chain management and biodiversity.

"In line with our corporate vision of becoming a top-tier global company, we have pushed ahead with ESG management satisfying the global standard," Shim Young-ah, director of KT&G's ESG management office, said.

In August, KT&G was also categorized as an ESG leader, receiving the AA grade for the fourth straight year in the ESG rating by MSCI, the world's leading provider of services for global investors.