Shin Dong-bin: "Honorary Chairman Shin Kyuk-ho, a Man Who Thought of Korea First Despite Success in Japan"

Shin Dong-bin, Chairman of Lotte Group, is seen leaving the funeral hall of Shin Kyuk-ho, Honorary Chairman of Lotte Group, set up at Seoul Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 19th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] "My father always thought of his homeland first, even when he achieved success after hardships and adversity abroad (in Japan)."

Shin Dong-bin, Chairman of Lotte Group, stated this on the morning of the 22nd at 7 a.m. during the funeral ceremony for Honorary Chairman Shin Kyuk-ho held at the Lotte Concert Hall in Lotte World Mall, Jamsil, Seoul. He said, "From my father's example of practicing the belief that a company must contribute to the development of its homeland, I learned a sense of mission and responsibility."

The funeral ceremony lasted about 45 minutes and was attended by over 1,400 family members, Business Unit (BU) heads, affiliate company presidents, employees, and external guests. The ceremony proceeded in the order of a moment of silence, introduction of the deceased's biography, memorial video, flower offering, and greetings by Chairman Shin Dong-bin and former Vice Chairman of Japan Lotte Holdings Shin Dong-joo (currently Chairman of SDJ Corporation).

Chairman Shin Dong-bin recalled, "My father devoted everything to Lotte," adding, "He was always engrossed in planning new businesses and showed responsibility in both success and failure." He also expressed his desire to remember Honorary Chairman Shin's sweat and passion.

He also highlighted his father's warm side as a family man. He said, "As the eldest son, he endured many hardships and trials for the family," and added, "Watching his dedication and love for the family, I learned what it means to be a true adult."

He emphasized, "In short, my father was truly a remarkable person," and expressed gratitude to the visitors, saying, "I will find my way by recalling my father's image amid adversity and hardship."

Honorary Chairman Shin Kyuk-ho passed away at 4:29 p.m. on the 19th at the age of 99. The funeral was held as a group funeral to honor the founder of Lotte Group. Prior to the funeral ceremony, the cremation was conducted privately with only family members present. The hearse will circle Seoul Lotte World Tower once before heading to the burial site in Ulsan. He will be laid to rest in his hometown at the family burial ground in Ulju-gun, Ulsan.