Sanggong Day 'Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service', Ha Hyun-hoe LG Uplus · Kim Mu-yeon Peace · Kwon In-wook PUSYS

Moon's Attendance, Encouragement for Businesspeople and Workers... First Presidential Attendance in 8 Years Since 2013
Chairman Chey Tae-won, Minister Sung Yun-mo, NCSoft CEO Kim Taek-jin, Kakao Chairman Kim Beom-su, and About 60 Others Attend

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] Vice Chairman Ha Hyun-hoe of LG Uplus Co., Ltd., Chairman Kim Mu-yeon of Pyeonghwa Co., Ltd., and CEO Kwon In-wook of PU Sys Co., Ltd. received the highest honor, the 'Gold Tower Industrial Medal,' at the Commerce Day ceremony.

The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry held the '48th Commerce Day Ceremony' on the morning of the 31st at the Chamber of Commerce building on Sejong-daero, Seoul, awarding medals, industrial decorations, and presidential citations to 248 businesspeople and workers who contributed to economic development.

President Moon Jae-in personally attended the event to encourage businesspeople and workers who have been struggling amid the COVID-19 situation. This was the first time in eight years since 2013 that the president attended the Commerce Day ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by about 60 people, including Chairman Choi Tae-won of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Sung Yun-mo, Chairman Jang In-hwa of the Busan Chamber of Commerce, Chairman Lee Jae-ha of the Daegu Chamber of Commerce, CEO Kim Taek-jin of NCSoft Co., Ltd., Chairman Kim Beom-su of Kakao Corp., newly appointed chairpersons of the Korea and Seoul Chambers of Commerce, representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises, and award recipients.

This year’s Gold Tower Industrial Medal recipients are recognized as protagonists who have quietly maintained their positions for a long time, from advanced IT industries to traditional industries, contributing to the national economy and industrial development, and practicing social contribution through 'sharing' rather than 'ownership.'

Ha Hyun-hoe, Vice Chairman of LG Uplus Co., Ltd., led the display panel business to global No. 1, played a decisive role in leading the global market of OLED TVs through the world’s first development of ultra-large displays and the world’s first commercialization of UHD OLED TVs. He also secured global leadership by exporting 5G specialized content and launching a 5G content alliance with major overseas telecom companies.

He was also recognized for contributing to employment stabilization by directly employing people with disabilities, converting about 2,800 non-regular workers to regular positions, and supporting small and medium-sized partner companies struggling due to COVID-19 as part of corporate social responsibility.

Kim Mu-yeon, Chairman of Pyeonghwa Co., Ltd., has been at the forefront of developing new technologies in the dyeing and printing fields for over 53 years, significantly contributing to the advancement of Korea’s textile and fashion industry through continuous investment and improvement of textile processing technology. Centered in Ansan, he led efforts to solve environmental issues in Siwha and Banwol and revitalized the local economy, greatly contributing to establishing a 'SME-type ESG standard model.'

Kwon In-wook, CEO of PU Sys Co., Ltd., devoted 35 years to the development of the polyurethane sector, a core national infrastructure industry, contributing to the growth of the 'green materials industry' by developing Korea’s first carbon-neutral cement substitute and bio-based automotive interior materials. He was also recognized for regional social contributions such as re-employing retirees, expanding solar power plants, and cleaning up industrial complexes in the Paju area.

Kim Sang-bae, President of Korea Refractories Co., Ltd., and Baek Chang-gyu, CEO of Ottogi Ramen Co., Ltd., Receive 'Silver Tower Industrial Medal'

The Silver Tower Industrial Medal was awarded to Kim Sang-bae, President of Korea Refractories Co., Ltd., and Baek Chang-gyu, CEO of Ottogi Ramen Co., Ltd.

Kim Sang-bae, President of Korea Refractories, has long been engaged in the steel refractory field, focusing on R&D through the establishment of a technology research institute, and was recognized for his contributions to quality innovation and professional workforce development, including the development of Korea’s most advanced nitrogen oxide emission reduction system and the establishment of a smart factory.

Baek Chang-gyu, CEO of Ottogi Ramen, was recognized for his contributions to increasing exports and spreading K-food by developing new products that captivate overseas consumers’ tastes and pioneering global markets.

The Bronze Tower Industrial Medal was awarded to Kim Young-seok, CEO of Eco Plastic Co., Ltd., and Shin Byung-soon, CEO of KM Co., Ltd. The Iron Tower Industrial Medal went to Lee Hyo-geun, CEO of SD Biosensor Co., Ltd., and the Stone Tower Industrial Medal was awarded to Lee Soo-neung, President of Muhak Co., Ltd., and Jang Moon-soo, CEO of FluorTech Co., Ltd.

Industrial Decorations were awarded to six individuals: Cha Ki-chul, CEO of InBody Co., Ltd.; Ahn Sung-hyun, CEO of DRTech Co., Ltd.; Jeon Byung-gon, CEO of Deoksan Remicon Co., Ltd.; Park Ki-hwan, CEO of Roche Systems Co., Ltd.; Kim Nam-jun, CEO of Samchang Machinery Co., Ltd.; and Noh Sang-il of NGL Transportation.

Fifteen people, including Na Hyuk-hwi, CEO of ITM Semiconductor Co., Ltd., received the Presidential Citation, and fifteen others, including Bae Min-wook, Vice President of Daejin Machinery Co., Ltd., received the Prime Minister’s Citation, with a total of 248 businesspeople and workers honored.

Meanwhile, at the ceremony, Chairman Choi Tae-won of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry delivered his commemorative speech in a TED-style format instead of the traditional formal style, focusing on message delivery and attracting attention. Former Chairman Park Yong-man introduced Chairman Choi via video instead of an emcee. The opening video featured a surprise appearance by Samsung Electronics CEO Lee In-yong, who engaged in a conversational format with five children about the meaning of 'businesspeople' and 'Commerce Day,' drawing interest.