Establishing the Foundation of SK Bioscience
Enhancing Vaccine R&D Capabilities to a Global Level
Contributing to Global Public Health Protection
The late Park Man-hoon, Vice Chairman of SK Bioscience, was awarded the Order of Civil Merit (Magnolia Medal) in recognition of his contributions to the development of healthcare technology and industry in South Korea at the '2022 Healthcare Industry Performance Exchange Meeting,' which reviewed the achievements in the domestic healthcare industry this year. Mrs. Lee Mi-hye, Vice Chairman Park's wife, received the award on his behalf. [Photo by SK Bioscience]
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The late Park Man-hoon, Vice Chairman who laid the foundation for SK Bioscience's growth into a global vaccine company, was honored with the Order of Civil Merit.
SK Bioscience announced on the 30th that Vice Chairman Park was awarded the Order of Civil Merit (Magnolia Medal) in recognition of his contributions to the development of health and medical technology and industry in Korea at the '2022 Health Industry Performance Exchange Meeting,' which reviews domestic health industry achievements this year. The medal was received on his behalf by his wife, Lee Mi-hye.
The Order of Civil Merit awarded to Vice Chairman Park is the highest honor among the 'Government Awards for Meritorious Service in the Promotion of Health and Medical Technology' given by the Ministry of Health and Welfare to researchers with outstanding achievements in the development of health and medical technology in Korea and those with excellent performance in fostering and promoting the health industry.
During his lifetime, Vice Chairman Park was recognized for leading SK Bioscience's vaccine research and development (R&D) and production infrastructure establishment, elevating the domestic pharmaceutical and bio industry foundation and vaccine R&D capabilities to a global level. He was also highly praised for spearheading rapid and safe vaccine development and localization based on cell culture technology, contributing to the establishment of vaccine sovereignty and the protection of global public health.
Vice Chairman Park simultaneously pursued the development of proprietary vaccines using new technologies and the construction of next-generation innovative vaccine production facilities (L-House) with the goal of becoming a global player. This laid the groundwork for SK Bioscience to quickly enter the global vaccine market and build global partnerships. Through this, SK Bioscience successfully developed the world's first cell culture quadrivalent influenza vaccine (2015), pneumococcal vaccine (2016), and the world's second shingles vaccine (2017), achieving the localization of premium vaccines.
Cell culture technology established by Vice Chairman Park played a significant role in SK Bioscience's development of Korea's first domestically produced COVID-19 vaccine, 'Skycovione.' Cell culture technology produces vaccines using state-of-the-art sterile bioreactors, eliminating the need for antibiotics or preservatives and shortening production time, which allows for rapid response to emerging infectious diseases.
SK Bioscience President Ahn Jae-yong said, "It was because of Vice Chairman Park, who early on emphasized the importance of global partnerships and new technology development, global-level capabilities, and vaccine sovereignty, that SK Bioscience has reached this position. Going forward, SK Bioscience will continue to contribute to responding to the next pandemic and protecting global public health through continuous R&D and production capacity enhancement and expanding global partnerships, ensuring that Vice Chairman Park's dedication is not in vain."
Vice Chairman Park majored in Molecular Biology (Bachelor) and Virology (Master) at Seoul National University and Molecular Virology (Ph.D.) at the University of Ottawa, Canada. He devoted his life to bio and vaccine R&D, serving as Head of Bio at SK Chemicals Life Science Research Institute in 2008, Director of Life Science Research Institute in 2014, President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of SK Chemicals Pharmaceutical Bio Division in 2015, and Vice Chairman of SK Bioscience in 2018.
To honor Vice Chairman Park's passion for bio R&D and contribute to the development of the domestic biotechnology industry, SK Bioscience signed the 'Park Man-hoon Scholarship Fund' agreement last September with his alma maters, Seoul National University and Seoul Boseong High School. In November of the same year, together with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), SK Bioscience established the 'Park Man-hoon Award' to honor domestic and international individuals and organizations contributing to vaccine research, development, and distribution, commemorating Vice Chairman Park's legacy.
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