Promoting Qualitative Growth in the Textile Fashion Industry
Contributing to Social Development as a Multifaceted Leader
Fashion Group Hyungji announced on the 10th that Chairman Choi Byung-oh will be awarded the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit on the occasion of the '37th Textile Day.'
Textile Day was established to commemorate November 11, 1987, when the textile and fashion industry became the first manufacturing sector in Korea to achieve $10 billion in exports. Every year, awards are given to textile and fashion industry professionals who have contributed to the national economy and the development of the textile and fashion industry through exports, job creation, and other efforts, alongside commemorative ceremonies.
At the Textile Day ceremony held by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Federation of Textile Industries on this day, a total of 83 people will receive awards. Chairman Choi will receive the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, following the Iron Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit in 2004 and the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit in 2010.
Chairman Choi has been recognized for contributing to the qualitative growth and competitiveness enhancement of Korea's textile and fashion industry through 41 years of management know-how in the women's casual sector, diversification of fashion business, ESG (environment, social, governance) management, and active leadership roles for industry development.
Notably, he pioneered the women's casual blue ocean market and realized win-win cooperation with partner companies. Starting as a small clothing business owner, he grew Hyungji Group into a mid-sized fashion company with 17 fashion brands and over 2,000 stores nationwide. He manages listed companies such as Hyungji Elite, Hyungji I&C, and Castelbajac, and operates heritage brands including Crocodile Lady, Elite School Uniform, Esquire, and Yejak.
He also established the industry's first CEO course for agency owners to enhance their management capabilities and strengthen partnerships, and practices win-win management with domestic partners by using 57% domestic raw materials. Continuous efforts are made to develop eco-friendly materials and build an eco-friendly ecosystem, including launching the ESG Green Future Center, introducing functional antibacterial materials, and creating new renewable products using corn and bamboo.
He has also fulfilled corporate social responsibility and industry leadership roles. He has led hope lectures for student small business CEOs, supported industry-academia cooperation and talent development at Seoul National University and Pusan National University, and participated in emergency relief efforts.
In addition, he has served as president of the Korea Federation of Textile Industries, president of the Busan Textile and Fashion Industry Federation, chairman of the Korea Textile Newspaper, standing representative of the Busan Textile and Fashion Policy Forum, and president of the Korea Apparel Industry Association. He also represents the industry through roles such as vice chairman of the Korea Employers Federation and vice chairman of the Korea Federation of Medium-sized Enterprises.
Chairman Choi said, "I have approached my work with the thought of making the whole world happy through fashion, and I will take this award as a sign to work even harder. I will continue to do my best to be a businessperson who contributes to the development of the textile and fashion industry and society."
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