Didimdol Foundation's Social Contribution: Nurturing "Club D Dream Tree"
CEO Jung Hoon Choi, One of Asia's Most Influential Figures in Golf
Active Support from Chairman Deung Kyu Choi of Daebo Group
Recent Expansion of Club D The Players Operations in Chuncheon
YIDO, an environmental specialist company and the only value-up platform company in Korea, is revitalizing the golf industry despite the current downturn by actively engaging in social contribution activities and investments.
YIDO's commitment to social responsibility is being realized through the Didimdol Foundation, a public interest corporation. A representative example is the "Club D Dream Tree" program, which has been in full operation since 2022. This program discovers and nurtures promising young golfers, covering all educational expenses free of charge.
This year, in particular, Hangang Asset Management, founded by CEO Jung Hoon Choi, donated 500 million KRW to the Didimdol Foundation, further expanding the scope and depth of YIDO's social contribution. CEO Choi's active support and interest have been a major driving force behind the operation and expansion of the program.
Jung Hoon Choi, CEO of Ido, is engaging in social contribution activities by supporting aspiring young golfers. Photo by Ido
Club D Dream Tree is held three times a year at five golf courses nationwide. Over the past three years, 410 participants have taken their first steps toward their dreams through this program. By the end of this year, the number of graduates is expected to reach 560. Among them are many highly skilled individuals, including national team members and national and junior reserve players.
Another strength of the program is the participation of legendary golfer Seri Park, as well as professional golfers from the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) and Korea Professional Golfers’ Association (KPGA), who serve as mentors. Seri Park has consistently participated in the program for four years, directly passing on her experience and know-how gained during her playing career. Recently, she opened the "Seri Park With Yongin" complex sports and cultural space, contributing not only to the development of golf talent but also to the creation of a sports culture.
Each year, 50 young golfers per session?totaling 150 annually?are selected from golf courses nationwide to receive intensive eight-week training. This year, the program is actively being held at five golf courses: Chuncheon, Jeonbuk, Chungbuk, Gyeongnam, and Paju. Training takes place twice every weekend, providing participants with ongoing opportunities for growth.
YIDO’s social contribution goes beyond simple support, encompassing dreams, hope, a spirit of challenge, and the cultivation of sound values through golf. The program is open to all elementary and middle school students interested in golf, greatly contributing to the expansion of the sport’s base.
Hangang Asset Management, founded by CEO Jung Hoon Choi, donated 500 million KRW to the Didimdol Foundation on the 19th. Seri Park (middle left), CEO Yoohoon Jeon of Hangang Asset, Jiye Yeo, Secretary General of the Didimdol Foundation, and Seokcheon Jung, CEO of Seowon Valley CC (right), attended the donation ceremony together. Photo by Lee Do
CEO Choi stated, "I hope this program provides junior players with opportunities to grow into world-class golfers and improve their skills," adding, "We will continue to introduce new programs to further expand the base of golf." Jiye Yeo, Secretary General of the Didimdol Foundation, said, "We will operate various programs to instill sound values through golf education in even more young people."
CEO Choi is regarded as one of the most influential golf entrepreneurs in Asia. He has been named to Golf Inc., a U.S. golf magazine’s "Top 10 Most Influential People in the Asian Golf Industry" for three consecutive years. Born in 1979, he is the youngest recipient of this honor. As one of only four Koreans to receive this recognition, he continues to stand out in the industry.
CEO Choi has grown under the full support of his father, Deung Kyu Choi, chairman of Daebo Group. Chairman Choi has greatly contributed to elevating the status of Korean golf by hosting the Seowon Valley Charity Green Concert, the KLPGA Tour "Daebo HausD Open," and the LPGA Tour "BMW Ladies Championship." It is rare in the industry for both father and son to be selected as influential figures for three consecutive years.
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