Yangsan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor Holds This Year’s Labor Day Government Commendation Award Ceremony

A Total of Six Honorees Receive the Order of Industrial Service Merit, Presidential, Prime Minister, and Ministerial Commendations

"A society that respects labor begins at the fingertips of those who have safeguarded the workplace."

On May 22, the Yangsan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor (headed by Kwon Kuhyung) held the "2025 Labor Day Government Commendation Award Ceremony," presenting an Order of Industrial Service Merit and government commendations to six workers who contributed to improving the local employment environment and fostering a culture of labor-management cooperation.

2025 Labor Day Government Commendation Award Ceremony Held. Provided by Yangsan Branch, Ministry of Employment and Labor

On this day, a total of six individuals were honored: one received the Order of Industrial Service Merit, one received the Presidential Commendation, two received the Prime Minister's Commendation, and two received the Minister of Employment and Labor's Commendation. All of them have quietly dedicated themselves for decades in their respective fields, taking the lead in advancing labor rights and ensuring workplace safety.

The highest honor, the Order of Industrial Service Merit, was awarded to Kim Donghyeong, chairman of the Coca-Cola Beverage Labor Union. Kim began as a union secretary in 2000 and became chairman in 2012, and over the past 30 years has been recognized for stabilizing labor-management relations, establishing a culture of mutual growth, and contributing to the company's competitiveness.

The Presidential Commendation was awarded to Jung Junuk, senior manager at Nexen Tire. Over 33 years, he achieved a workplace free of labor disputes and contributed to Nexen Tire's selection as an Excellent Labor-Management Culture Company in 2024, leading efforts to establish industrial safety systems and revitalize the local economy.

In addition, the Prime Minister's Commendation was awarded to Seo Bowon, team leader at Shin Daegu Busan Expressway, and Son Dongwoo, chairman of the Sedong Industry Labor Union. The Minister of Employment and Labor's Commendation was given to Kim Hyunjin, chairman of the Unique Labor Union, and Yeom Bora, deputy manager at DK-Lok.

At the ceremony, Kwon Kuhyung, head of the Yangsan Branch, expressed his sincere gratitude to the awardees, saying, "I sincerely thank the recipients for embodying the value of labor through their strong work ethic and sense of responsibility to the community," and urged them to "continue to serve as a strong support for the development of local industry and the improvement of workers' quality of life."

The Ministry of Employment and Labor hopes that these awards will shed new light on the social value of labor and serve as a turning point for the spread of exemplary labor-management culture.