Jeon Jin Sang Clinic and Welfare Center Wins 19th Ponyjung Innovation Award

Recognized for 50 Years of Dedicated Medical Support

Jeon Jin Sang Clinic and Welfare Center, which began by providing home visits for low-income patients and now operates Seoul's first hospice care facility, has been awarded the Ponyjung Innovation Award.

The Ponyjung Foundation held the 19th Ponyjung Innovation Awards ceremony at Ponyjung Hall in I-Park Tower, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. This year's recipient was Jeon Jin Sang Clinic and Welfare Center. From the left in the photo are Mongkyu Chung, Chairman of the Ponyjung Foundation; Hyunjung Bae, Director of Jeon Jin Sang Clinic and Welfare Center; Songja Yoo, Director of the Social Welfare Center; and Youngja Park, wife of the late Seyoung Chung, Honorary Chairman of HDC Group. Provided by the Ponyjung Foundation.

The Ponyjung Foundation announced on June 12 that it held the 19th Ponyjung Innovation Awards ceremony at Ponyjung Hall in I-Park Tower, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The ceremony was attended by Mongkyu Chung, Chairman and founder of the Ponyjung Foundation; Youngja Park, wife of the late Seyoung Chung, Honorary Chairman of HDC Group; and Hyunjung Bae, Director of Jeon Jin Sang Clinic and Welfare Center, who was this year's award recipient.

Mongkyu Chung stated, "This year marks the 50th anniversary of Jeon Jin Sang Clinic and Welfare Center, which has steadfastly upheld its founding belief that 'patients have the right to see a doctor,' led by Director Hyunjung Bae, Chief Pharmacist Sohee Choi, Director of Social Welfare Center Songja Yoo, and Nurse Youngja Kim. I express my gratitude and respect for their dedication to building a community welfare system that cares for all aspects of the lives of marginalized neighbors, including home visits for low-income patients, hospice and palliative care, as well as free kindergartens, study rooms, and scholarship programs."

Hyunjung Bae said, "Over the past 50 years, we have been able to stand with those who are marginalized and suffering thanks to the love and support of sponsors, volunteers, and countless benefactors. As there are still many people suffering out of sight, we will continue to stand by those in need of help in the future."

Jeon Jin Sang Clinic and Welfare Center was established in 1975 in Siheung-dong, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, at the suggestion of the late Cardinal Stephen Kim. The name 'Jeon Jin Sang' embodies the core values of the International Catholic Brotherhood (A.F.I): total self-dedication (Jeon), true love (Jin), and constant joy (Sang).

The institution has grown into a comprehensive welfare center that goes beyond medical volunteering, such as home visits, living expense support, free kindergartens, and study rooms, to provide systematic social welfare. In 2008, it opened Seoul's first hospice and palliative care facility, helping critically ill patients maintain their dignity at the end of life.

The Ponyjung Innovation Award was established in 2006, named after the nickname of the late Seyoung Chung, founder of Hyundai Motor Company and Honorary Chairman of HDC Group (formerly Hyundai Development Company). The award grants 200 million won and a plaque to individuals or organizations whose innovative thinking has led to positive social change or whose achievements serve as a model for society. Last year, Han Kang, the first Korean recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, was honored with the award.