Chung Mongkoo's KRW 10 Billion Personal Donation Bears Fruit
Future Medicine Research for Infectious Disease Prevention and Vaccine Development
Chung Euisun: "A Key Hub for Securing Vaccine Sovereignty"
"I hope that this Future Medicine Hall will contribute to overcoming diseases and enabling everyone to live a healthy life."
This is the message from Mong-Koo Chung, Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, engraved on the dedication plaque on the first floor of the 'Chung Mongkoo Future Medicine Hall' at Korea University.
The good seed sown by Honorary Chairman Mong-Koo Chung through his donation for vaccine development has borne fruit as a core infrastructure for responding to future infectious diseases.
On June 16, the completion ceremony for the 'Chung Mongkoo Future Medicine Hall' was held at Korea University Mediscience Park in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. More than 180 people attended, including Chung Euisun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, his family, Kim Jaeho, Chairman of the Korea University Foundation, Kim Dongwon, President of Korea University, as well as officials from the College of Medicine and the alumni association. They participated in the ribbon-cutting and the unveiling of the dedication plaque.
Chung Euisun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, is delivering a greeting at the completion ceremony of the 'Chung Mongkoo Future Medicine Hall' held on the 16th at Korea University Mediscience Park in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. Provided by Hyundai Motor Group
The Chung Mongkoo Future Medicine Hall is a medical research center established by Korea University Medical Center to conduct research in future medicine aimed at enhancing human health and happiness. The facility covers a total area of 12,213 square meters and consists of one basement level and six floors above ground. It houses a Vaccine Innovation Research Center, a Biosafety Center and experimental laboratories, a Gene and Cell Therapy R&D and Digital Health-based Precision Medicine Center, and an Advanced Therapy Technology R&D Center, among others.
Previously, in 2021, Honorary Chairman Chung donated KRW 10 billion of his personal funds to Korea University Medical Center to support the development of domestic vaccines and the expansion of research infrastructure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he stated, "I made this donation to help the people who have supported Hyundai Motor Group. I hope this will contribute, even in a small way, to overcoming infectious diseases and restoring health and happiness." In recognition of his profound intentions, Korea University Medical Center named the research center the 'Chung Mongkoo Future Medicine Hall.'
In his speech at the ceremony, Chairman Chung Euisun said, "Honorary Chairman Chung believed that the most fundamental value of a company is the happiness of the people. He spared no effort in supporting the cultivation of medical talent and providing medical care for the underprivileged, all for the healthy lives of all of us." He added, "It is deeply moving that the Honorary Chairman's cherished vision is being realized here today through the Chung Mongkoo Future Medicine Hall."
He continued, "I hope that the Chung Mongkoo Future Medicine Hall will become a key hub for securing vaccine sovereignty for Korea and for taking a leading role in responding to global health crises. I sincerely wish that, thanks to your dedication and efforts, the Chung Mongkoo Future Medicine Hall will bring 'hope' to all of humanity."
Exterior view of Korea University Mediscience Park Jeong Monggu Future Medicine Hall. Provided by Hyundai Motor Group
In his commemorative address, Kim Jaeho, Chairman of the Korea University Foundation, stated, "The Chung Mongkoo Future Medicine Hall is a space optimized for vaccine research. It was made possible thanks to the deep affection and support of Honorary Chairman Chung, who wished to contribute to overcoming the pandemic and restoring the health of the people." He continued, "We will carry on the donor's noble intentions and ensure that the Chung Mongkoo Future Medicine Hall contributes to the advancement of medical science in Korea and becomes a stage for leading global vaccine research."
The Chung Mongkoo Future Medicine Hall is expected to play a pivotal role in establishing Korea's vaccine sovereignty by creating the nation's first private-sector-led, full-cycle vaccine development platform. Equipped with a candidate substance efficacy evaluation system and a preclinical research platform?both essential for infectious disease research?it will serve as a multi-faceted research hub for new drug development and prepare for future infectious diseases that may threaten humanity.
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