Youngjoo Koo, Jeonnam Head of Cooperative Support Center, Receives Minister of Economy and Finance Award

Establishing a Self-Sustaining Cooperative Ecosystem
Leading the Founding of Suncheon Medical Cooperative with Resident Participation

‘Cooperative Day’ Cooperative Ecosystem Establishment, Awarded the Minister of Economy and Finance Award. Photo by Youngjoo Koo

At the '2025 Cooperative Day' ceremony held at COEX Magok in Seoul on July 3, an individual who was the only person nationwide to receive the Minister of Economy and Finance Award in a personal capacity drew significant attention. That individual is Youngjoo Koo, head of the Jeonnam branch at the Korea Cooperative Start-up and Management Support Center.

Her award was not simply a recognition of service, but the result of innovative strategies, outstanding leadership, and extensive experience. Koo is regarded as an innovator who has created a new economic ecosystem in Jeonnam through cooperatives.

Since the early 2000s, she has taken the lead in establishing consumer cooperatives and successfully anchoring the 'iCOOP' brand in the Jeonnam region. In particular, she established an innovative logistics system among local consumer cooperatives, laying the foundation for the cooperatives’ self-sufficiency.

A noteworthy example is the contract wheat production model developed in collaboration with Suncheon City in 2004. Even during periods of economic downturn, she was recognized for presenting creative solutions that connected farmers and consumers, thereby protecting the local agricultural ecosystem.

Koo’s influence has extended beyond consumer cooperatives into the healthcare sector. In 2013, she led the establishment of Suncheon Medical Cooperative, the first resident-participatory medical cooperative in Gwangju and Jeonnam, contributing to the enhancement of public healthcare.

Currently serving as the head of the Medical Cooperative Support Division, she supports the establishment of medical cooperatives nationwide. She stated, "This award was made possible by the cooperative members and colleagues in the field," adding, "I will continue to support the joint growth of local communities and cooperatives."

Koo’s activities are regarded not merely as personal achievements, but as empirical evidence that the value of 'cooperation' is central to solving community and economic issues.