Sanggu Ha, CEO of Sangil Hightech, Becomes First Gwangju Honor Society Member of the New Year

Sanggu Ha, CEO of Sangil Hightech Co., Ltd., joined the Honor Society, a group of individual high-value donors, as the first new member of the year. Photo by Gwangju Community Chest of Korea

The Gwangju Community Chest of Korea (hereinafter referred to as Gwangju Sarangui Yeolmae) announced on January 2 that Sanggu Ha, CEO of Sangil Hightech Co., Ltd., has joined the Honor Society, a group of individual high-value donors, as the first new member of the year.

The induction ceremony, held the previous day at the Gwangju Sarangui Yeolmae Nanum Culture Center, was attended by CEO Sanggu Ha, Jaegil Koo, Chairman of the Gwangju Community Chest of Korea, Sangcheol Lee, representative member of the Gwangju Honor Society, Youngsook Heo, the 130th member of the Gwangju Honor Society, and other related officials. CEO Sanggu Ha pledged to donate 100 million won, becoming the 195th member of the Gwangju Honor Society.

Through this donation pledge, CEO Ha became the 195th Honor Society member in Gwangju and the first new Honor Society member in the Gwangju region for the New Year of 2026.

Since founding Sangil Hightech Co., Ltd., a company specializing in metal surface treatment and powder coating, in 2005, CEO Sanggu Ha has led the company’s growth through continuous efforts to secure technological competitiveness. He has also contributed to the development of the local industry and job creation. Recognized for his efforts to improve productivity and reduce emissions of environmental pollutants, he was selected as an Excellent Green Business in 2018. In 2022, he received the Minister of SMEs and Startups Award.

Jaegil Koo, Chairman of the Gwangju Community Chest of Korea, said, "CEO Sanggu Ha's donation on the first day of the New Year is a symbolic example marking the beginning of sharing in Gwangju in 2026," adding, "He has demonstrated exemplary entrepreneurship by returning corporate achievements to society as a social responsibility."

Honor Society member Sanggu Ha stated, "I believe it is a natural responsibility to share the achievements gained from running a business with the local community," and added, "I hope this act of sharing will bring hope to neighbors in need."