The HD Hyundai 1 Percent Foundation awarded 350 million won Tuesday to four Korean leaders through its community impact awards. The ceremony honored individuals and organizations that have strengthened support for vulnerable communities across South Korea. The event highlighted the foundation’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and philanthropy.
Executives and guests attended the ceremony at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. Honorary Chair Kwon Oh-gap and Chair and CEO Chung Ki-sun spoke about the importance of combining corporate leadership with community engagement. Their presence demonstrated the company’s active support for social initiatives.
This year’s awards recognized achievements in four categories. The grand prize went to Chung Deok-hwan, founder of the Eden Rehabilitation Center, now the Eden Welfare Foundation, established in 1983. He has spent more than 40 years helping people with disabilities gain independence and participate fully in society.
The Korea Childhood Leukemia Foundation and Raphael Clinic received organizational excellence awards for consistently supporting vulnerable populations. Father Kim Ha-jong earned the individual excellence award for running Anna’s House, which provides shelter and services to homeless individuals and at-risk youth.
Kwon emphasized the societal importance of the awards. He said, “Thanks to these dedicated heroes, our society has become warmer and more resilient. The HD Hyundai 1% Foundation will continue supporting their efforts to build a more compassionate society.”
Founded in 2011, the HD Hyundai 1 Percent Foundation collects voluntary 1 percent salary donations from employees. The foundation uses these funds to grant awards, support programs, and raise awareness of critical social issues.
The community impact awards aim to continue supporting projects that strengthen Korea’s social safety nets. Analysts say the initiative boosts corporate responsibility while giving grassroots social work wider recognition, creating long-term benefits for vulnerable communities.
