The "Sangsang Wheel (Wheel) Harmony Orchestra," run by Sangsangin Group, held an ensemble concert on the 11th at the Dreaming Seed Shelter of Seoul National University Children's Hospital, giving patients and their guardians a special time.
At the performance, a total of nine members—three on violin, five on cello, and one on flute—took the stage and played three pieces, starting with "Ligadon," followed by "Pomp and Circumstance March" and "Radetzky March." About 20 patients and guardians attended the concert together.
Composed entirely of wheelchair-using members, the "Sangsang Wheel Harmony Orchestra" is operated through the arts and physical education program "Academy Sangsangin Music Education," supported by Sangsangin Group. A member's parent said, "I'm grateful that the children can stand on a stage that gives strength to someone," adding, "I hope this experience will remain a warm memory for a long time for the children and for those who watched the performance."
Under the corporate philosophy of "making the world better through imagination," Sangsangin Group has continued the "mobility enhancement project for wheelchair-using children" for nine years since 2018. Through a project with the Happiness Foundation's Sesang File and Todoworks, it fully funded about 4,000 custom wheelchairs and power assist devices (electric kits) for wheelchair-using children and teenagers ages 6 to 18 nationwide.
Sangsangin Group plans to continue supporting cultural and arts education this year as well. After selecting 36 members for "Academy Sangsangin Music Education" last year, it will again recruit new members this year and provide step-by-step tailored education.
Sangsangin Group, together with its parent company Sangsangin and affiliates such as Sangsangin Investment & Securities, Sangsangin Savings Bank, Sangsangin Plus Savings Bank, and the Fulfilled Love Sharing Foundation, has worked to improve the quality of life for wheelchair-using children and teenagers. Going forward, Synergy Innovation, M.I.Tech, and Medica Korea will also join to broaden support to enhance mobility rights and expand social participation opportunities for wheelchair-using children and teenagers.
Sangsangin Group initially planned a wheelchair support project for 20 children with disabilities. But at the insistence of Sangsangin Group CEO Yu Jun-won, it expanded the scope of support. As a result, the eligible age widened from 6–13 to 18. Sangsangin Group supports any child or teenager who needs a wheelchair, regardless of disability grade or family circumstances.
Sangsangin Group's support efforts also carried over into government policy. The Ministry of Health and Welfare said in July last year, after convening the Health Insurance Policy Deliberation Committee, that it would expand "health insurance support for assistive devices to ensure mobility rights for children with severe disabilities." Until now, households with children with severe disabilities had to cover the full cost when purchasing pediatric power wheelchairs, but going forward that burden will be reduced to 10%.
Yu Jun-won, CEO of Sangsangin Group, said, "Based on the social contribution experience we have accumulated over the past nine years, this year will be one in which we create both results and change through our support," adding, "We will continue our support so that the children can grow on their own and connect with the wider world."