Chang In-hwa (photo), chairman of POSCO Group (POSCO Holdings), received the "2025 Van Fleet Award (General James A. Van Fleet Award)" on the 23rd (local time) at The Plaza Hotel in New York, recognizing contributions to advancing South Korea–U.S. economic cooperation and friendship at The Korea Society's annual dinner.
The Korea Society said Chairman Chang made major contributions to strengthening ties between the two countries by supporting the rebuilding of the U.S. industrial ecosystem and the establishment of a sustainable supply chain. Since taking office, Chang has expanded U.S.-bound investment across the group's core businesses, including steel, secondary battery materials, and energy.
On Apr. in partnership with Hyundai Motor Group, he moved forward with a joint investment in a steel mill in Louisiana, and in Utah is pushing a pilot project to demonstrate direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, the first by Korean corporations. He also signed a long-term purchase contract for North American liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Chang said, "For POSCO Group, the United States has been the most steadfast partner with which we embarked together on growth and a leap forward," adding, "Beyond supplying key materials for various industries such as autos, shipbuilding, and energy, we will work together to open a new renaissance in U.S. manufacturing."
The Van Fleet Award was established to honor General Van Fleet, called the "father of the Korean military" for leading its modernization during the Korean War, and is presented by The Korea Society, a South Korea–U.S. friendship nonprofit, to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to advancing understanding, cooperation, and friendship between the two countries. Past notable recipients include former President George W. Bush, former President Kim Dae-jung, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, and BTS.