Chang Jae-hoon, vice chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, received the Order of Industrial Service Merit, Gold Tower, the highest honor in Korea's industry awards, in recognition of contributions to national industrial development.
Hyundai Motor Group said on the 12th that at the ceremony for the 23rd Car Day held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Banpo, Seoul, Vice Chairman Chang received the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit. At the event, co-hosted by the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association (KAMA) and the Korea Automobile Industry Cooperative Association (KAICA), awards were presented to those who contributed to the automotive industry and the national economy.
Chang was recognized for leading the shift in the future mobility paradigm through large-scale domestic investment and securing core technologies, and for contributing to national economic development by creating future growth engines and revitalizing regional economies.
The Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit is the highest of the five grades of industrial decorations that the government confers on businesspeople with clear merits in contributing to national industrial development. In particular, it is the first time in about 20 years since 2007 that the Gold Tower has been awarded on Car Day.
Chang said, "The Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit belongs to all Hyundai Motor Group employees who have quietly done their best despite uncertainty," adding, "I am deeply grateful to everyone in the industry who has walked the path of developing Korea's automotive industry together."
He added, "In an unprecedented industrial transition where electrification, artificial intelligence (AI) and Robotics are being reshaped simultaneously, Hyundai Motor Group will lead the change and drive a new leap forward for Korea's automotive industry."
On the same day, Hwang Ki-young, CEO of KG Mobility (KGM), also received the Order of Industrial Service Merit, Bronze Tower. Hwang joined KGM in 2023, oversaw overseas operations, and was recognized for efforts focused on pioneering new markets and strengthening the global sales network.
At Hyundai Motor Group, eight employees, including Chang, were honored with government awards and commendations from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. They included Lee Jong-ha, executive director at Hyundai Mobis (Industrial Service Medal), Lee Jae-min, senior vice president at Hyundai Motor (Presidential Citation), and Jang Su-hang, senior vice president at Kia (Prime Minister's Citation). At KGM, Yang Je-heon, head of export control (Prime Minister's Citation), and Jang Seong-gyu, head of the eco-friendly vehicle PM team (Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Commendation), were named.