Yuhan, a leading Korean pharmaceutical company, held a ceremony for its 100th anniversary and presented a vision for the next 100 years.
Yuhan said it held a 100th anniversary ceremony on the 20th at Willow House in Daebang-dong, Seoul. According to the Korea Listed Companies Association, Yuhan is the 11th among Korea's listed corporations to mark a 100th anniversary.
Attendees included CEO Cho Uk-je, President Kim Yeol-hong, Yuhan Foundation Chair Won Hee-mok, and Yuhan Academy Chair Choi Sang-hu, along with former and current executives and long-serving employees. The event proceeded in the order of the 100th anniversary ceremony, the Willow House opening ceremony, and the awards ceremony for the writing and drawing contests.
The ceremony looked back on the company's 100-year history and shared its future vision. In particular, 150 long-serving employees were commended and received plaques and cash awards in recognition of their contributions.
In his commemorative address, CEO Cho Uk-je said, "Yuhan has been able to sustain 100 years of history thanks to two values: 'Progress' and 'Integrity,'" adding, "We will continue the journey of 'Great Yuhan, Global Yuhan,' leaping forward as a global innovative pharmaceutical company that contributes to human health."
Willow House, which opened that day, is a renovated space of Yuhan's former headquarters building that had been in use for about 35 years since 1962, reborn as a complex cultural space to be shared with the local community.
On the 19th, a separate 100th anniversary event was also held at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul, inviting affiliates, partners, and investors. Congratulatory remarks were delivered by Yonsei University President Yun Dong-seop and Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association (KPBMA) President Noh Yeon-hong, followed by presentations of plaques of appreciation, performances, a cake-cutting, and other commemorative programs.
Since its founding in 1926 by Dr. Yu Il-han, Yuhan has grown based on its founding spirit of "contributing to the nation and society with the best products." It is now working to expand into global markets with products including the lung cancer treatment "Leclaza."
A company official said, "The founding spirit of contributing to the health of the people and humanity has guided us for 100 years," adding, "The next 100 years will usher in a new era of growth through new drug development and global cooperation."