The Small Business Market Promotion Agency announced on August 13, 2026, that it has selected three outstanding cases for its 'Q2 2026 Praise Program.'
The agency conducted an internal vote involving 244 employees to determine the top examples from 21 customer commendations submitted on its 'Praise Program' bulletin board.
Hwang Ji-hyun, a manager at the Daegu Northern Center, was awarded first place. She received high praise for her meticulous guidance on loan procedures and documents, as well as her genuine empathy for the challenges faced by small business owners.
One customer expressed gratitude, stating, "After completing the process, she asked, 'What difficulties have you faced?' Her consideration, despite her busy schedule, brought me to tears."
Joint second place went to Hong Hye-jin, a manager in the Specialized Support Team, and Nam Yoon-mi from the Ansan Center. Hong was recognized for her attentiveness to a foreign evaluator who was unwell during a market assessment, ensuring their health was monitored, and providing warm support to attendees at the event.
Nam assisted a foreign small business owner by clearly explaining the policy funding system and carefully guiding them through the application process, even helping with documents they had not prepared. The grateful business owner remarked, "This kindness I experienced in Korea has inspired me to help others in need in the future."
In Tae-yeon, the agency's director, stated, "The public's praise reflects the valuable efforts of our employees who interact with small business owners on the ground. We will continue to listen to the voices of small business owners and strive to provide warm public services that can be trusted and felt through proactive administration."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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