Woo Oh-hyun, chairman of SM Group, received the 'Certificate of Patriotic Company' from the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation for his contributions to supporting the foundation's activities and the Korea-U.S. Alliance Forum.
According to industry sources, Woo was awarded the certificate by Im Ho-young, chairman of the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation and former deputy commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, during a meeting for sponsoring companies held on September 16 at Dragon Hill Lodge in Yongsan, Seoul.
The Certificate of Patriotic Company is awarded to businesses that support the foundation's activities aimed at strengthening the Korea-U.S. Alliance. SM Group has been a key supporter of the foundation's initiatives, including the recent Korea-U.S. Alliance Forum. The foundation and the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) jointly conducted a program for spouses, with SM Group providing accommodations at the Topsten Hotel.
During the event, Robert B. Abrams, chairman of the KDVA, shared photos of spouses staying on the East Coast and expressed gratitude to Woo and SM Group for providing accommodations at the Topsten Hotel in Gangneung.
Woo Oh-hyun stated, "The Korea-U.S. Alliance is a strong foundation that has safeguarded the security of South Korea and peace on the Korean Peninsula. I deeply appreciate everyone who has dedicated themselves to the alliance in their respective roles."
He added, "The role of the private sector and businesses is crucial for the development of the Korea-U.S. Alliance, in addition to the government and military. SM Group will continue to support and cooperate for the ongoing development of the alliance and the enhancement of friendship between the two countries."
The event was attended by approximately 40 key figures from the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation and the KDVA, including Im Ho-young, chairman of the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation, Yoo Myung-hwan, chairman of the board, Jeong Seung-jo, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Lee Geon-soo, honorary chairman, and Yoon Yoon-soo, chairman of Mistoholdings.
Additionally, Woo announced plans to donate 7 billion won to fully cover national scholarships for new students at Yeoju University for the 2027 academic year, among other social initiatives.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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