Hyundai Marks Chung Ju-yung’s 25th Anniversary With Tribute Concert in Seoul

Hyundai Motor Group marked the 25th anniversary of the death of its founder, Chung Ju-yung, with a tribute concert that revisited his entrepreneurial legacy through music.

The group held the event on the 25th at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall under the title “The 25th Anniversary Concert for the Late Chung Ju-yung, Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Group.”

In a tribute address, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung said the concert was prepared to honor the “deep resonance” left by his grandfather. “His convictions and every challenge began with people,” he said. “He believed in human potential and achieved innovation for people.”

“Twenty-five years have passed, but as we face many difficulties and challenges at home and abroad, that resonance comes to me and to all of us even more strongly, and we learn much wisdom,” he said. He added that he would continue to carry on Chung’s spirit and pursue innovation centered on people to build a better future. About 2,500 people attended, including members of the extended Hyundai family and figures from business, politics and culture, organizers said. Among those arriving before the program began were HD Hyundai Chairman Kiseon Chung, Hyundai Commercial President Myungyi Chung and Hyundai Card Vice Chairman Taeyoung Chung.

Mong-joon Chung, chairman of the Asan Foundation, briefly told reporters, “Thank you for coming today. My father would also be grateful that you came.”

Attendees also included Lotte Group Chairman Dong-bin Shin, Hong Ra-hee, former director of the Leeum Museum of Art, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, Kim Jong-in, former interim leader of the People Power Party, and lawmaker Na Kyung-won. Actor Yoo Hae-jin and other figures from the entertainment industry were also seen.

Chung is widely regarded as a leading business figure who helped open new ground in South Korea’s industry through bold vision, determination and people-centered innovation. Born the eldest son of a poor farming family, he built his business from scratch, repeatedly taking on challenges that seemed impossible, the company said.

Hyundai said the company name reflects Chung’s drive, in the impoverished Korea of the 1940s, to pursue modernization so people could live better. The concert, themed “Continuing Resonance,” featured internationally known pianists Sunwook Kim, Yekwon Sunwoo, Seong-Jin Cho and Yunchan Lim. Organizers said the four expressed through music Chung’s achievements in challenging the impossible and the hope his legacy offers to today’s generation.

Park Min-seon, 31, of Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, said it was “even more meaningful” because it was rare to see all four pianists on one stage, adding that the repertoire also felt significant.

Hyundai Motor Group said it planned the concert to share Chung’s life and philosophy of forging new paths for a better life. To keep the focus on the event’s purpose, tickets were not sold and were provided only to invited guests, including public service workers, future talent, key figures from various fields and Hyundai employees. Attendees received a gift set including Chung’s autobiography, “Born in This Land,” and an event booklet.

A Hyundai Motor Group official said the group’s vision of “Progress for Humanity” is rooted in Chung’s people-centered management philosophy, adding that the company will continue efforts for a more prosperous life and a sustainable future through ongoing innovation.



* This article has been translated by AI.

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