Kim Young-jin, Chairman of Handok, Receives Cross of Merit from German Government

Recognized for Leading Korea-Germany Exchange and Cooperation
Following His Father Who Received the Cross of Merit in 1987, Second Generation Awarded Medal

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] Handok announced on the 2nd that Chairman Kim Young-jin received the Cross of Merit from the German government in recognition of his efforts in leading exchanges and cooperation between Korea and Germany.

The Cross of Merit is an award given by the German government to individuals who have made special contributions to Germany in various fields such as politics, economy, society, and charity. It is the only decoration awarded to civilians who are not public officials.

Chairman Kim is the second generation to receive a decoration from the German government, following his late father and Handok founder, the late Chairman Kim Shin-kwon. Kim Shin-kwon led the first technical partnership and joint venture in the domestic pharmaceutical industry with Hoechst, a world-renowned German chemical and pharmaceutical company. In recognition of his contributions to economic cooperation between the two countries, he received the Grand Cross of Merit, the highest decoration available to foreign civilians, in 1987.

Chairman Kim has served as the president of the Korea-Germany Association, a private cooperation organization between Korea and Germany, since 2010. He has also served as a director and the 5th chairman of the Korea-Germany Chamber of Commerce and Industry, engaging in various activities to promote friendship and economic cooperation between the two countries. The Korea-Germany Association conducts various activities such as the "Korea-Germany Forum," a permanent private conference involving prominent figures from politics, economy, society, and culture of both countries, and the "Imi-ruk Award," given to individuals who have contributed to enhancing cultural exchange between Korea and Germany.

Chairman Kim worked for two years starting in 1984 at Hoechst in Germany, a joint venture company of Handok. At that time, he experienced advanced management culture and introduced ethical management, transparent management, quality management, and employment equality to Handok.

Kim Young-jin said, "I am pleased to receive the decoration from the German government following my father," adding, "Handok, which started as a joint venture with Hoechst Germany and has grown into an independent company, is developing along with the growth of both Korea and Germany."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.