KCCI Awarded the '2020 Van Fleet Award' for Contributions to Korea-US Relations

First Economic Organization to Award
Jointly Presented by Veterans Association and BTS

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) announced on the 8th that it received the Van Fleet Award at the 'Virtual Gala' ceremony hosted by the Korea Society in recognition of its contribution to strengthening Korea-US relations. This is the first time an economic organization has received this award.

The Van Fleet Award is presented by the Korea Society, a Korea-US friendship nonprofit foundation, since 1992 to individuals or organizations that have worked to promote mutual understanding and friendship between Korea and the United States. The award is named after General James Van Fleet, who served as commander of the US 8th Army during the Korean War and contributed to the enhancement of Korea-US relations even after the war.

This year, alongside KCCI, the Korean War US Veterans Association and BTS jointly received the award. KCCI Chairman Park Yong-man was recorded as the first to receive the award twice, both as an individual and as the head of an institution, since his first award in 2014.

In his acceptance speech, Chairman Park said, "When we talk about the Korea-US alliance, it is often as if the Korean War is everything, but in fact, it is more than that," adding, "Korea and the United States have lived as neighbors and shared memories in many aspects of our lives."

He continued, "The relationship and friendship between Korea and the US are not made up of just a few historical events," and added, "The solidarity and connection between Korea and the US exist not only among soldiers but also among citizens, entrepreneurs, and companies. The two countries have grown closer based on the firm trust built by overcoming various challenges and barriers together."

Chairman Park also emphasized the participation of both countries in overcoming difficult domestic and international situations. He said, "The geopolitical situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula and the global trade environment have never been as challenging as they are now, and these issues cannot be resolved by any individual or single country alone," and requested, "I hope everyone will join the challenge to overcome the current difficult situation."

The award ceremony was conducted by having all participants, including awardees, presenters, and hosts, pre-record their parts individually to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The event was held by releasing pre-recorded videos on the day, including a keynote speech by President Moon Jae-in, hosting by ABC Nightline anchor Juju Jang, special speeches by Harry Harris, the US Ambassador to Korea, Yumi Hogan, First Lady of Maryland, and Professor Kim Woo-joo of Korea University’s Infectious Diseases Department.

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