"Contribution to the Development of Korea-US Relations" ... Koo Kwang-mo, LG Chairman, Receives Van Fleet Award (Comprehensive)

Joint Award with Mary Barra GM CEO
Prospects for Strengthening Alliance in US Electric Vehicle Market

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Koo Kwang-mo, Chairman of LG, received the 'Van Fleet Award' from the Korea Society, a non-profit organization promoting Korea-US friendship, along with Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors (GM), for their contributions to the development of Korea-US relations. This is expected to further strengthen the alliance between the two companies as they target the US electric vehicle market.

The Korea Society awarded LG and GM the Van Fleet Award at its 2021 annual dinner held on the 19th (local time) at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, New York.

The Korea Society is a civilian organization established to strengthen Korea-US relations, founded by General James Van Fleet, commander of the US Eighth Army who participated in the Korean War, out of his deep affection for Korea. The Korea Society established this award in 1995 to honor General Van Fleet. The award is given annually to individuals or organizations that have contributed to Korea-US relations.

Previous recipients include the late former President Kim Dae-jung, former US President George W. Bush, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo, and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won.

This year, amid the COVID-19 situation highlighting security and economic cooperation between Korea and the US, the joint award to leading companies from both countries exemplifies the strengthening of Korea-US economic ties. Thomas Byrne, Chairman of the Korea Society, explained the award background by stating, "LG and GM have contributed to strengthening Korea-US relations through Ultium Cells."

LG and GM have established the joint venture 'Ultium Cells' to mass-produce electric vehicle batteries. GM chose LG as its partner to achieve the top position in the electric vehicle industry and has been strengthening their partnership.

Chairman Koo Kwang-mo and CEO Mary Barra did not attend the dinner but shared their thoughts via video messages.

In his video message, Chairman Koo said, "I am grateful to the Korea Society, which has historically contributed to the promotion of Korea-US relations, and it is especially meaningful to receive this award together with GM. GM has been LG's most important partner since LG started its battery and automotive parts businesses."

He added, "The establishment of Ultium Cells, a joint venture between LG and GM focused on eco-friendliness and sustainability, is an exemplary case of cooperation between Korean and American companies responding to crises such as climate change. The battery electric vehicles developed by LG and GM will open the era of eco-friendly mobility."

Furthermore, he stated, "LG has been making various efforts for a sustainable future, and the more global companies join together, the faster we can bring about the changes we need. Beyond LG and GM, the participation and cooperation of global companies are necessary."

At this year's event, Wendy Sherman, US Deputy Secretary of State, delivered the keynote speech via video. Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright also gave a congratulatory speech via video. Attendees included Mark Napier, former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific; Cho Hyun, Ambassador to the United Nations; Jang Won-sam, Consul General in New York; Park Young-sun, former Minister of SMEs and Startups; Na Kyung-won, former member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party; and Yoo Jin, Chairman of Poongsan Corporation.

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