“I hope that each small heart comes together to create a livable world”

CEO Kang Daegwi of a Small and Medium Enterprise Draws Attention with Over 10 Years of Social Contribution Activities

Consistent Support for Vulnerable Groups, Participation as a Good Landlord, and Free Parking Lot Access

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] “I sincerely hope that even during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic, we can live in a world where people help each other.”

A CEO running a small and medium-sized enterprise in Gwangju is attracting attention for his consistent social contribution activities.

The protagonist is Kang Daegwi, CEO of W&I Construction Co., Ltd.

CEO Kang has been engaged in the construction industry in Gwangju for over 10 years, and has been actively helping people with disabilities and vulnerable groups in his spare time.

These social contribution activities have continued for well over 10 years, even before he established his company.

Kang believes that “consideration and sharing are indispensable for living together in the local community,” and he devotes his efforts to social contribution activities based on this conviction.

He regularly donates development funds for disabled athletes who are often marginalized, and also donates bags of rice to administrative welfare centers to be distributed to vulnerable groups.

In addition to volunteering with the YMCA, he also provides support funds for alternative schools and surgeries for families in need.

He annually supports the Nam-gu Scholarship Foundation and Jogye Order to provide scholarships to students who give up their studies due to difficult circumstances.

His support is not limited to financial aid. When small business owners faced hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he participated in the “Good Landlord Movement” for the first time in Buk-gu, Gwangju, reducing rent by 20% for several months.

He also purchased about 600 pyeong (approximately 1,983 square meters) of land next to his company to create a parking lot with about 70 spaces, which he has been opening free of charge for seven years to revitalize the local commercial district and serve nearby residents.

In 2018, he created and opened a music practice space for working musicians in Ochi-dong, Buk-gu, where facilities were inadequate. Equipped with advanced equipment, the space allows musicians to practice comfortably according to their schedules. It has since relocated to Yongbong-dong, and in cooperation with the local district office, he also conducts charity work for marginalized groups and the elderly.

He does not just use external activities to promote himself. Internally, he takes good care of his employees.

He fosters an environment where employees can work with peace of mind in a family-like atmosphere by supporting hospital bills, housing funds, and ensuring employment without discrimination based on gender or age. He also actively seeks ways to coexist with partner companies and puts these plans into practice.

CEO Kang continues his volunteer work and sponsorships, recalling his childhood when he had many dreams but could only watch due to financial difficulties.

Kang said, “It is sometimes difficult to regularly provide support and volunteer during the COVID era, but I want to contribute even a little to creating a world where people who are more disadvantaged than me can live together as long as I can.”

He smiled and added, “If these small hearts, which are becoming increasingly harsh in this world, come together one by one, the temperature of the world could rise by one or two degrees and become a warm place.”

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