Hankyung Association Signboard Replacement... Chairman Ryu Jin: "Let's Become Korea's Leading Global Think Tank"

Unveiling Ceremony of the Cornerstone Stone to Reaffirm the Original Spirit at the Time of Founding in 1961

The Korea Economic Leaders Association (KELA) held a plaque unveiling ceremony in front of the main entrance of the Yeouido FKI Tower (formerly the Federation of Korean Industries Building) on the morning of the 19th, pledging a new leap forward in line with its official launch. The event was attended by about 100 people, including Ryu Jin, Chairman of KELA, Kim Yoon, Chairman of Samyang Holdings, Cho Hyun-joon, Chairman of Hyosung, Kim Chang-beom, Executive Vice Chairman of KELA, and KELA executives and staff.

Ryu Jin, Chairman of the Korea Economic Association, along with the executive team and employees, are taking a photo after unveiling the cornerstone marking the launch of the Korea Economic Association in front of the FKI Tower in Yeouido, Seoul on the 19th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

With this unveiling ceremony, KELA took down the signboard of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), which had been used for 55 years since 1968, and took a step toward a new beginning. The existing FKI plaque, which was produced and installed at the time of the completion of the new FKI Building on September 23, 2013, was replaced with a new plaque at this ceremony after 10 years, becoming a symbol of KELA.

The Korea Economic Leaders Association was the original name of the organization when it was established in 1961 by 13 business leaders, including the late Lee Byung-chul, founder of Samsung Group. From 1968, the organization changed its name to the Federation of Korean Industries and used it since then.

The KELA executives and staff who attended the event pledged to return to their original intentions and prioritize the nation and its people in their actions. In his greeting, Ryu Jin, Chairman of KELA, said, “Changing the name back to Korea Economic Leaders Association after 55 years is to recall the original intention at the time of founding and to achieve genuine change.” He added, “I hope all executives and staff will unite their strength and wisdom on the path to becoming a global think tank representing Korea.”

KELA announced its new slogan, “The Center of Korea’s Global Economic Leap.” The new slogan reflects ideas from the public contest held for a month. It embodies the vision of “joining the ranks of the G7 and leaping as a global first mover” and KELA’s determination to play a pivotal role as a global think tank.

Meanwhile, the existing FKI Building was renamed “FKI Tower” in line with the organization’s name change.

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