Jeong Ju-young, Former Campaign Chairman, Awarded the Order of the British Empire; Chung Eui-sun Also Honored

First Korean Ambassador to the UK Since King Charles III's Accession
Receives Award on Behalf of the British Ambassador to Korea
Recognized for Promoting UK Eco-Friendly Mobility and Cultural Exchange
Chairman Jung: "Will Contribute to Strengthening Bilateral Relations in New Business, Arts, and Sports"

Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, was awarded the Order of the British Empire by King Charles III of the United Kingdom. He was highly recognized for leading the spread of eco-friendly mobility in the UK and contributing to the strengthening of economic and cultural cooperation between Korea and the UK.

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun is posing for a commemorative photo wearing the Commander of the Order of the British Empire medal awarded by King Charles III of the United Kingdom at the British Embassy in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 14th. Provided by Hyundai Motor Company and Kia. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 14th, Hyundai Motor Group announced that Chairman Chung received the "Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)" at an award ceremony held at the British Embassy in Jung-gu, Seoul. He is the first Korean to receive this honor since King Charles III ascended the throne.

The Order of the British Empire is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to British society or achieved outstanding accomplishments in various fields such as politics, economy, culture and arts, science and technology, and sports. Candidates are recommended by UK government agencies and selected through a rigorous review by the British royal family.

Chairman Chung was recognized for his contributions to expanding the spread of eco-friendly low-carbon mobility and enhancing cultural and artistic development through long-term sponsorship of the Tate Gallery, a representative British art museum, thereby strengthening economic and cultural cooperation between Korea and the UK. Chairman Chung said, "I believe the Order of the British Empire was awarded in recognition of Hyundai Motor Group's contributions to cooperation and friendship between the two countries," adding, "Hyundai Motor Group will continue to contribute to strengthening bilateral relations in various fields such as future new businesses, culture and arts, and sports."

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun is shaking hands after receiving the Commander of the Order of the British Empire medal from Colin Crooks, the British Ambassador to Korea, on the 14th.
[Photo by Hyundai Motor Group]

Hyundai Motor Group first entered the UK market in 1982 by exporting automobiles. Since then, it has expanded its presence into various fields including economy, culture and arts, and sports.

Up to October this year, Hyundai Motor Group sold 173,000 vehicles in the UK, an 8.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Its market share stands at 9.2%. In the UK electric vehicle market, it ranks third after Tesla and Volkswagen Group. Hyundai’s flagship electric vehicle, the Ioniq 5, was recognized for its quality by being named the "UK Car of the Year 2022."

Additionally, Hyundai Motor Group actively supports the development and popularization of contemporary art through long-term sponsorship of the Tate Gallery in the UK. It also plays a role in sports exchange as the title sponsor of the "Genesis Scottish Open," a golf tournament held in the UK.

Recently, Hyundai Motor Group has been promoting the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) business in partnership with British companies. It is jointly researching hydrogen fuel cell and battery propulsion systems to be installed on aircraft with Rolls-Royce, a British aircraft engine manufacturer.

Meanwhile, Chairman Chung’s award holds special significance as it is the same honor that his predecessor, Chung Ju-yung, received in 1977. In the 1970s, Chung Ju-yung formed technical partnerships with British engineering and shipbuilding companies and secured loans from Barclays Bank to build a shipyard in Ulsan. This led Korea’s shipbuilding industry to grow into a national key industry with a "world number one" status. As the Korean chairman of the Korea-UK Economic Cooperation Committee, Chung Ju-yung also made significant contributions to economic exchanges between the two countries.

Hyundai Motor Group's Founder Chairman Chung Ju-yung receiving the Commander of the Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Korea in 1977
[Photo by Hyundai Motor Group]

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