Im Sang-gyu, Chairman of Kyungin Pharm, Awarded the Dongtapsanup Medal

On the 17th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety awarded meritorious individuals who contributed to the development of the pharmaceutical industry in celebration of the 37th 'Drug Day'.

Chairman Im Sang-gyu of Kyungin Pharmaceutical
[Photo by Korea Pharmaceutical Association]

At the ceremony, the Order of Industrial Service Merit, Silver Tower, was awarded to Lim Sang-gyu, Chairman of Kyungin Pharmaceutical (age 73), for his outstanding efforts in discovering and actively promoting various projects to improve public health. Chairman Lim graduated from Yeungnam University College of Pharmacy in 1973 and has worked in the pharmaceutical and drug industries for 50 years, starting as the head of the pharmacy department at the Gwangju Integrated Military Hospital. He currently serves as an auditor of the Korean Pharmaceutical Association and has also held positions such as Vice Chairman of the Korea Narcotics Control Center, President of the Daegu Ice Skating Federation, and member of the Daegu Committee for the Advanced Medical Complex.

Additionally, the Industrial Medal was awarded to Cho Wook-je, CEO of Yuhan Corporation, for contributing to enhancing the competitiveness of the domestic pharmaceutical industry through innovative new drug research and development. Presidential citations were presented to Oh Dong-wook, CEO of Pfizer Korea, and Park Young-seo, CEO of Jiripe.

At the ceremony, a total of 40 medals, orders, and citations were awarded to individuals who contributed to drug safety and the development of the pharmaceutical industry.

Drug Day was designated in 1957 to widely promote the importance of medicines essential for maintaining the life and health of the public. Between 1973 and 2002, it was integrated into 'Health Day,' but from 2003, it was reinstated as 'Drug Day.' Until now, the ceremony was led by private organizations such as the Korean Pharmaceutical Association and the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association. However, since Drug Day became a legal commemorative day in 2021, this year marks the first time the government has hosted the event.

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated in his congratulatory message for Drug Day, "The pharmaceutical and bio industry is a core industry for enjoying a healthy and happy life and an innovative growth engine leading the nation's future. Through active regulatory innovation, we will spare no effort to support our excellent medicines and companies to overcome technical regulatory barriers and compete boldly in the global market."

Oh Yu-kyung, Commissioner of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, said, "Medicines are precious companions indispensable to human life. Based on the development of safe and effective new drugs, we will provide more treatment opportunities to patients, and I thank all pharmaceutical professionals who do their best on the front lines, such as pharmacies."

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