BBQ Chairman Hongkun Yoon Wins 'Korea’s Mid-sized Company CEO Award' Selected by the Korean Academic Society of Business Administration

"Recognized for Setting the Growth Direction of Korea’s Foodservice Franchise Industry"

Genesis BBQ Group announced on the 18th that Chairman Hongkun Yoon received the 'Korea’s Mid-sized Company CEO Award' selected by the Korean Academic Society of Business Administration.

The 'Korea’s Mid-sized Company CEO Award' is given to executives who have successfully led mid-sized companies that play a central role in the national economy and who have served as exemplary growth models from the founding stage through to the mid-sized company growth phase. The selection committee comprehensively evaluates candidates based on ethical entrepreneurship and management philosophy, industrial competitiveness, achievements in business expansion, transparent management, and fulfillment of social responsibility.

Genesis BBQ Group announced on the 18th that Chairman Hong-Geun Yoon received the 'Korea Mid-sized Enterprise CEO Award' selected by the Korean Academy of Management. Photo by Genesis BBQ Group

The award was presented on May 15 at the 2026 Spring Academic Conference of the Korean Academic Society of Business Administration, held at the International Conference Hall of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul.

Chairman Yoon was recognized for his contributions since founding the company in 1995, including establishing a mutually beneficial franchise model, pioneering global markets, and practicing socially responsible management, thereby setting growth directions for the Korean foodservice franchise industry.

A BBQ representative stated, "Based on the management philosophy that 'the headquarters thrives only when franchisees thrive,' we have built a mutually beneficial structure with our franchise family. Through operating and partnership committees, we have established a system for discussing brand policy, marketing, new menus, and key issues together with franchisees, institutionalizing coexistence as an operational principle rather than merely a declaration."

Chairman Yoon established a standardized educational system covering cooking, hygiene, service, and store operations, centered around Chicken University. BBQ currently operates in 57 countries worldwide and has grown a Korean franchise model by simultaneously nurturing local partners, establishing educational systems, managing quality, standardizing operations, and localizing menus. At the same time, the company has been highly rated for building digital-based operational systems for greater efficiency, such as an ERP-based management system, its own logistics management system, digital quality control, and smart kitchens.

In addition, Genesis BBQ Group has continued social contribution activities, including community support, disaster recovery, assistance for vulnerable groups, and support for youth entrepreneurship. Last year, Chairman Yoon received the Grand Prize in the social contribution category at the HDI Human Management Awards.

Chairman Yoon stated, "I believe this award is a meaningful recognition of BBQ’s journey, having grown together with our franchise family over the past 30 years and our efforts to advance the Korean franchise industry. Going forward, we will further enhance the global competitiveness of K-food and contribute to building a sustainable franchise industry ecosystem based on coexistence and innovation."

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