Shin Dong-bin, Lotte Chairman: "Founder’s Challenge and Passion DNA Are Assets for Building a New Lotte"

Shin Dong-bin, Chairman of Lotte, is writing a memorial message at the 'Sangjeon Shin Kyuk-ho Memorial Hall'.

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] Lotte Group is reexamining the pioneering spirit of the late Honorary Chairman Shin Kyuk-ho on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary, reflecting on his founding spirit and preparing for a new leap forward.

On the 1st, Lotte Group held a bust unveiling ceremony for Honorary Chairman Shin and the opening ceremony of the 'Sangjeon Shin Kyuk-ho Memorial Hall' at Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, Seoul. The event was attended by about 10 executives and employees, including Chairman Shin Dong-bin, eldest daughter and former Lotte Scholarship Foundation Chairwoman Shin Young-ja, Lotte Holdings CEOs Song Yong-duk and Lee Dong-woo, and heads of four business units (BUs).

In his commemorative speech, Chairman Shin Dong-bin said, "The DNA of challenge and passion that the Honorary Chairman personally practiced on the path to creating a new Lotte will be an invaluable asset," adding, "Let us deeply engrave this spirit and unite our will to build the future of Lotte together."

Shin Dong-bin, Chairman of Lotte, is touring the space that recreates the office of founder Shin Kyuk-ho within the 'Sangjeon Shin Kyuk-ho Memorial Hall'.

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The bronze bust of Honorary Chairman Shin is displayed on the first floor of Lotte World Tower. The bust was created by sculptor Kim Young-won, widely known for works such as the King Sejong statue in Gwanghwamun and the large human sculptures at Dongdaemun DDP. Behind the bust is a calligraphy message by calligrapher Kang Byung-in that reads, "Passion never sleeps."

The 'Sangjeon Shin Kyuk-ho Memorial Hall' is located on the 5th floor of Lotte World Tower, covering approximately 680㎡. Visitors can explore Lotte’s history built by the founder through media materials and original artifacts. The life story of Honorary Chairman Shin is presented in photographics, and his early office has been recreated. In the office, a framed calligraphy of the four-character idiom 'Geohwachwisil (去華就實)', meaning "eschewing extravagance and pursuing practicality," along with a painting depicting Korean rural landscapes, is displayed.

Six major anecdotes from Honorary Chairman Shin’s youth, when he studied in Japan and founded Lotte, are presented through illustrated videos. Visitors can also enjoy a large drawing video by artist Kim Jung-gi, known as the "master of live drawing," which sensibly depicts Lotte’s development. Exhibits include worn shoes, magnifying glass, eyeglass case, pen and notebook used by the Honorary Chairman during his work, business cards, a pipe tobacco holder, favorite books, and movie tapes. Items such as Lotte Confectionery’s first gum 'Cool Mint,' early design plans for Lotte Department Store, and records of Lotte World Tower are also on display.

Additionally, photos of on-site management, advertisements, company histories, and newsletters can be accessed via kiosks. Awards and plaques received by Honorary Chairman Shin and Lotte Group, as well as exhibits on the design and completion process of Lotte World Tower and social contribution activities, are showcased. Lotte plans to operate an online memorial hall so that various contents of the memorial can be accessed online and via mobile devices.

Attendees at the unveiling ceremony of the bust of Shin Kyuk-ho, founder of Lotte (from left): Lee Young-gu, Head of Food BU; Lee Dong-woo, CEO of Lotte Holdings; Kang Hee-tae, Head of Distribution BU; Kim Young-won, sculptor; Shin Dong-bin, Chairman of Lotte; Shin Young-ja, former Chairperson of Lotte Scholarship Foundation; Song Yong-deok, Vice Chairman of Lotte Holdings; Kim Kyo-hyun, Head of Chemical BU; Lee Bong-chul, Head of Hotel & Service BU; Ryu Je-don, CEO of Lotte Property & Development.

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On the 3rd, the exact day of Honorary Chairman Shin’s 100th birth anniversary, various events will be held alongside the publication of his memoir, "Passion Never Sleeps." Lotte Ventures will carry on the founder’s pioneering spirit as a "first-generation global young entrepreneur" by running an accelerating program supporting outstanding startups’ overseas expansion. On the 3rd, a ceremony will be held to award a total of 500 million KRW in support funds to 13 selected startups. Lotte Ventures is also considering additional investments of up to 2.5 billion KRW.

The Korea Distribution Science Association will hold the '3rd Sangjeon Distribution Academic Award' ceremony, selecting scholars who have contributed to distribution policy and industry development through research in distribution studies and awarding prize money. The Lotte Scholarship Foundation will grant patriotic scholarships totaling 120 million KRW to 110 children of nurses.

At Lotte Concert Hall, a memorial concert honoring the founder’s dreams, challenges, and passion will be held. Starting at 7 p.m., the concert will feature tribute videos and interview footage. The music for the tribute video is the art song "April Song," known as one of Honorary Chairman Shin’s favorite songs, arranged by singer Kim Hyun-chul. The main concert will premiere the "Shin Kyuk-ho Requiem," composed by composer Cho Eun-hwa inspired by the Honorary Chairman, performed by the Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra. Soprano Shin Young-ok and pianist Sunwoo Yekwon will also perform.

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