Chung attends MOU signing for UN veterans memorial facility; honors Korean War veterans and supports active-duty troops

HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun pays tribute at the Memorial Tower of Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu on May 29, alongside company executives and employees. [HD Hyundai]
HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun pays tribute at the Memorial Tower of Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu on May 29, alongside company executives and employees. [HD Hyundai]

HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun visited Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu on May 29, the company said Sunday. Chung paid his respects at the memorial and then joined executives and employees in tidying the burial grounds.

He also attended a ceremony marking the signing of a memorandum of understanding between HD Construction Equipment and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs for the construction of a memorial facility honoring UN veterans. The project centers on building a commemorative site for Ethiopian veterans of the Korean War — Ethiopia being the only African country to deploy ground troops during the conflict.

At the event, Chung introduced HD Hyundai's defense business to Ethiopian Ambassador to South Korea Desi Dalki Dukamo and expressed gratitude for the sacrifice and service of Ethiopian veterans. "The courage and sense of responsibility shown by the veterans who fulfilled their mission to defend freedom and peace laid the foundation for South Korea's prosperity and standing in the world," he said. "Remembering their bravery and friendship, we will also do our part to support Ethiopia's development and prosperity."

Chung is a former officer in the Army's special forces regiment. He served as an officer — following in the footsteps of his father, Chung Mong-joon, chairman of the Asan Foundation — and is said to take considerable pride in his military service.

His commitment to honoring veterans and supporting active-duty troops has been consistent. When he visited HD Hyundai Electric's transformer factory in Alabama in 2023, he arranged a personal meeting after learning that a Korean War veteran's family member worked there.

In August last year, he laid flowers at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. He has also sent a coffee truck to an Army ROTC winter training camp and provided special meals to naval officer candidate trainees, as part of his ongoing efforts to encourage military personnel.

HD Hyundai is widely regarded as one of South Korea's leading shipbuilding and defense companies. HD Hyundai Heavy holds the country's highest record for naval vessel exports, while HD Construction Equipment supplies engines for the domestically developed K2 main battle tank. Industry observers say Chung's cemetery visit and participation in the veterans ceremony reflect a commitment to the spirit of selfless service to the nation.


keg@heraldcorp.com