[Provided by Gyeonggi Market and Commercial District Promotion Agency]
[Provided by Gyeonggi Market and Commercial District Promotion Agency]

Kim Min-cheol, president of the Gyeonggi Market and Commercial District Promotion Agency, received the top prize in the market and commercial district promotion category at the 2026 Korea's Most Respected Companies, Institutions, Figures and Consumer-Favorite Brands Awards.

The awards, co-hosted by The Herald Business and the Korea Herald, recognize outstanding companies, institutions, individuals and brands based on a comprehensive assessment of competitiveness, social value and consumer trust. The ceremony was held Wednesday at the Press Center.

Kim joined the agency in 2024 and was honored for advancing a range of policy projects aimed at strengthening traditional markets, neighborhood commercial districts and small business owners, and for helping lay the groundwork for sustainable growth in local commerce.

The agency works to revitalize the local economy across Gyeonggi Province by running support programs for small business owners centered on traditional markets and neighborhood commercial districts — covering management support, commercial district revitalization, digital transformation, facility modernization, and education and consulting services.

The agency also pursues tailored policies that reflect the distinct characteristics and needs of each commercial district, working continuously with cities, counties and related institutions across the province to stabilize small business operations and sharpen their competitiveness.

"This award is a meaningful achievement shared with our staff, who have worked hard to revitalize the local economy, as well as the small business owners who have kept their local commercial districts alive despite difficult conditions," Kim said.


fob140@heraldcorp.com