The 21st Inchon Award

The ceremony for the 21st Inchon Award, which was founded by the Inchon Memorial Foundation (chaired by Hyun Seung-jong) and this newspaper, was held at the auditorium on the 21st floor of the Dong-A Media Center at Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Seven people were awarded medals, plaques, and prize money of 50 million won, including the former president of the Korea University Kim Jeong-bae (education), chair-professor of Sejong University Nam Shi-uk (media and publishing), chairman of LG Caltex Hur Dong-soo (industry and technology), professor of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Kang Seok-jung (natural science), former professor of the Hallym Science Institute Goh Beom-seo (socio-liberal literature), director of the Milyang Yeongnam Hospital Jang Sun-myeong (public service), and honorary professor of Korea University Kim Yong-jun (special award).

The Inchon Award was created to commemorate the legacy of Inchon Kim Seong-su who established this newspaper, the Gyeongseong Textile Corporation, and Korea University. This year marks the 116th anniversary of his birth.

Hyun, the incumbent head director, said, “During Japanese colonial rule, Kim promoted the cultural and physical well-being of Koreans and after his country was liberated, he exerted efforts to found the nation and develop democracy. The awardees have followed foot steps of Kim.”

In a speech, former president of the Korea University Kim Jeong-bae said, “Korea needs to do away with its current closed education policy and create an educational environment where more competition is encouraged. I want to follow Kim by placing more importance on action than words in education.”

Chair-professor Nam Shi-uk said, “I have never forgotten the importance of the public good in my 40-year career as a journalist, which was one of Inchon’s teachings. I will do everything within my power to block the current administration’s attempt to infringe upon press freedom and weaken the media’s role in monitoring the government and its power by shutting down media rooms.”

Chairman Hur Dong-soo said, “GS Caltex has become a world renowned petroleum company, handling 720,000 barrels a day since its establishment 40 years ago as the first private company in Korea. We will continue to develop and produce clean energy resources for future generations.”

Professor Kang said, “I have been studying particle size and densification since I became a professor in 1980 and I will continue to contribute to the development of Korea’s economy.”

Former professor Goh said, “Learning begins from a narcissistic passion in finding truth, but I feel ecstatic receiving this honorable prize. I hope that the Inchon Award continues to promote the passions of those in the academic world.”

Mr. Jang at Milyang Yeongnam Hospital said, “I will follow the example of Kim, who laid the country’s economic and educational foundation. I will always dedicate myself to those who suffer.”

Professor Kim Yong-jun said, “I remember as a judge of the first Inchon Award twenty years ago visiting Mr. Hahm Seok-heon, who was hospitalized, to tell him he got the award for media and publishing. I feel overwhelmed that it is me that is receiving this prize this time.”

Some 300 people including Kim Jae-ho, the grandson of Inchon Kim Seong-su, other relatives, and distinguished figures of society were present.

suhchoi@donga.com