Seventeen business leaders, including Woongjin Freedlife CEO Moon Ho-sang and Ceragem CEO Lee Kyung-soo, received the Korea CEO Grand Prize.
The third CEO Day event, honoring the dedication of leaders who have steered South Korea's economy through compounding crises, was held on the 20th at Marina Park in Seoul's Seocho district. Organized by the CEO Day Organizing Committee — with former Prime Minister Chung Un-chan as honorary chairman and N&P Group Chairman Lee Seung-han, Korea Development Forum Chairman Yoon Eun-ki and Dongsan Hearing Chairman Shim Sang-don as co-chairmen — the event was jointly managed by A Better Future, led by Kim Yoon-gon, and CEO Partners, led by Son Hong-rak, with sponsorship from the Korean Academic Society of Business Administration, headed by Choi Jung-il. The gathering was designed to encourage executives who have guided the national economy through downturns and to examine the essential role of corporate leaders during a period of technological transformation.
Held under the theme "CEO Leadership in the AI Era," the event focused on human intellect that machines cannot replace and on "leadership of empathy" that moves others.
A series of messages from prominent figures urged leadership capable of breaking through the crisis. In his welcoming address, Chung said regulatory reform must be in place so entrepreneurs can take on challenges without fear if the Korean economy is to rebound.
Lee Seung-han said the rise and fall of nations and companies depends on a leader's insight, ability to unify and altruism, calling on executives to recognize their mission.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon pledged strong support in a congratulatory address, saying the city will abolish unreasonable regulations so CEOs can pursue challenges freely and will make Seoul the best place in the world to do business.
Kwon Young-soo, an adviser to LG Energy Solution, delivered the keynote address, arguing that the essence of management lies in winning people's hearts and that only leaders who embrace the pain of others and share grand ambitions with employees on the front line can drive genuine innovation, especially in times of crisis.
In the second session, the 2026 Korea CEO Grand Prize ceremony recognized 17 executives across 12 categories for outstanding management performance and innovation that contributed to economic development. Moon, who won the grand prize in the business leader category, drew particular attention for building a "total life care platform" spanning the entire life cycle, moving beyond the boundaries of the traditional funeral services industry and presenting a new industrial vision for the coming super-aged society.
Attendees included Chung, Lee Seung-han, Woongjin Group Chairman Yoon Seok-keum and other figures from politics and business, along with about 120 executives.
The following is the list of main recipients of the 2026 Korea CEO Grand Prize.
◇Special Achievement Award △Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon ◇Global Healthcare △Ceragem CEO Lee Kyung-soo ◇Global Business △Naracella Chairman Ma Seung-chul ◇Sustainability Leader △Korea Green Foundation Representative Lee Mi-kyung ◇Biotechnology △Biosmart Chairman Park Hye-rin △Kangstem Biotech CSO Kang Kyung-sun △Bioneer Chairman Park Han-oh ◇Culture and Tourism Promotion △Hotel Skypark Group Chairman Choi Young-jae ◇Business Leader △Woongjin Preed Life CEO Moon Ho-sang ◇Culture and Tourism Leader △Nami Island CEO Min Kyung-hyuk ◇Industrial Ecosystem △Korea Investment Partners CEO Hwang Man-soon ◇Industrial Infrastructure Promotion △Seoul Center for Creative Economy and Innovation CEO Lee Young-keun ◇Medical Science △Image Up Plastic Surgery Director Kim Sung-nam ◇Social Contribution Leader △Hankwang Electric CEO Yoo Ki-hyun △Jangsu Stone Bed Chairman Choi Chang-hwan △Korea Food Culture Foundation Chairwoman Park Mi-young △KCC Auto Group Chairman Lee Sang-hyun
