On April 2, 2025, Dr. Choo Hye-in, Director of Salim Clinic, was honored with the Community Development and Philanthropy Award at the 2025 POSCO TJ Park Prize ceremony. For many years, Dr. Choo has quietly addressed inequalities in the medical field, extending a helping hand to those in need. To celebrate this achievement, a heartfelt gathering was held on April 9 at Salim Clinic with approximately 50 cooperative members in attendance. Salim Clinic is a medical cooperative comprising around 5,000 members. Though the event was modest in scale, it was filled with genuine warmth and solidarity, making it more meaningful than any grand ceremony.

 

 

Upon entering Salim Clinic, attendees were greeted by a display featuring the POSCO TJ Park Prize trophy alongside a small exhibition highlighting the clinic's journey since its establishment in 2012. The exhibit showcased various awards and records of the clinic's endeavors over the past decade.

 

 

Adjacent to the display was a rolling paper corner adorned with handwritten congratulatory Post-it notes from cooperative members. Messages like "Thank you," "We respect you," and "Let's continue together" filled the papaer, creating a wave of heartfelt celebrations.

 

 

The main event commenced at 7:30 PM with a viewing of a video produced by the POSCO TJ Park Foundation, detailing Dr. Choo's contributions. The video recapped the collaborative efforts of over 5,000 cooperative members in building a medical community, providing over 3,300 free treatments to underserved populations, and establishing facilities like care centers, health centers, and dental clinics.

 

 

Following the video, a donation ceremony was held where Dr. Choo generously contributed the entire prize money of 100 million KRW to Salim Clinic, further supporting its mission. The next segment featured a relaxed interview with Dr. Choo, where she shared stories from her childhood, her decision to pursue a medical cooperative model, and her commitment to extending care beyond the clinic to the broader community. Her deep affection for people and unwavering dedication to equitable healthcare resonated throughout the conversation.

 

 

The event concluded with a surprise hula dance performance by Dr. Choo. Having participated in the cooperative's hula dance program, she took to the stage, bringing joy and laughter to all attendees. This performance was a testament to the communal spirit and shared happiness that defines Salim Clinic.​ The ceremony was more than a celebration; it was a reflection of the values embodied by the POSCO TJ Park Prize—humanitarian practice, community values, and sustainable sharing—all of which are seamlessly integrated into Dr. Choo's life and work.

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The POSCO TJ Park Foundation remains committed to discovering and supporting scientists, educators, technologists, and humanitarians who challenge the unknown, nurture future generations, drive national growth, and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.