On Wednesday, April 2, the POSCO TJ Park Foundation held the 2025 POSCO TJ Park Prize Award Ceremony at the POSCO Center. The POSCO TJ Park Prize was established in honor of the late Honorary Chairman Park Tae-joon and annually recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions and shown dedication in four categories: Science, Technology, Education, and Community Development & Philanthropy.

​

Before the ceremony began, a photo wall was set up in the lobby of the POSCO Center for guests to commemorate the occasion. Award recipients and their families took pictures together to mark the momentous honor of receiving the prize. Light refreshments were provided, allowing attendees to network freely in a warm and celebratory atmosphere that set the tone for the event.

 

 

The ceremony began with a welcoming address by Mr. Chang In-hwa, Chairman of POSCO Group and the POSCO TJ Park Foundation. He remarked, “Behind every historic success and great achievement are individuals who devoted themselves wholeheartedly to realize a dream. If at any point in the past they had given in to adversity, today’s accomplishments would not exist. We offer our heartfelt applause to the noble sense of purpose and spirit of challenge that drove them through lonely battles and sacrifice.” His message conveyed deep respect for the values upheld by the POSCO TJ Park Prize and the dedication of its recipients.

 

 

The first award presented was in the Science category. This year’s Science Prize was awarded to Professor Park Moon-Jung of the Department of Chemistry at POSTECH. Professor Park is a pioneer in the new scientific field of “polymer end-group chemistry,” and has introduced a new paradigm in polymer synthesis and control technologies essential to advanced industries. She was the first in the world to demonstrate that polymer end-groups govern the thermodynamic properties and physical characteristics of polymers, drawing significant attention from the global academic community.

​

In her acceptance speech, Professor Park stated, “I will not forget the sense of responsibility and mission that comes with receiving the POSCO TJ Park Prize. I will do my best to mentor the next generation and contribute to the advancement of science in Korea.”

 

 

Next, the Technology Prize was awarded to Mr. Kim Jin-dong, CEO of Lake Materials Co., Ltd. Mr. Kim successfully localized the production of TMA (Trimethylaluminum), a highly purified compound, and independently developed the technology to design production plants for organometallic compounds. More recently, he has also succeeded in developing mass-production equipment for lithium sulfide, a core material in all-solid-state batteries—paving the way for promising future growth.

​

Mr. Kim shared in his remarks, “I deeply embrace the spirit of the POSCO TJ Park Prize. I will strive to develop more innovative and creative technologies to contribute to Korea’s industrial development and global competitiveness. I consider this award a new starting point, carrying greater responsibility and the momentum for our company to grow into a leading global materials enterprise.”

 

 

The Education Prize was awarded to Pohang Myeongdo School. Since its founding in 1989, Pohang Myeongdo School has developed and operated specialized education programs tailored for students with disabilities. The school founded the nation’s first orchestra for students with developmental disabilities, achieved top-level performance in professional physical education, and has delivered strong results in job training through digital and field-based vocational education programs.

​

Principal Jeon Yong-seok stated, “This award was made possible by the limitless potential shown by our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the warm support from our students’ families. I hope this recognition will lead to greater attention to special education in our society and pave the way for further growth together.”

 

 

The Community Service Prize was jointly awarded to Mr. Lee Cheol-yong, CEO of the nonprofit organization CAMP. For over 25 years, Mr. Lee has been actively supporting socially marginalized groups such as people with disabilities, foreign workers, and those living in poverty. Since 2007, he has lived among residents in impoverished areas of the Philippines, offering a new model of community-based support.

​

Mr. Lee shared, “I will return to the village in the Philippines and continue to live alongside the residents. I will dedicate the rest of my life to working in the field, addressing the suffering caused by climate change and poverty. I will also support young people in Korea so they can build strong foundations for making meaningful change in the world.”

 

 

The other recipient of the Community Service Prize was Dr. Choo Hye-in, Director of Salim Clinic under the Salim Medical Welfare Social Cooperative. Dr. Choo opened the clinic in 2012 with the goal of addressing inequality and social exclusion in medical care. Since then, she has built a cooperative community of over 5,000 households and now operates a clinic, dental office, health center, and care center. Over the past decade, she has provided more than 3,300 free medical services.

​

Dr. Choo stated, “If we only focus on treating patients who come into the clinic, it’s easy to lose sight of those who can’t make it through the doors. I’ll continue to remind myself to think of those who are left out and make an effort to reach them.”

 

 

The ceremony concluded with a congratulatory performance by pianist and pyeongchang (traditional Korean singing) artist Choi Jun, who is a musician with developmental disabilities, and the Dreamer Choir, a children’s choir. The POSCO TJ Park Foundation will continue to discover and support scientists who challenge uncharted fields, educators who nurture the next generation, technologists who drive Korea’s growth, and humanitarians who create a brighter tomorrow.