Late Hyosung Honorary Chairman Cho Seok-rae Receives Korea-U.S. Friendship Award

Contributed to the Korea-U.S. FTA and South Korea's entry into the Visa Waiver Program
Chairman Cho Hyunjoon accepts the award on his behalf

The late Cho Seok-rae, honorary chairman of Hyosung Group, was awarded the Korea-U.S. Friendship Award for his contributions to economic cooperation and the promotion of friendship between the two countries.

The late Cho Seokrae, honorary chairman of Hyosung Group. Hyosung Group

Hyosung announced on November 9 that Cho had received the 24th Korea-U.S. Friendship Award from the Korea-America Association at the "Korea-U.S. Friendship Award Ceremony and Korea-U.S. Friendship Night," held at the Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul on November 6. Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-joon accepted the award on his behalf.

Cho was the first business leader to propose a Korea-U.S. free trade agreement (FTA). As chair of the Korean side of the Korea-U.S. Business Council in 2000, he brought the need for an FTA into public debate and led joint research by business communities in both countries, laying the groundwork for formal negotiations in 2006.

When negotiations hit a snag over the screen quota issue, he met in succession with film industry figures and government officials to narrow their differences. After the agreement was reached in 2007, he traveled to Washington in person to urge the U.S. Congress to ratify it.

He also helped South Korea join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). He sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of State requesting South Korea's participation and established a visa subcommittee within the Korea-U.S. Business Council. South Korea joined the VWP in 2008.

Chairman Cho said he was grateful to accept the award on behalf of his family, noting that his maternal grandfather, Song In-sang, a former chairman of the Korea-America Association, received the same award in 2004, and that his late father had now received it as well. He added, "I will keep my father's wishes close to my heart and do my utmost to ensure that the Korea-U.S. alliance grows ever stronger and continues through future generations."

The Korea-U.S. Friendship Award has been presented by the Korea-America Association since 2002 to individuals who have contributed to promoting friendship between the two countries. Past recipients include General Paik Sun-yup and former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. About 300 people from both countries, including U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel, attended the event.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.