Hyundai Founder Chung Ju-yung Remembered at 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert in Seoul

Chung Mong-joon, chairman of the Asan Foundation, greets reporters near the venue for a memorial concert marking the 25th anniversary of Hyundai Group honorary chairman Chung Ju-yung’s death at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on Feb. 25. [Photo by Oh Joo-seok]

Chung Ki-sun, chairman of HD Hyundai, arrives for the memorial concert marking the 25th anniversary of Hyundai Group honorary chairman Chung Ju-yung’s death at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on Feb. 25. [Photo by Oh Joo-seok]

"My father in heaven will also be grateful." (Chung Mong-joon, chairman of the Asan Foundation)

Members of the wider Hyundai founding family, along with figures from business, politics and culture, gathered in Seoul on Feb. 25 for a memorial concert marking the 25th anniversary of the death of Chung Ju-yung, honorary chairman of Hyundai Group.

Around 6 p.m., the lobby of the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall in Seocho-gu was already crowded ahead of the program. Hyundai family members began arriving about an hour before the concert.

Chung Mong-joon, chairman of the Asan Foundation, arrived at the venue’s above-ground parking lot at about 6:36 p.m. and briefly greeted reporters. "Thank you for coming today," he said. "My father will also be grateful that you came."

Direct family members also appeared in succession, including Chung Ki-sun, chairman of HD Hyundai; Chung Myung-yi, president of Hyundai Commercial; and Chung Tae-young, vice chairman of Hyundai Card.

Other attendees included Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin; Hong Ra-hee, former director of the Leeum Museum of Art; National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik; Kim Jong-in, former emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party; and lawmaker Na Kyung-won. Actor Yoo Hae-jin was among those from the entertainment and cultural sector.

Jang Jae-hoon, vice chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, greets visitors at the memorial concert venue in Seoul on Feb. 25. [Photo by Oh Joo-seok]

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun arrived about two hours before the concert to check the rehearsal and review preparations. Hyundai Motor CEO Jose Munoz, Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Jang Jae-hoon, Hyundai Motor R&D chief Manfred Harrer and Hyundai Motor President Sung Kim also arrived early to welcome guests.

The memorial concert featured performances by internationally known pianists Kim Sunwook, Sunwoo Yekwon, Cho Seong-jin and Lim Yunchan. Tickets were not sold; they were provided only to invited guests, including public-service workers, future talent, key figures from various fields and Hyundai Motor employees, organizers said, to preserve the event’s purpose.

Attendees received a gift set that included Chung’s autobiography, "Born on This Land," and an event booklet.

Visitors pose for photos at the memorial concert marking the 25th anniversary of Hyundai Group honorary chairman Chung Ju-yung’s death in Seoul on Feb. 25. [Photo by Oh Joo-seok]

Organizers said the concert was held to reflect on the meaning of Chung’s entrepreneurial spirit for society and future generations. Chung is widely regarded as a symbol of Korean entrepreneurship, credited with helping lead the country’s industrialization through a bold vision and determination to maintain hope in the face of hardship.

* This article has been translated by AI.

Oh Jooseok