Hyundai Marks Chung Ju-yung’s 25th Anniversary With Tribute Concert in Seoul

Hyundai Motor Group Chair Chung Euisun delivers a tribute address at a concert marking the 25th anniversary of the death of founder Chung Ju-yung. [Photo: Hyundai Motor]

Hyundai Motor Group marked the 25th anniversary of the death of founder Chung Ju-yung with a memorial concert in Seoul that highlighted his entrepreneurial spirit through music.

The group held the “25th Anniversary Concert in Memory of Asan Chung Ju-yung, Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Group” on Tuesday at the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Center.

In a tribute address, Hyundai Motor Group Chair Chung Euisun said the concert was prepared to honor the lasting “resonance” left by his grandfather. “His convictions and every challenge began with people,” Chung said. “He believed in human potential and achieved innovation for people.”

Chung said that while 25 years have passed, the message feels stronger as the company and society face “many difficulties and challenges at home and abroad.” He added, “I will continue to carry on my grandfather’s spirit to build a better future,” pledging to keep pursuing “innovation for people.”

Hyundai Motor Group Chair Chung Euisun speaks at the memorial concert for founder Chung Ju-yung. [Photo: Hyundai Motor]

About 2,500 people attended, including members of the extended Hyundai family and figures from business, politics and culture. Among those present were HD Hyundai Chair Chung Ki-sun, Hyundai Commercial President Chung Myung-yi and Hyundai Card Vice Chairman Chung Tae-young, all direct family members of Chung Ju-yung.

Chung Mong-joon, chairman of the Asan Foundation, briefly told reporters, “Thank you for coming today. My father would also be grateful that you came.”

Attendees also included Lotte Group Chair 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 and other cultural figures also attended.

Chung Ju-yung is widely regarded as a leading business figure who helped build South Korea’s industrial base through bold vision, determination and people-centered innovation. Born the eldest son of a poor farming family, he built his business from scratch. The name “Hyundai,” adopted in the 1940s when Korea was poor, reflected his drive for modernization so people could live better, the group said.

Pianists Kim Sunwook, Sunwoo Yekwon, Cho Seong-jin and Lim Yunchan take a bow after performing at the memorial concert. [Photo: Hyundai Motor]

The concert was held under the theme “Resonance Continues.” Pianists Kim Sunwook, Sunwoo Yekwon, Cho Seong-jin and Lim Yunchan performed together, using music to reflect Chung’s achievements in taking on what seemed impossible and the hope those efforts offer to today’s generation.

Park Min-seon, 31, of Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, said it was “even more meaningful” because it was a rare chance to see all four pianists on one stage, adding that the repertoire also felt significant.

Hyundai Motor Group said it planned the concert to share the founder’s life and philosophy of forging new paths to improve people’s lives. To keep the event focused on its public purpose, tickets were not sold and were provided only to invited guests, including public service workers, future talent, key figures from various fields and Hyundai employees. Attendees received gift sets that included Chung’s autobiography, “Born on This Land,” and an event booklet.

A Hyundai Motor Group official said the group’s vision, “Progress for Humanity,” is rooted in Chung’s people-centered management philosophy, adding that the company will continue efforts for a more prosperous life and a sustainable future through ongoing innovation.

* This article has been translated by AI.

Oh Jooseok