The Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises held the '2025 Korea Small Business Owners Conference' on the 23rd at the KBIZ Hall in Yeouido, Seoul. Approximately 300 attendees included Minister Oh Youngju and KBIZ Chairman Kim Gi-moon, along with small business owners from across the country.
Now in its 36th year, the 'Korea Small Business Owners Conference' aims to encourage the achievements of small and venture business owners who contributed to the economic and social development of Korea in areas such as job creation, exports, and social contributions, while also boosting pride.
This year's conference awarded a total of 92 government honors, including 2 Gold Tower Industrial Medals, 15 Industrial Medals, 12 Industrial Awards, 32 Presidential Citations, and 33 Prime Minister Citations to exemplary small business owners, exemplary workers, and outstanding organizations.
The 'Gold Tower Industrial Medal' was awarded to Lee Sang-chun, CEO of SCL, and Seo Ho-kwon, CEO of Shindo.
CEO Lee contributed to the development of the automotive parts industry by localizing the 'multi-functional pad spring,' a key component of automotive braking systems that had relied 100% on imports. He was also highly regarded for his continuous social contribution activities, such as establishing the Sangnoksoo Foundation, which operates scholarship programs for children and youth.
CEO Seo, who has worked in the forging (metal processing) industry for 38 years, developed a 'high-difficulty cold forging method' through consistent research and development and localized automotive parts. His efforts to promote a transition to an environmentally friendly enterprise through ESG (environmental, social, and governance) management and to reduce energy and carbon emissions were also recognized for their contribution to national industrial development.
Minister Oh Youngju said, 'The Ministry of SMEs and Startups will serve as a reliable support so that small and venture business owners and small business operators can stand as proud leading figures in the Korean economy.'