The Korea Iron and Steel Association announced on the 9th that it held the 26th Iron Day ceremony. Iron Day commemorates the first molten iron produced at the POSCO Pohang Steelworks on June 9, 1973, and has been celebrated since 2000.
This Iron Day event was held in the afternoon at the Grand InterContinental Parnas Hotel in Gangnam, Seoul. Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun and KISCO Chairman Jang In-hwa, along with representatives from steel companies and about 300 attendees, participated.
Chairman Jang noted in his commemorative speech, "In the face of uncertainties deepened by Trump’s second term, ongoing global supply gluts, and the historical demand for carbon neutrality, we must consider both survival and sustainable growth."
He also urged the steel industry to unite and collaborate organically with the demand sector and government, seize technological superiority through the development of core technologies and high-value products, and transition to eco-friendly production systems at an early stage to turn crises into new opportunities.
Minister Ahn said, "The difficulties faced by the steel industry cannot be overcome solely through the industry's efforts," adding, "The government will also work to strengthen the competitiveness of the steel industry through systemic considerations that can drive demand."
At the event, Dongkuk CM CEO Park Sang-hoon and others received awards for their contributions to enhancing the status of the steel industry. CEO Park was recognized for his efforts in maximizing exports through the development of high-value and eco-friendly color-coated steel plates and received the Silver Tower Industrial Medal.
Son Byeong-geun, a master craftsman at POSCO, was awarded the Bronze Tower Industrial Medal for generating new demand through the development of plating process technology for automobile plating steel. Executive Director Lim Hee-joong of Hyundai Steel received recognition for developing automotive steel plates and expanding exports, while CEO Hong Seong-man of NEXTEEL was honored with a Presidential Citation for strengthening competitiveness in steel pipes.
CEO Jang Young-jae of SP Nature and Executive Han Sang-moo of KG Steel were each awarded the Prime Minister's Citation for their roles in enhancing competitiveness in the scrap industry and pioneering the global market for alloy steel plates. Additionally, a ceremony to honor five individuals with the Steel Association Chairman's Award was also held.
At the ceremony, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the association's founding, awards of appreciation were presented to POSCO, Hyundai Steel, Dongkuk Steel Mill, KG Steel, Dongkuk CM, SeAH Steel, DaehanSteel, Hyundai BNG Steel, Tongyang, KISWIRE, Husteel, TCC Steel, Dongil Industries, Manho Rope & Wire, DONG YANG STEEL PIPE, Korea Cast Iron Pipe, and Korea Cast Iron Pipe, acknowledging their 50 years of partnership.