On the 28th, Chairman Choi Byung-oh of Hyungji Fashion Group announced that he has been selected as one of the '100 best CEOs of Korea 2025' for the 14th consecutive year.
The 100 best CEOs of Korea, selected since 2005, is celebrating its 21st year this year. Chairman Choi, a self-made CEO who built a leading fashion corporation with his bare hands, has also been recognized for his efforts to promote K-fashion as the chairman of the Korea Textile Industry Association.
Chairman Choi started his clothing business in 1982 and introduced Crocodile Lady in 1996, pioneering a blue ocean in women's fashion called 'women's adult casual.' After successfully launching Shatrin and Olivia Hasler, he consecutively acquired historical fashion brands, including Esquire, Yejak, Elite Student Uniform, and Castelbajac.
Currently, he operates over 2,000 stores nationwide with 20 brands.
In his hometown of Busan, Saha District, he opened a complex shopping mall called Art Malling, establishing it as the largest shopping and cultural space in the western Busan area.
As the first corporation certified under the 'Domestic Textile Product Certification System,' he is also taking the lead in using domestic materials. The aim is to enhance the trustworthiness of domestic products and promote mutual growth with domestic corporations.
Since taking office as chairman of the Korea Textile Industry Association in August 2023, he has been actively engaged in revitalizing and developing 'K-textiles and fashion.' He is collaborating with the government and the National Assembly to innovate systems and infrastructure, aiding domestic corporations in diversifying their export markets through international exhibitions and export promotions.
He is also actively pushing for the localization of defense textiles, support for designated root industries, and innovation in production and distribution platforms using artificial intelligence (AI).