CHOI and his wife honored for lifelong dedication to alma mater and students, donating over KRW 1 billion

Busts installed on May 21 at YU Library’s outdoor donor recognition space

Pioneer in Civil Engineering and Construction, Dedicated to Nurturing Talent Through Scholarship Programs

[May 21, 2025]

Yeungnam University (President CHOI Oe-chool) held a bust unveiling ceremony on May 21 to honor CHOI Hyuk-young, Chairman of the CHOI Hyuk-young Scholarship Foundation, and his wife, JI Kyum-ja.

 The busts, now installed at the university’s outdoor donor recognition area near the Central Library, commemorate their long-standing commitment and generosity to the university. An alumnus from the Class of ’63 in Civil Engineering, Chairman CHOI began his donations with KRW 100 million in 2007 and has since contributed over KRW 1.05 billion in development funds, playing a key role in supporting his alma mater and younger generations.

<Yeungnam University held a bust unveiling ceremony on May 21 to honor Chairman CHOI Hyuk-young and his wife. (Left: Chairman CHOI Hyuk-young, Right: President CHOI Oe-chool)>

 After graduating from YU, CHOI launched Shinwon Development Co., Ltd. and participated in Korea’s third overseas construction project—the Port of Khorramshahr in Iran. While at Samsung Construction, he contributed to winning contracts in the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Libya, playing a pivotal role in advancing Korea’s national industry. Later, he founded Samwoo Construction Co., Ltd., leading major infrastructure projects across Korea such as expressways, subways, and industrial complexes, establishing himself as a trailblazer in Korea’s construction sector.

 His passion for education and talent development was equally notable. In 2013, he established the CHOI Hyuk-young Scholarship Foundation, which has provided scholarships to more than 20 high schools and universities nationwide. Beyond financial support, he has mentored scholarship recipients, offering guidance on careers and life, and has become a respected life mentor. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Moran Medal of the Order of Civil Merit in 2024 and an honorary doctorate in engineering from YU in 2021.

He also fully funded symbolic projects for his alma mater, such as the “Cheonma Tunnel Fountain” at the university's main gate and the large “Big Time” clock on the Central Library’s exterior. The newly installed busts honor these lifelong acts of dedication and generosity.

<Chairman CHOI Hyuk-young delivers remarks at the unveiling ceremony.>

 At the unveiling ceremony, Chairman CHOI remarked, “I am deeply grateful to my family who has always been with me on this journey and to Yeungnam University, which nurtured my dreams during my student days. I feel both honored and humbled by the installation of these busts on campus. I have pursued scholarship programs to give back to society and my alma mater for the blessings I’ve received. I will continue to support our juniors not only through financial means but with heartfelt encouragement to help them pursue their dreams.”

<YU President CHOI Oe-chool gives congratulatory remarks at the unveiling ceremony.>

YU President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “Today’s unveiling of Chairman CHOI Hyuk-young and Mrs. JI Kyum-ja’s busts is deeply meaningful. We sincerely thank them for their unwavering love and generosity for YU and our students over many years. Chairman CHOI is not only a pioneer in Korea’s construction industry but also a champion of education and a role model for younger generations. In line with YU’s slogan ‘Eyes on the Future, Challenge to the World,’ we will ensure that their noble legacy serves as a strong foundation for nurturing global talents who will contribute to humanity. As president, I will do my utmost to carry forward their warm-hearted spirit and commitment to education.”