Yuhan Corporation is planning to open a memorial hall to mark its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1926 by Dr. Il-han New, Yuhan Corporation has been a pioneer in the Korean pharmaceutical industry and has greatly contributed to promoting public health. Ahead of its 100th anniversary in 2026, Yuhan Corporation is preparing for a new leap forward through a memorial hall that connects the past, present, and future.
Yuhan Corporation was founded by Dr. Il-han New during the Japanese colonial period with the belief of 'creating a healthy society.' At the time, Korea did not have a proper basic medical system, and most medicines were dependent on imports. In this situation, Yuhan Corporation dedicated itself to establishing a base for domestic pharmaceutical production and protecting public health. Dr. Il-han New went to the United States at the young age of nine, where he was exposed to Western advanced management philosophies, and practiced management that returned corporate profits to society. Upon his death in 1971, he showed his will to return all of Yuhan Corporation's shares to public foundations, contributing to society.
From its inception, Yuhan Corporation aimed to 'supply excellent medicines' and began importing and selling advanced medicines from the United States. In the 1930s, it partnered with Abbott to build a drug warehouse in Dalian, China, expanding its business to the Manchurian region. In addition, it achieved full-fledged growth as a pharmaceutical company by selling its self-developed 'Antiflamine.' In 1936, 'Yuhan Corporation' was established, transforming from a private company to a corporation, practicing the management philosophy that 'a company belongs not to an individual but to society and employees.' The 'Willow Mark,' the symbol of Yuhan Corporation, was created by independence activist Seo Jae-pil, inspired by Dr. Il-han New's surname (柳), meaning to provide a comfortable shade to the nation.
Yuhan Corporation plans to build a memorial hall in its old headquarters in Daebang-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, to commemorate its 100th anniversary. With a goal of completion in March 2026 and an investment of 26 billion won, this memorial hall will be created as a space showcasing Dr. Il-han New's life and management philosophy. The memorial hall is expected to honor Yuhan Corporation's history and spirit, and establish itself as a landmark in the local community.
Yuhan Corporation has adhered to the principle of returning corporate profits to society from its early days. It is engaged in various forms of social contribution activities, including scholarship programs, medical campaigns, and welfare support, and is conducting systematic activities under the social contribution slogan 'Healthy Tomorrow, Yuhan Together.' In 2024, more than 3,000 employees participated in social contribution activities in various fields, including environmental protection, support for the underprivileged, and promotion of biodiversity. In addition, it is fulfilling its social responsibility through various activities such as making Hickman pockets for pediatric cancer patients and blood donation campaigns. Yuhan Corporation is striving to build an ESG management system and strengthen sustainable management throughout its business. Three business sites were also selected for the '2023 Local Community Contribution Recognition System.'
Yuhan Corporation is continuing to invest in R&D to become a global top 50 pharmaceutical company under the vision of 'Great & Global.' It invests more than 10% of its annual sales in R&D and strives to contribute to the promotion of human health through the development of innovative new drugs. In 2023, it aimed to develop and perform efficient work based on integrity with 'Integrity, Progress, Efficiency' as its management indicators. In 2024, it aims to achieve the 'Global Top 50 Pharmaceutical Company' goal with 'Passion, Proactive, Perseverance' as its management indicators. In February 2024, Yuhan Corporation CEO Cho Wook-je also expressed his ambition to become a global top 50 pharmaceutical company within the 100th anniversary of its founding in 2026.
Yuhan Corporation aims to create a virtuous cycle of R&D investment and contribute to society through the development of innovative new drugs such as Lazertinib. In addition, it is expanding ESG activities to pursue sustainable growth. Under the ESG vision of 'Health for Humanity and the Planet, a Better 100 Years,' Yuhan Corporation is conducting various activities such as responding to climate change and establishing a carbon neutrality roadmap.
The opening of Yuhan Corporation's centennial hall is a symbolic event that goes beyond simple historical commemoration, showing Yuhan Corporation's commitment to the future. Yuhan Corporation will continue to contribute to the promotion of public health through innovative new drug development and social contribution activities, and grow into a global pharmaceutical company.
When will the Yuhan Corporation Centennial Hall open?
It is aimed to be completed in March 2026.
What are Yuhan Corporation's social contribution activities?
It is engaged in various social contribution activities, including scholarship programs, medical campaigns, support for the underprivileged, and environmental protection.
What is Yuhan Corporation's future vision?
It aims to become a global top 50 pharmaceutical company under the 'Great & Global' vision.
How is Yuhan Corporation's ESG management being carried out?
Under the ESG vision of 'Health for Humanity and the Planet, a Better 100 Years,' it is conducting various activities such as responding to climate change and establishing a carbon neutrality roadmap.
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