SM Group Chairman Woo Oh-hyun Continues Philanthropic Support of Yeosu University

Woo Oh-hyun, Chairman of South Korean conglomerate SM Group, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting higher education with a recent ₩2.3 billion (approximately $1.7 million USD) donation to Yeosu University. This latest contribution, made through the Samra Hope Foundation, follows a previous donation of ₩3.3 billion in November 2024, bringing his total support for the university to over ₩10 billion (approximately $7.2 million USD) in the past five years.

A History of Educational Investment

Since 2022, Chairman Woo has consistently provided approximately ₩1 billion annually in scholarships for incoming freshmen at Yeosu University. In December 2024, he pledged an additional ₩6.5 billion for renovations to the university’s dormitories and classrooms, aiming to enhance the learning environment for students and faculty. Prior to the start of the recent semester, he personally funded scholarships of ₩1 million each for 1,141 freshmen and allocated ₩500 million towards a full-time meal support program.

Focus on Local University Development

Chairman Woo has emphasized the importance of strengthening local universities as a means of attracting talent and fostering economic growth within the region. SM Group stated its ongoing dedication to supporting education and talent development in local communities to improve professionalism and competitiveness across various industries, ultimately driving industrial advancement.

About SM Group

SM Group, led by Woo Oh-hyun, is a South Korean conglomerate with diverse interests, including construction, shipping, and logistics. The group has grown to develop into a major player in the Korean economy, with assets exceeding KRW 10 trillion (US$7.2 billion) and ranking among the top 30 business groups in the country. Learn more about Woo Oh-hyun and SM Group.

Note: This report was translated and edited by an artificial intelligence (AI) system.