Longest-serving chair of KCCI dies at 95

Kim Sang-ha

By Park Jae-hyuk

Samyang Group Honorary Chairman Kim Sang-ha, who is also known as the longest-serving chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), died Wednesday at 95, according to the group, Thursday.

Born in Seoul as the fifth-oldest son of Samyang founder Kim Yeon-su, the late chairman joined his father's company after graduating from Seoul National University in 1949.

From the 1950s to 1960s, he directed the company's sugar refinery and synthetic fiber businesses. After he was appointed group chairman in 1996, he guided the company to focus on the packaging and biopharmaceutical businesses for its future growth.

Kim was also recognized for avoiding workforce reduction during the Asian financial crisis in 1998, despite the worsening business environment.

In 2010, he was appointed as the chairman of the group's scholarship foundation to support talented students and pursue the country's academic development. He also served as the head of various organizations, including the KCCI, the Korea-Japan Economic Association and the Korea Basketball Association.

In particular, he served as the KCCI chairman for 12 years from 1988 to 2000.

Park Yong-maan, the incumbent chairman of the business lobby group, delivered a message of condolence, Thursday.

"I express my respect and gratitude to Chairman Kim, who made the KCCI the private-sector partner for the development of the Korean economy and who contributed to the development of the nation's food and chemical industries," he said.

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