LS Group founder's grandson receives commendation

Lee Sang-hyun

By Lee Kyung-min

Electronics component manufacturer Taein CEO Lee Sang-hyun won a presidential commendation, Wednesday, for his contribution to fostering exchanges of cultural and sports activities between South and North Korea, the firm said Thursday. Lee is the grandson of the late LS Group founder and honorary chairman of LS Cable & System Koo Tai-hwoi.

The commendation was awarded by the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, an advisory to the president. The constitutional entity makes policy recommendations for peaceful unification.

“I am grateful that I was given the commendation. I will continue to make contributions to the country in any way I can,” he said, according to the firm.

Lee is widely known as the author of the Korea Donation Guide, through which he shared his experience and philosophy about donations. Also included in the guide are a list of institutions and their contact information. These institutions accept donations as well as tax benefits during the year-end tax settlement.

He is a member of the Honor Society, part of Community Chest of Korea, a local fundraiser. He has long voiced the need for a culture where donations are more widespread ― however small the donated amount may be.

Lee operates a scholarship to nurture young promising athletes in track and field, weightlifting, archery and handball.

Other funds run by him help the underprivileged as well as physically challenged children.