Judoka paralyzed in training rewarded for empowering disabled people with jobs

Eden Welfare Foundation founder Jeong Deok-hwan / Courtesy of HD Hyundai 1% Nanum Foundation

A former Korean national judo team member who became paralyzed after a training accident has been named the grand prize winner of the third HD Hyundai Honor Awards, recognized for his four decades of efforts to empower disabled people to lead independent lives by securing jobs.

The HD Hyundai 1% Nanum Foundation, a charity funded by donations from HD Hyundai employees, announced Monday that Eden Welfare Foundation founder Jeong Deok-hwan will receive 150 million won ($102,000) as this year's top prize recipient.

Since establishing Eden Welfare Foundation in 1983, Jeong has focused on enabling disabled individuals to become self-sufficient rather than dependent on others. Over the past four decades, the foundation has helped a total of 1,303 people with disabilities find employment.

In 2008, Jeong advocated for a law requiring public institutions to prioritize products manufactured by people with severe disabilities. In 2019, he led the Eco-Fair campaign to promote eco-friendly goods made by marginalized groups.

“The award recipients have made a real difference in the lives of those in our society who need help the most,” HD Hyundai 1% Nanum Foundation Chairman Kwon Oh-gap said. “We hope the HD Hyundai Honor Awards will inspire more people to recognize these acts of dedication and join this meaningful journey.”

The runner-up honor went to Father Kim Ha-jong, founder of Anna’s House, which supports homeless and runaway youth.

The Korea Childhood Leukemia Foundation and Raphael Clinic also received awards. The foundation offers financial and emotional assistance to children fighting cancer and rare diseases, while the clinic provides medical care to migrant workers, refugees and multicultural families.

The ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 9 at HD Hyundai's headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.