Why HD Hyundai's Chung Ki-sun visited the national cemetery

HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun visited Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-dong on May 29, the company announced Sunday. Chung paid his respects at the memorial and then joined executives and employees in cleaning and tidying grave sites across the cemetery grounds.

Chung also attended an MOU signing ceremony between HD Construction Equipment and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs for the construction of a memorial facility honoring UN Korean War veterans. The project centers on building a commemorative site for Ethiopian veterans — Ethiopia was the only African country to deploy ground troops during the Korean War.

At the ceremony, Chung introduced HD Hyundai's defense business to Ethiopian Ambassador to South Korea Desi Dalki Dukamo and expressed gratitude for the sacrifice and dedication of Ethiopian veterans. "The courage and sense of duty shown by the veterans who fulfilled their mission to defend freedom and peace laid the foundation for South Korea's prosperity and standing in the world," he said. "Remembering their bravery and friendship, we will also contribute to Ethiopia's development and prosperity."

Chung is a former officer in the Army's special forces regiment. He served as an officer — following in the footsteps of his father, Chung Mong-joon, chairman of the Asan Foundation — and takes considerable pride in his military service.

His commitment to honoring veterans and supporting troops has been consistent. During a 2023 visit to HD Hyundai Electric's transformer factory in Alabama, he arranged a personal meeting after learning that a family member of a Korean War veteran worked at the facility.

In August last year, he laid flowers at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. He has also sent a coffee truck to an Army ROTC winter training camp and provided special meals to naval officer candidate trainees, continuing a pattern of morale-boosting outreach to active-duty service members.

HD Hyundai is widely regarded as one of South Korea's leading shipbuilding and defense companies. HD Hyundai Heavy holds the country's highest record for naval vessel exports, while HD Construction Equipment supplies engines for the domestically developed K2 main battle tank. Industry observers see Chung's cemetery visit and participation in the veterans ceremony as a demonstration of his commitment to serving the nation.