Coupang awards scholarships to 60 descendants of independence activists

Coupang Inc announced Thursday it has signed an MOU with the Korean Liberation Association to support the academic pursuits of descendants of independence activists.

The two organizations signed the agreement Wednesday at the Korean Liberation Association headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. The ceremony was attended by Jang Young-chul, executive vice president of Coupang's corporate social responsibility division, along with association officials including standing Vice President Kim Jin and Secretary-General Jeon Byeong-in. Kim is a grandson of independence leader Kim Gu.

Coupang will provide the Korean Liberation Association with a scholarship fund of 100 million won ($70,700). The association will select 60 recipients — 20 university students and 40 high school students — through recommendations from regional chapters nationwide and a review by a scholarship selection committee. Each university student will receive 3 million won and each high school student 1 million won. The association plans to conduct its review from September through November, with a scholarship certificate ceremony scheduled for December.

"This scholarship program is meaningful in that it honors the sacrifices of independence activists who devoted themselves to the nation, and passes on the values of the independence movement and patriotic spirit to future generations," a Coupang corporate social responsibility official said. "We will continue to provide practical support so that descendants of independence activists can take pride in their heritage as they prepare for their studies and their futures."