Busan reaches 100 'sharing companies' milestone

Busan city government and the Busan branch of the Community Chest of Korea held a joint enrollment ceremony Friday morning at City Hall to mark the program's 100th "sharing company."

Mayor Jeon Jae-soo, Busan Community Chest of Korea adviser Choi Geum-sik and representatives of the newly enrolled companies attended the event, celebrating the milestone and pledging to expand corporate social contribution activities and spread a culture of giving across the region.

The "sharing company" designation recognizes businesses that donate 100 million won ($75,500) or more to the Busan branch of the Community Chest of Korea over five years. The program aims to encourage sustained, long-term participation in charitable giving to strengthen the local social welfare safety net.

The ceremony proceeded through opening remarks, congratulatory speeches, enrollment reflections and a symbolic enrollment performance. Six companies — JH Lighting, Green Chemtech, BNK Investment Securities, Samhwa Trading, Hanbi Architecture and K-SYS — joined as members No. 99 through 104, adding significance to the 100th-member milestone.

The achievement is considered particularly meaningful because it reflects local businesses' consistent commitment to helping those in need despite challenging economic conditions. Observers say a culture of giving is taking root in the region as companies have continued their donations even in difficult times.

"We expect corporate giving to go beyond one-time support and contribute to building a warm community where neighbors look out for one another and hope is passed on to those in need," a city official said. "We plan to continue strengthening cooperation with local businesses so that charitable giving and social contribution activities can spread throughout the community."

Mayor Jeon called the milestone "a meaningful achievement made possible by the warm hearts of businesses coming together for their neighbors in need," adding that the city would continue to work alongside local companies to spread the value of sharing and build "a warm Busan where no citizen is left behind."