The annual prize honors two innovators under the age of 40 who have driven positive social change, each receiving a cash prize of 50 million won alongside a plaque.
Foundation Chairman Chung Mong-gyu highlighted the distinct achievements of both honorees in shaping their respective fields. An was recognized as a pioneer who conquered severe injuries to reach the summit of world badminton, while Kim was commended as a next-generation scientist advancing sustainable energy and chemical manufacturing through nanoscale interface research.
The award draws its name and spirit from the late Chung Se-young, honorary chairman of HDC Group, commemorating his legacy of innovation and challenge. Established in 2020, the prize previously recognized figures such as Republic of Korea Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Jung Da-jung and APR CEO Kim Byung-hoon.
An Se-young Completes Historic Run of Titles
An’s recognition follows a dominant stretch in international competition that established her at the top of the sport. Her breakthrough arrived in 2019 when she became the youngest winner of the French Open. She subsequently claimed the gold medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, won world championships in 2023 and 2026, and secured the singles title at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The sequence continued with a gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and victory at the April Asian Badminton Championships, a triumph that completed her career sweep of the women’s singles Grand Slam. Beyond her athletic output, the selection committee noted her willingness to speak out against established practices within the domestic sports administration, a stance that resonated widely with younger generations.
He joined the faculty at Penn as an assistant professor in 2022, focusing on mapping atomic-scale reaction sites on solid catalyst surfaces to improve the efficiency of energy conversion and chemical manufacturing processes. His academic contributions have accumulated roughly 15,000 citation counts, leading to his selection for the Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering last October.
Upcoming Award Ceremony at IPARK Tower
The formal presentation of the 7th Pony Jeong Young Leader Awards is scheduled for November 25 at the Pony Jeong Hall located within IPARK Tower in Samseong-dong, Seoul.
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