Yuhan Corporation CEO Wook Je Cho Delivers a Lecture on ESG Management Philosophy at Korea University Business School 

On Wednesday, October 29, the Global ESG Lecture Series was held at Korea University Business School (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) in Room B308 of Hyundai Motor Hall. The special lecture was hosted by the ESG Research Institute (Director: Jae-Hyuk Lee), and the guest speaker was Wook Je Cho, CEO of Yuhan Corporation and an alumnus of Korea University’s Department of Agricultural Chemistry. Before the lecture began, Director Jae-Hyuk Lee introduced the founding purpose and key initiatives of the ESG Research Institute, noting that “the ESG Institute promotes the values of social responsibility and sustainable management through international sustainability conferences and the Global Lecture Series.” 

Wook Je Cho, CEO of Yuhan Corporation, delivered a special lecture on the theme of “Corporate Philosophy and Sustainable Innovation.” He began the lecture with a video introducing Dr. Il-Han Yu, the founder and first president of Yuhan Corporation. Dr. Yu is well known as an entrepreneur who contributed to the formation of national capital and as an independence activist who devoted his life to education and social contribution. Cho remarked, “Dr. Yu’s philosophy aligns closely with the fundamental spirit of modern ESG management,” emphasizing that “a corporation should not exist solely to pursue profit, but to grow together with society — this belief is the root of Yuhan Corporation.” 

Founded in 1926, Yuhan Corporation has long upheld three core management principles: improving public health by producing high-quality products; fulfilling its social responsibilities by reinvesting corporate profits into society; and contributing to national economic development through responsible tax practices. CEO Cho remarked, “Having grown into one of Korea’s leading pharmaceutical companies, Yuhan is now striving to rank among the global Top 50,” adding, “We will continue to build global trust through outstanding products and responsible management.” 

As the lecture progressed, CEO Wook Je Cho covered key aspects of Yuhan Corporation, including its sales operations and performance, financial results and characteristics, its sustainability philosophy rooted in the founder’s vision, and the current ESG governance structure. He emphasized, “Dr. Yu’s founding philosophy has naturally evolved into today’s ESG management,” adding, “A company’s mission is to contribute to the health of humanity and the planet, and to build a better future.” 

In particular, regarding environmental initiatives, Cho stated, “Yuhan Corporation is preparing to achieve carbon neutrality by upgrading its manufacturing facilities with high-efficiency equipment and gradually adopting renewable energy in line with the RE100 initiative.” (RE100 is a voluntary global initiative through which companies commit to sourcing 100% of their electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind power.) He also introduced Yuhan’s efforts to preserve the ecosystem, including afforestation projects to combat desertification in Mongolia, reducing packaging materials, and minimizing paper use. In the social sector, Cho emphasized the company’s patient-centered management philosophy, stating, “We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families by developing innovative new drugs and improving employee welfare.” He further noted, “It is highly significant that Lecraza, a domestically developed anticancer drug, became the first of its kind in Korea to receive FDA approval in the United States,” adding, “Our decision to provide the drug free of charge until it is covered by insurance reflects the founder’s legacy of giving back to society.” 

During the Q&A session following the lecture, a student asked, “Who do you think is the most important stakeholder in ESG management at Yuhan Corporation?” To this, Wook Je Cho responded, “While ESG involves all members of society, we place patients and their families at the highest priority.” He concluded by saying, “I hope Korea University students will one day lead the future of Yuhan Corporation,” and urged them, “Grow into responsible leaders who bring positive change to the world.” 

This ESG Lecture Series served as a meaningful occasion where Dr. Il-Han Yu’s entrepreneurial spirit met the values of modern ESG management. Students shared their impressions, saying, “We gained practical insights into how companies can practice social responsibility,” and “Yuhan Corporation’s example of coexistence between tradition and innovation was deeply inspiring.”