JAKANG’s CEO Min Nam-gyu first donated 5 billion KRW to KU in 2014. To date, his personal cumulative donations exceed 5.9 billion KRW, demonstrating his boundless love for his alma mater and younger students. Recognized as one of Forbes’ 40 “Heroes of Philanthropy” in Asia alongside figure skater Kim Yu-na, he recently donated once again to the Agricultural Chemistry Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

Pursuing Academics to Escape Hunger

Min’s story begins with a humble laugh. “Back then, I chose the Department of Agricultural Chemistry just because I wanted to avoid starvation. I thought if I studied agriculture, I would at least be able to earn a living. I am so grateful that I am now in a position to give back like this.”

In 1966, a time when poverty was a constant danger, he entered the Department of Agricultural Chemistry at KU. Although he chose the College of Agriculture thinking he could at least avoid hunger, he recalls that he had little time to study due to his active involvement in the alpine club and Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). Nevertheless, he laughs again, remembering his college years as the “most beautiful pages of his life.” He practically lived in the alpine club’s makeshift building, where student athletes gathered. After graduation, he found a job at a company founded by his professors. Though that company eventually closed after several ups and downs, his customers, noticing his diligence, encouraged him to start his own business. “I named the company Korea Chemical. KU was the only thing I had to be proud of back then.”

Once Korea Chemical found stability, he began his life of philanthropy by loading a car with flour and distributing it to hungry neighbors. “A carload of flour didn’t cost much, but in the 1970s, really many people were starving. Being able to provide meals for many people with just one load felt wonderful.” Korea Chemical, which enabled his first donation, overcame various crises to grow into what is now known as the JAKANG Group.

A Belief that Science and Technology are the Future of Korea

His first major decision to donate to his alma mater was in 2014. While serving as the President of the College of Life Sciences Alumni Association, he filled various needs for the school, such as building the OJEong Hall. However, he soon recognized the urgent need for research and development for the future and decided to support KU by fostering research capabilities.

“It is known that the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel earns 1 trillion KRW every year through research royalties and patent fees alone. Korea’s future also depends on the advancement of science and technology, doesn’t it? Imagine how KU’s global status would change if our College of Life Sciences produced 10 Nobel Prize winners. I thought we should strive to reach that level, just like the Hebrew University.”

The first fruit of his vision is the OJEong Resilience Institute (OJRI), which studies the restoration of the Earth’s ecological resilience. He is supporting the institute with 500 million KRW annually for 10 years. His wish is to eventually establish 10 such excellent research centers within the College of Life Sciences.

A Long-time Patron of Pianist Cho Seong-Jin

CEO Min has been a long-time supporter of world-renowned pianist Cho Seong-jin since Cho was in elementary school. Modestly shaking his head, he says he “knows little about art and simply continues to support a talented performer.” However, he served as a supporting director for the National Theater of Korea and still enjoys Pansori. As seen in the case of Cho Seong-jin, who won the International Chopin Piano Competition, CEO Min has observed young people with dreams and passion grow into world-class artists through his support. Might his dream of 10 Nobel Laureates from KU also come true one day?

“Now, rather than inviting Nobel Laureates, let’s bring in and nurture promising budding talent. To advance further, our university must foster science and technology like the Hebrew University. KU is currently producing excellent research results, and there are many outstanding new researchers as well as eminent scholars. I am supporting their research, like pouring priming water into a pump. I earnestly hope that a Nobel Prize winner in science will one day come from KU.”

The Dream of Nurturing Nobel Laureates

“I believe the path to Korea’s prosperity lies in science and technology. I hear that younger students these days tend to flock to a few popular departments, but I hope they don’t just follow the crowd. I hope that they choose a path they can take pride in, including fields others might avoid, and a path where they can contribute to making Korea more prosperous.”