Kim Bok-yong
| Kim Bok-yong | |
|---|---|
| Native name | 김복용 |
| Born | July 11, 1920 Pukchong County, South Hamgyong Province, Japanese Korea |
| 💀Died | January 2, 2006 (aged 85) Seoul, South KoreaJanuary 2, 2006 (aged 85) |
| 🏳️ Nationality | South Korean |
| 🏫 Education | Chonnam National University (Honorary Dr.) |
| 💼 Occupation | |
| Known for | Pioneer of South Korean dairy industry, Production of specialized formula for rare diseases |
| Title | Founder and Chairman of Maeil Dairies |
| 👶 Children | Kim Jung-wan (Son), Kim Sun-hee (Daughter) |
Kim Bok-yong (Korean: 김복용; July 11, 1920 – January 2, 2006) was a prominent South Korean businessman and the founder of Maeil Dairies. He is widely regarded as a pioneer who transformed the South Korean dairy industry from its infancy into a major national sector.
Early life and education
Kim was born in Pukchong, South Hamgyong Province (in present-day North Korea). He moved to the South and started his career in the trading and food industries.
In recognition of his immense contribution to the national economy and his commitment to social welfare through specialized nutrition, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from Chonnam National University.
Career
In 1969, Kim took over the state-run Korea Dairy Processing Co. and founded Maeil Dairies. Under his leadership for over 30 years, the company introduced various "firsts" in the Korean market, including high-quality infant formula and organic dairy products.
He is particularly honored for his decision in 1999 to begin producing specialized formula for infants with rare inborn errors of metabolism, such as Phenylketonuria (PKU). Despite the high production costs and small market size, he famously ordered the production to continue, stating that "no child should be left hungry," a legacy that continues at Maeil Dairies today.
Awards and honors
- **1998:** Order of Industrial Service Merit (Gold Tower), the highest honor for business leaders in South Korea.
- **1999:** Grand Prize for Corporate Ethics.
References
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