Youngone Corporation has made history as the first Korean company ever to receive an award at the prestigious 2025 WCD (Women Corporate Directors) Visionary Awards, held on October 6 at The Drake Hotel in Chicago, USA. The company was recognized in the Emerging Leadership category for its remarkable commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion (D&I) across its global operations.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, WCD is a global nonprofit organization comprising around 3,700 women corporate directors worldwide. Through the Visionary Awards, WCD honors companies and leaders who demonstrate outstanding achievements in governance, financial performance, and diversity.
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Previous honorees include global leaders such as Moncler and Shiseido Company. The Visionary Awards are regarded as one of the most prestigious recognitions in the global corporate governance and ESG arenas.
Turning Equal Opportunities for Women into Corporate Strength
Since its founding, Youngone Corporation has pursued people-centered management, consistently advancing the growth and leadership of women in the workplace.
At its Korean headquarters, women account for about 70% of total employees and approximately 60% of managers (department head level and above) — far exceeding the industry average. Moreover, the average tenure of female employees is about 1.5 years longer than that of male employees, reflecting Youngone’s inclusive and stable work environment that supports long-term career development.
In its overseas production bases, including Bangladesh, Youngone has also significantly expanded female employment since its entry in the 1980s, contributing to local women’s economic independence and social advancement.
Through these efforts, Youngone has evolved beyond a manufacturing company into a global leader in women’s empowerment and inclusive leadership.
Voices from Leadership
Chairman Kihak Sung said,
“Equal opportunities for women have made our company stronger and helped us outperform others.”
In his acceptance remarks, Sung added,
“I am truly honored to accept this award on behalf of Youngone at such a prestigious event. I extend my deepest gratitude to all the dedicated women in our company who have contributed to our continuous growth and success.”
He continued,
“Providing equal opportunities for women has ultimately made our company stronger and helped us outperform others. Together, let us continue to build a better world—one where women and men alike are equally respected, valued, and empowered.”
Michelle Wardian, President of Youngone Americas, said,
“Youngone continues to identify and promote diverse female leaders through merit-based recruitment and fair evaluation. We will further strengthen our inclusive culture to ensure these efforts contribute to our long-term competitiveness.”
Youngone’s achievement marks a significant milestone not only for the company but also for South Korea’s corporate sector, highlighting how diversity and inclusion can drive global competitiveness. The recognition positions Youngone among top global brands that are setting new standards in ESG excellence and inclusive governance.
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As WCD continues to celebrate leadership that fosters equitable opportunities and progressive governance, Youngone Corporation’s recognition underlines a growing global consensus — that empowering women is not just the right thing to do but also a powerful driver of business success and sustainability.
