Piracicaba Honors South Korean Leaders and Recognizes Contributions to Industry and Cultural Integration

The contribution of the South Korean community to the development of Piracicaba was recognized in a ceremony held on Friday (6) at the Helly de Campos Melges Noble Hall, at the City Council. During the celebration of Korean Culture Week, Kang Young-doo, Seung Ryeol Oh, Semin Han, and Boo Won Jeong received honors from the municipal and state legislatures.

Proposed by councilman Thiago Ribeiro (PRD), the ceremony brought together entrepreneurs, representatives of the Korean community, and authorities. The four honorees received Moções de Aplausos from the Chamber, all authored by the parliamentarian, and a tribute from the São Paulo State Legislative Assembly (Alesp), delivered by state deputy Alex Madureira (PL).

The act recognized trajectories linked to the automotive industry, job creation, technology transfer, trade, and the rapprochement between Brazilian and South Korean companies. It also highlighted the social and cultural ties built by families who established their lives and professional activities in the municipality.

Four Recognized Trajectories

Kang Young-doo, leading the operations of Hyundai Mobis Brasil since January 2023, received Moção de Aplausos nº 489/2026 for his leadership in the automotive industry and his contribution to technological, productive, and economic integration between Brazil and South Korea.

Graduated in Mechanical Design from Kookmin University, he joined Hyundai in 2002 and built a career linked to the management and marketing of industrial modules. During the ceremony, he emphasized the bond developed with the municipality and the importance of joint participation by companies and the community in building the future of Piracicaba.

Seung Ryeol Oh was honored with Moção de Aplausos nº 490/2026 for his story of immigration, integration, and entrepreneurship. A native of Jeonju, South Korea, he arrived in Brazil in 1992 and began his business journey in the fields of foreign trade, import, and export.

In Piracicaba, his activities include the Green Hotel since 2011 and IL Comércio e Serviços Automotivos since 2014. The tribute recognized his contribution to commerce, service provision, and the strengthening of local business activities.

Semin Han, CEO of HL Mando do Brasil since October 2023, received Moção de Aplausos nº 492/2026. The recognition highlighted his business leadership and contribution to industrial investments, job creation, and technology transfer between the two countries.

Graduated in Business Administration from Pusan National University, Han previously held the financial director position at the company. In thanking for the honor, he stated that the recognition represents a collective effort and should be shared with the employees of HL Mando do Brasil.

Boo Won Jeong received Moção de Aplausos nº 491/2026 for his contribution to industrialization, attracting investments, and bridging between Brazilian and Korean companies.

With a Master's in Development of Small and Medium Enterprises from Soongsil University, he established businesses in Piracicaba with the founding of Taeyoung Brasil in 2013, followed by Taeyoung International in 2014, and SMC Maskpro in 2015. In his gratitude, he mentioned his 16-year journey in Brazil and expressed his intention to continue contributing to society and the municipality.

State Tribute and Institutional Articulation

The delivery of the Alesp tribute by deputy Alex Madureira added the recognition of the state legislature to the act promoted by the Piracicaba Chamber.

During the ceremony, the parliamentarian highlighted the work of Roberto Cho, president of the Brazil-South Korea Commercial and Industrial Association (ACIBC), in building initiatives for rapprochement between the two countries. He also advocated for the expansion of South Korean companies' presence in Piracicaba and the region, associating new investments with job creation.

The institutional relationship is monitored by the São Paulo and South Korea Parliamentary Front, chaired by Alex Madureira in the Legislative Assembly, and the Piracicaba and South Korea Parliamentary Front, chaired by Thiago Ribeiro in the City Council.

The ACIBC was highlighted as one of the entities responsible for the articulation between companies, institutions, governments, and communities. Roberto Cho thanked the recognition to the South Korean representatives and advocated for the continuity of cooperation and friendship between the two countries.

Industry, Jobs, and Integration

Addressing the Korean presence in Piracicaba, Thiago Ribeiro emphasized that the arrival of industries, investments, and families contributed to both the economic and technological development as well as the cultural and social formation of the municipality.

Mayor Hélio Zanatta and Vice Mayor Sérgio Pacheco Jr. also participated in the ceremony and mentioned the contribution of South Korean investments to the city. Pacheco highlighted the ACIBC's work and the partnership with the municipal administration, which provided a space for the operation of the entity.

The honorary table also included council members Fabrício Polezi, Rafael Boer, and Renan Paes.

The tribute occurs in a city whose industrial structure maintains a consolidated link with South Korea. Hyundai's factory in Piracicaba began producing the HB20 in September 2012, accompanied by the installation of suppliers and the formation of an automotive hub.

The recognized trajectories in the ceremony show how this relationship also reaches hospitality, foreign trade, services, and other business activities.

Culture and Coexistence Between Communities

The program included the exhibition of a video about the South Korean presence in Brazil and its relationship with Piracicaba, referencing immigration and cultural manifestations that bring the two communities closer.

The Piracicaba String Chamber Orchestra, linked to the APEC Institute, also participated in the ceremony. Under the direction of Fhelipe Serafim, the group presented works by Gustav Holst, Ernest Mahle, and Santino Parpinelli.

The Korean Culture Week aims to promote cultural exchange, stimulate knowledge about the history and traditions of Korea, and encourage partnerships for educational and artistic activities. The annual program is referenced to the week of August 15, National Liberation Day of Korea.

In the ceremony held in November, the municipal and state honors recognized four trajectories that help tell this relationship between Piracicaba and the South Korean community: a story built by investments, work, coexistence, and cooperation.