SEOUL, Oct. 3 (Yonhap) — The death of Kang Shin-ho, the honorary chairman of the pharmaceutical firm Dong-A Socio Group, occurred on Tuesday at the age of 96.
The eldest offspring of the founder of Dong-A Socio Group, Kang Joong-hee, graduated from Seoul National University’s medical school and then earned a PhD from the University of Freiburg in Germany before joining the company, then known as Dong-A Pharmaceutical, in 1959.
Two years after his employment, Kang developed Bacchus, one of the most popular health tonic drinks in South Korea, leading Dong-A Pharmaceutical to the top of the industry. He also made contributions to the advancement of the country’s homegrown drug industry, creating Zydena, South Korea’s first and the world’s fourth treatment for erectile dysfunction, and Suganon, a treatment for diabetes.
In 2002, Kang was honoured with the highest Order of Science and Technology Merit in recognition of his commitment to technology development. He set up an educational foundation in 1987 and provided scholarships to over 1,900 students, and served as the chair of the Federation of Korean Industries for the first time as a head of a pharmaceutical company from 2004 to 2007.
A portrait of Kang Shin-ho was placed at his funeral held at Seoul National University Hospital in central Seoul on Oct. 3, 2023. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
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