Summary
Huh Joon-koo, the honorary chairman of GS E&C, played a pivotal role in the history and development of LG Group. Born on May 9, 1923, in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, he was the third son of Huh Man-jung, a co-founder of LG Group. He completed his education at Jinju High School in 1943 and later at the Graduate School of Business Administration at Korea University.
His career began at LG Chem (then LuckyChemical Co., Ltd.) in 1947, where he served as a director in charge of sales. He significantly contributed to LG’s growth by emphasizing sales and fieldwork and working across key LG companies, including LG Electronics and LG International (now LX International). His efforts in the 1950s and 1960s were crucial, particularly in marketing LG’s pioneering products such as radios and TVs, which laid the groundwork for LG’s future success.
In 1968, Huh Joon-koo became the first head of LG’s Planning Coordination Office. A year later, he played a vital role in LG Chem’s IPO, marking it as the first Korean private company to be listed on the stock exchange. His leadership extended to roles such as CEO of LG Electronics and LG Cable (now LX International), and he was appointed chairman of LG Cable and vice chairman of LG Group in 1984.
A significant moment in his career came in 1995 when, following the retirement announcement of Koo Ja-Kyung, then chairman of LG (later honorary chairman), Huh Joon-koo also decided to step down. This move facilitated the transition of leadership to the next generation, including Koo Bon-moo and Huh Chang-soo of GS E&C.
Huh Joon-koo’s legacy extends beyond his leadership roles; he was instrumental in maintaining the harmonious partnership between the Huh and Koo families over three generations in LG Group. His contributions were recognized in 1986 when he received the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit.
Huh Joon-koo’s family includes his wife, Koo Wi-sook, and his five sons: Huh Chang-soo, chairman of GS E&C; Huh Jung-Soo, CEO of LG Ki Gong (GS Neotek) ; Huh Jin-Soo, standing advisor of GS Caltex; Huh Myung-soo, standing advisor of GS E & C; and Huh Tae-soo, chairman of GS Group. His life came to a close on July 29, 2002, when he passed away due to age-related causes at Seoul National University Hospital at the age of 79.
Timeline
▲ May 9, 1923 = Born in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province.
▲ 1943 = Graduated from Jinju High School.
▲ 1947 = Director in charge of sales at LuckyChemical Co., Ltd.
▲ 1968 = Head of LG Planning Coordination Office.
▲ 1984 = Chairman of LG Cable and Vice Chairman of LG Group.
▲ 1986 = Received the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit.
▲ July 29, 2002 = Passed away at the age of 79.
