Received the 2025 General James A. Van Fleet Award in New York on October 23, hosted by The Korea Society, in recognition of contributions to advancing Korea–U.S. relations
Chairman Chang: “The United States has been the most steadfast partner in POSCO Group’s growth and leap forward… We will work together to usher in a new renaissance in U.S. manufacturing.”
Strengthening bilateral economic cooperation through expanded investments in the U.S., including a joint steel mill project in Louisiana, a lithium direct extraction technology demonstration project in Utah, and long-term contracts for North American LNG purchases
POSCO Group Chairman In-hwa Chang has been awarded the 2025 General James A. Van Fleet Award in recognition of his contributions to enhancing economic cooperation and friendship between Korea and the United States.
On October 23 (local time), at The Korea Society’s annual dinner held at the Plaza Hotel in New York, Kathleen Stephens, Chair of The Korea Society, stated:
“We highly value Chairman Chang’s significant contributions to strengthening ties between our two nations by supporting the rebuilding of the U.S. industrial ecosystem and the establishment of sustainable supply chains, and have selected him as this year’s award recipient.”
The Korea Society is a non-profit friendship organization established in 1957 with the aim of promoting understanding and cooperation between Korea and the United States across politics, economy, society, and culture.
The Van Fleet Award is a prestigious honor presented to individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to mutual understanding, cooperation, and friendship between Korea and the United States. It was established in 1992 to commemorate General James A. Van Fleet, known as the “Father of the Korean Army” for his role in modernizing the Korean military during the Korean War. Past recipients include former U.S. President George W. Bush, former Korean President Kim Dae-jung, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, and BTS. This year, alongside Chairman In-hwa Chang, the Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK) was also honored.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman Chang emphasized:
“It is an immense honor and holds special meaning to receive the Van Fleet Award from The Korea Society, which has elevated the value of the Korea–U.S. alliance. For POSCO Group, the United States has been the most steadfast partner in our growth and leap forward.”
He added:
“The U.S. steel industry was a great inspiration in the establishment of the Pohang Works; POSCO’s first export to the U.S. in 1972 became the gateway to the global market; and our 1994 listing on the New York Stock Exchange as the first Korean company marked a milestone in POSCO Group’s growth history.”
Since Chairman Chang’s inauguration, POSCO Group has strategically expanded investments in the U.S. across its core businesses, including steel, secondary battery materials, and energy. In April this year, POSCO Group signed an MOU with Hyundai Motor Group for a joint steel mill investment in Louisiana. In Utah, POSCO is conducting the first-ever Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology demonstration project by a Korean company. POSCO Group has also signed long-term contracts to purchase North American LNG, further strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and fostering joint development in manufacturing industries.
Looking ahead to a new era of growth in Korea–U.S. relations, Chairman Chang stated:
“Beyond supplying key materials for industries such as automobiles, shipbuilding, and energy, we will work together to realize AI-based Intelligent Factories and other future innovation partnerships, opening a new renaissance in U.S. manufacturing. As America’s life-long partner, we will embark on this journey toward the future together.”
▲ On the 23rd (local time), POSCO Group Chairman In-Hwa Chang received the Van Fleet Award in New York, USA. Pictured from left are Korea Society Chairman Thomas Byrne, POSCO Group Chairman In-Hwa Chang, and Korea Society Chairwoman Kathleen Stephens.