Awarded the Silver Tower Industrial Medal following
the Inheon Military Merit Medal (1971) and the Knowledge-based Industrial Medal (2005)
Kim Jong-won, Chairman of Wontech Co., Ltd., was awarded the “Silver Tower Industrial Medal” as a representative of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the “2024 SME Contributors Award.” This award is given to recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to the nation’s economy and job creation.
The “Korea SME Awards,” held annually during SME Week, selects exemplary SME representatives who have made outstanding contributions to the development and growth of small and medium enterprises. Chairman Kim Jong-won received the medal in recognition of his contributions to management innovation, technology and R&D, social responsibility, and job creation, which have significantly advanced national development and improved the quality of life for citizens, setting an example for other businesses.
This award marks the third distinguished honor for Chairman Kim Jong-won, making it especially significant.
1. Devotion to the Nation: Courage
His first recognition came in 1971 when he was awarded the “Inheon Military Merit Medal” for his courageous efforts and outstanding performance during the Vietnam War. Young Kim Jong-won, who pondered his future on the battlefield, firmly believed in the motto “knowledge is money.” He pursued a path in engineering, obtained a Ph.D., and founded his company in 1979, which he has successfully led ever since.
2. Creativity in Action: Challenge
The second recognition came in 2005 when Kim was awarded the “Knowledge-based Industrial Medal” after the founding of Wontech Co., Ltd. in 1999. This medal is given to individuals who have made clear contributions to national industrial development. Kim was recognized as a knowledge-based leader for his pioneering efforts in developing laser medical devices for cancer treatment and establishing a first-generation laser company.
3. Successful Entrepreneur: Advancing to Mid-sized Enterprise
By the time he received his third medal, Chairman Kim Jong-won had developed and produced over 50 types of medical devices, including dermatological and cosmetic surgery devices. Following Wontech’s listing on the KOSDAQ in 2022, the company quickly reached a market capitalization of 1 trillion won. Wontech repaid all low-interest policy loans from the government to allow other struggling businesses to benefit and maintained a no-debt management policy.
Chairman Kim’s latest award recognizes his contributions to research, development, and business expansion. This award marks the beginning of the next phase of his and Wontech’s journey towards global expansion. Wontech is known for being the first in Korea to develop laser-based aesthetic medical equipment and has achieved significant technological milestones, including the implementation of picosecond lasers. The company is the only one worldwide to develop medical devices using both Nd and Alexandrite media, demonstrating its technological prowess.
Additionally, Wontech successfully developed and commercialized the Oligio monopolar RF device, the first domestic alternative to imported RF devices that dominated the market for 20 years. They also developed the Oligio KISS, which combines RF and HIFU treatments. Building on this aesthetic success, Wontech aims to alleviate human suffering through surgical business ventures, preparing to become a global top-tier comprehensive medical device company.
Chairman Kim Jong-won continues to lead Wontech’s global expansion and surgical business success. He personally managed the establishment of a subsidiary in Thailand for a month last year, and he is currently leading efforts in China and personally overseeing distributor meetings in Brazil.
Chairman Kim has not forgotten his gratitude towards his employees, granting stock options to all employees before the company’s listing and warmly celebrating the retirement of employees. He demonstrates both the qualities of a successful entrepreneur and a compassionate leader.
The Korea Federation of SMEs has opened the “Hall of Fame for SME Contributors” website and uploaded an interview video with Chairman Kim Jong-won. 🡪 [2024 SME Contributors Award Silver Tower Industrial Medal] Wontech Co., Ltd. Kim Jong-won
In the interview, Chairman Kim expressed his gratitude to his employees for their dedication, stating that the aesthetic business is now ready to become a global enterprise. He also revealed that he plans to approach the surgical business like a start-up once again, showing his unwavering commitment to his work.
Chairman Kim Jong-won Major Career Highlights
- 1970 ~ 1975: Participated in the Vietnam War, Instructor at Marine Communications Training Center
- 1979 ~ 1988: HeungKwang Communication Construction
- 1981 ~ 1993: Adjunct Professor of Information and Communication at Yeungjin College
- 1982 ~ 1987: Lecturer at Yeungnam University College of Science and Engineering
- 1987 ~ 1988: Lecturer at Kyungnam University College of Engineering, Department of Electronic Engineering
- 1992 ~ 1994: Lecturer at Yeungnam University College of Engineering, Department of Electronic Engineering
- 1988 ~ 2005: CEO of Boseong Communication Co., Ltd.
- 2010 ~ 2012: Publisher and CEO of Information Communication Newspaper
- 2016 ~ Present: Director of Korea Medical Device Cooperative
- 1999 ~ Present: Chairman and CEO of Wontech Co., Ltd.
Awards
- 1970: Marine Training Base Commander’s Award
- 1971: Inheon Military Merit Medal
- 1972: Marine Corps Commander’s Award
- 1993: Designated National Meritorious Person
- 2005: Knowledge-based Industrial Medal
- 2023: 146th Korea’s Distinguished Trade Contributor
- 2024: Silver Tower Industrial Medal for 2024 SME Contributors
