Dr. YoungKwan Cho is USIA Council & Award Committee Member of the United Sigma Intelligence Association(USIA).
Dr. Cho Young-kwan serves as the Founder & President of NGO Korea Challenge Headquarters, trusted by South Korea Ministry of Economy and Finance, National Assembly of South Korea, Seoul Metropolitan Government of South Korea, and Seoul Metropolitan Council of South Korea.
"A star in the night sky, offering hope and dreams to the youth of the world."
A man who learns from the past, strives in the present, and shines brightly into the future. He is the icon of challenge, the pioneer shaping the Hope Project. This is the essence of Chairman Cho Young-kwan. A poet once sang that it is only when we call a flower by its name that it takes on meaning. By bestowing the name “Korean Challenger,” Cho gives individuals a renewed purpose, aligning them with the spirit of the times.
He firmly believes that "everything that makes the world beautiful starts from someone's dream" and emphasizes, "Without challenges, there is no future." Cho is the icon of challenge, having walked the untrodden path through sheer will and determination.
The phrase "Only the seeds that endure the harsh winter can bloom into beautiful spring flowers" is a constant in his life. Reality may be harsh, but he holds onto the belief that if you take one step toward your dream, the reward will follow. Challenge, in and of itself, is both a dream and hope. Cho's Happiness Project, which seeks out and encourages ordinary people and organizations in their challenges, serves as a beacon in society. He is convinced that discovering hidden heroes is the seed that will grow into a greater Korea. For 13 years, Cho has been a guiding star, dedicating himself to this mission.
Born in Iksan in 1967, Cho Young-kwan graduated from Iri High School, earned his bachelor's degree from Chung-Ang University, his master's from Hansung University, and his doctorate from Hoseo University. With a background in social welfare from the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, Cho has completed various prestigious programs, including economic policy at KDI School of Public Policy, executive programs at Yonsei University and Hanyang University, and held senior positions at LG Group and Shinhan Financial Group.
As the Chairman of the Korea Challenge Headquarters, a public service organization registered with the Seoul City government, Cho has dedicated 13 years to spreading the values of dreams, hope, and the spirit of challenge. He serves as a judge for the Life Insurance Social Contribution Foundation and as a citizen innovation specialist under the Ministry of Agriculture. His extensive experience includes lecturing at Soongsil University, Kyungbok University, and Seoul National University of Education, delivering over 400 economic education sessions for youth, and contributing to a monthly economics column for 13 consecutive years.
Cho has received numerous accolades, including awards from the Prime Minister, the Minister of National Defense, the Mayor of Seoul, and several military commanders. He was appointed as an advisory committee member for the Presidential Transition Committee's National Integration Commission and serves as an ambassador for the Hometown Love Donation campaign in Jeungpyeong County. A prolific author, Cho has written 15 books, including Live Economics, 105 Essential Economic Concepts for Beginners, Asking Spring for Direction, The Secrets of Survival in Financial Economics, and 100 Great Challenges.
Two of his books have been featured in middle and high school textbooks. Recently, he pioneered the academic field of “Challenge Studies” in collaboration with over 10 professors and PhDs, and is currently co-authoring university textbooks. His ongoing projects include nationwide surveys on “True Success,” the expansion of the "Go.Mi.Jal" (Thank you is Go, Sorry is Mi, and Well done is Jal) movement, the establishment of Challenge Day, spearheading the Korean Challenge Festival, and leading the Millennium Project. Cho continues to honor and award individuals through his initiative, “33 Proud Figures of Our Hometown.” He holds a PhD in Business Administration, is a subway poet, and a licensed social worker.
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