On Sept. 19, a commemorative event was held at the Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Guide Dog School in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, celebrating the guide dog program that the late Lee Kun-hee, former Chairman of Samsung, had dedicated himself to for 30 years following his “New Management Declaration” in 1993. Chairman Lee Jae-yong of Samsung Electronics and former Leeum Art Museum Director Hong Ra-hee attended the event. It marked the first time that Chairman Lee and former Director Hong attended a guide dog program commemoration ceremony.
During the commemorative event, Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Mrs. Hong Ra-hee watched a video that encapsulated the visionary ideals of the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee. The video reflected on Chairman Lee Kun-hee’s beliefs when he initiated the guide dog program, looking ahead to the distant future, and it highlighted the achievements, including the societal changes brought about by this initiative, up to the present day.
The Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Guide Dog School opened its doors in September 1993. It was the first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project initiated shortly after late Chairman Lee Kun-hee’s New Management Declaration. At that time, Chairman Lee proposed CSR projects as the initial step toward transforming Samsung into a first-class company. His philosophy, which emphasized the importance of a truly welfare-oriented society, was reflected in his belief that “to become a true welfare society, we need the warm hearts of community members who care for and readily accept those with disabilities as equal members of society.”
When late Chairman Lee Kun-hee established the guide dog school 30 years ago, the concept of guide dogs itself was virtually unknown in South Korea. Some people even cast skeptical glances at Samsung’s expenditure on raising dogs. However, Lee remained unwavering despite various criticisms and disputes. He once said, “Right now, I may be seen as a Utopian or a fool, and I may face criticism. But after several decades, people will come to acknowledge it. The guide dog program would elevate the welfare standards in South Korean society.”
The late Chairman Lee’s vision became a reality. As he predicted, there has been a significant transformation in South Korean society in terms of both institutional changes and perceptions over the past 30 years. Prior to 1995, guide dogs and visually impaired individuals were not allowed to board airplanes. This changed as Samsung employees researched international cases and international legal materials to persuade airlines directly. In 1996, elementary school textbooks included explanations about guide dogs. Starting from 2000, there were legal amendments that imposed penalties for refusing entry or boarding to guide dogs in public places and public transportation.
Around 100 people attended the event. Among the attendees were puppy walkers, visually impaired partners, adoptive families of retired guide dogs, along with individuals who have been part of the guide dogs’ entire lives. The event also saw the presence of William Thornton, president of the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF); Cho Kyoo-hong, minister of health and welfare; and Kim Ye-ji, a lawmaker of the ruling People Power Party, who is also a visually impaired partner.
During the event, puppy walkers, who volunteer to raise guide dog puppies, had the opportunity to witness the puppies they raised growing into guide dogs and embarking on a new life alongside visually impaired partners. The stories, filled with both touching moments and a sense of longing, brought tears to the eyes not only of the puppy walkers but also to all the participants in attendance.
The Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Guide Dog School initiated guide dog distribution with “Bada” in 1994, and it has been providing free distribution of 12 to 15 guide dogs every year. To date, it has distributed a total of 280 guide dogs, and currently, 76 of them are actively serving as guide dogs.
William Thornton, president of the IGDF, presented a token of appreciation to acknowledge Samsung’s 30 years of effort. Thornton stated, “Samsung has been training guide dogs with genuine dedication over the past 30 years. We congratulate the Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Guide Dog School on its growth into a global institution.”