Han Chang-woo
Han Chang-woo | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 15, 1931 Korea |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, CEO |
| Known for | Chief executive officer of a pachinko management firm, founder of Maruhan Corporation |
Han Chang-woo (韓 昌祐, born February 15, 1931) is a Korean-born Japanese entrepreneur and the chief executive officer of a pachinko management firm.
Early life
Born in Korea, Han entered Japan clandestinely in October 1945. He was granted Special Permanent Resident status and completed his studies at Hosei University, earning a degree in economics in 1952.
Career
Following his graduation, Han assumed control of a pachinko business previously managed by his brother-in-law in Kyoto. He established Maruhan Corporation in 1972 and acquired Japanese citizenship in 2002.
Philanthropy
Han has committed to donating his entire wealth to foster better relations between Korea and Japan. He expanded his culture fund based in Japan to 140 billion won and allocated 10 billion won to an educational fund in Korea.
Awards
- Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class – awarded in 1999
- Sacheon Citizen Award (사천시민대상) – received in 2010
Controversy
In September 2020, a legal action initiated in the U.S. Territory of Guam accused Han of unlawfully appropriating $300 million worth of stock belonging to one of his daughters. The complaint alleges that this was intended to compel her to end her marriage with her second spouse, an African-American businessman and former professional basketball player.
See also
- Masayoshi Son, prominent Zainichi Korean entrepreneur