On April 15, 2026, LG Chem and Hope Friends Kia Daechek took a significant step in fostering environmental awareness among Korean youth, announcing the recruitment of participating institutions for the sixth term of their ESG leader education program, known as "Green Class." This initiative, part of LG Chem’s broader social contribution project "Like Green," is designed to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to address the mounting challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability.
The Green Class program has steadily grown in scope and ambition since its inception in 2021. According to multiple reports, including those from Future Chosun, Eroun.net, and The Butter, the sixth term marks a notable expansion in both content and accessibility. The program is open to elementary, middle, and high schools as well as child and youth institutions across South Korea, with any guiding teacher eligible to apply free of charge. Recruitment for the new term began on April 13, 2026, and will continue on a rolling basis, ensuring that as many institutions as possible can participate.
What sets this year’s Green Class apart is the introduction of a new, advanced educational module focused on resource circulation, aptly titled "Rewriting the World." This addition reflects a growing recognition of the importance of teaching resource management and recycling as core components of environmental stewardship. Participating schools and organizations will have access to this new content alongside the comprehensive environmental and career education materials developed during previous terms.
The materials provided are impressively diverse and tailored to different learning needs. Each institution receives topic-based educational videos, student workbooks, and teacher lecture guides, all carefully designed with the student’s perspective in mind. To further enhance the educational experience, an AI chatbot service is also included, offering real-time support and answers to both teachers and students as they navigate the curriculum. This blend of traditional and digital tools aims to make environmental education not only more effective but also more engaging for young learners.
In a move to keep teachers motivated and supported, the program also features monthly events that provide participating educators with teaching tools and snacks. Details about these events, as well as updates on the program, can be found on the official Like Green website and through its social media channels. This ongoing engagement is meant to foster a sense of community among educators and encourage the sharing of best practices in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) education.
The leadership behind the initiative is keenly aware of the stakes involved. Lee Young-jun, LG Chem’s Global CSR Team Leader, emphasized the program’s practical focus and its potential to empower youth. In a statement reported by Future Chosun, Lee said, "This sixth term strengthens practical environmental education to empower youth to lead future social changes. Through Green Class, we hope that young people will learn ESG culture and grow into leaders who can guide a sustainable future." His comments underscore the belief that education is not just about imparting knowledge, but about nurturing the values and leadership qualities that will be needed in tomorrow’s world.
Hope Friends Kia Daechek, LG Chem’s partner in this endeavor, echoed these sentiments. Director Park Chan-wook highlighted the widespread adoption of Green Class materials in schools and institutions across the country, noting, "Many schools and educational institutions use Green Class materials annually for ESG education. Hope Friends Kia Daechek and LG Chem will continue to develop various programs to foster youth leadership and expand ESG values." This commitment to continuity and growth reflects a long-term vision for the program, one that goes beyond short-term campaigns and aims to embed sustainability at the heart of youth education.
The roots of the Like Green project run deep. Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has sought to spread a correct and robust ESG culture throughout South Korea. Recognizing the need to keep pace with changing times and learning styles, the partners expanded their outreach in 2023 by launching the "Daedamhae" YouTube channel. The channel offers easy-to-understand and entertaining content on a wide range of ESG topics, making the principles of environmental stewardship accessible to a broader audience of young people and educators alike.
At its core, Green Class is about more than just imparting facts; it’s about cultivating a mindset. The program’s curriculum encourages students to grapple with real-world problems like the climate crisis and resource depletion, helping them understand the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic issues. By providing both introductory and advanced materials, the program ensures that students at different stages of learning can deepen their understanding and develop practical skills.
Teachers, often the linchpins of successful educational reform, are given special attention. Not only are they provided with detailed lecture guides and digital support, but they also become part of a network of like-minded educators working toward a common goal. The monthly events and continuous updates via the Like Green platform are designed to keep this network vibrant and responsive to the evolving needs of both teachers and students.
For many schools, the decision to participate in Green Class is as much about community as it is about curriculum. The program’s emphasis on ESG values—responsibility, stewardship, and innovation—aligns with broader societal goals in South Korea and beyond. As environmental challenges become more complex and urgent, initiatives like Green Class offer a blueprint for how education systems can respond proactively, preparing young people not just to adapt to change, but to lead it.
Looking ahead, both LG Chem and Hope Friends Kia Daechek are committed to building on the momentum of the past five terms. Their ongoing investment in new content, digital tools, and educator support signals a belief that the work of fostering sustainability is never finished. By continually updating the curriculum and expanding outreach, they hope to ensure that the next generation is ready to face the environmental challenges of the future with confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose.
As the sixth term of Green Class gets underway, the message from its organizers is clear: real change starts in the classroom, and every student and teacher has a role to play in rewriting the world for the better.