On February 25, 2026, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) in South Korea recognized a standout effort in youth financial education, awarding Hwang In-yong, Deputy Manager at SK Securities’ Icheon PB Center, the coveted Financial Supervisory Service Commissioner Award. This accolade, presented in the Excellent Financial Company Employee category at the 2025 1 Company 1 School Financial Education Excellence Case Awards, marks a significant milestone for both Hwang and SK Securities, highlighting their ongoing commitment to empowering local youth with practical financial skills.
The 1 Company 1 School Financial Education program, as described by Insight Korea and other outlets, is a unique initiative that pairs financial institutions with schools to deliver sustained, hands-on financial education to teenagers. The core aim is to strengthen the foundation for financial consumer protection while improving young people’s financial literacy and responsible decision-making. Since its inception, the program has sought to bridge the gap between textbook theory and real-world application—something Hwang In-yong has taken to heart over the past five years.
Beginning in 2020, Hwang embarked on a mission to bring financial education directly to the students of Icheon, a city situated southeast of Seoul. He forged partnerships with nine local high schools, making regular visits to deliver tailored lessons. According to Asia Economy, Hwang coordinated these educational efforts while juggling his day-to-day responsibilities in branch sales—a feat that required meticulous scheduling and close collaboration with his Icheon PB Center colleagues. Together, they ensured that every request from the community for financial education was met without delay or interruption.
What set Hwang’s approach apart, and ultimately led to his recognition, was his commitment to building a recurring, annual education system. Rather than offering sporadic, one-off lectures, he established a routine of regular, repeat visits, ensuring that financial knowledge was reinforced year after year. This continuity, as highlighted by both License News and Insight Korea, became a cornerstone of the program’s success in Icheon.
The content of these lessons was anything but generic. Hwang designed his curriculum to address the specific needs of diverse student groups, including members of economic clubs, students in special education classes, and high school seniors navigating life after the college entrance exam. The material covered a broad spectrum of topics: the importance of credit management, strategies to prevent financial fraud, rational consumption habits, sound financial decision-making, and the often-overlooked connection between career planning and personal finance.
Crucially, Hwang’s instruction went beyond dry theory. He relied on practical, real-life examples to make concepts relatable and immediately applicable. For instance, students learned how to manage their credit before they even opened their first bank account, how to spot signs of financial scams, and why making thoughtful spending choices early on could shape their futures. As Hwang himself put it in remarks reported by Asia Economy, “Financial education is a process to equip youths with essential skills before entering society.”
This philosophy resonated throughout the Icheon region. By focusing on skill-building rather than rote memorization, Hwang helped students develop the confidence to make informed financial choices—a vital competency in an increasingly complex economic landscape. According to a spokesperson from SK Securities, this approach reflects a broader organizational commitment: “The results are due to our consistent, on-the-ground financial education for local youth, carried out at the organizational level.”
The recognition Hwang received this year is not a one-off. In 2025, SK Securities earned the Financial Investment Association Chairman Award for similar efforts, making this the second consecutive year the company has been honored for excellence in financial education. This streak underscores the sustained impact of their initiatives, as noted by several news outlets including License News and Asia Economy.
But what does this mean for the students themselves? According to coverage in Asia Economy and License News, the program’s focus on real-world scenarios has been especially meaningful for those on the cusp of adulthood. High school seniors, fresh from the pressure of college entrance exams, have received guidance on managing their first paychecks, budgeting for university life, and understanding the long-term consequences of financial decisions. Students in special classes have benefited from lessons tailored to their learning needs, ensuring that financial literacy is accessible to all.
Hwang’s dedication has also had ripple effects beyond the classroom. By responding promptly to requests from the community and working closely with other PB Center staff, he’s helped foster a culture where financial education is seen as a shared responsibility. This collaborative spirit has allowed the program to adapt and grow, meeting the evolving needs of Icheon’s youth.
In his acceptance speech, Hwang reflected on the broader significance of his work: “Financial education is a process to equip youths with essential skills before entering society. I will continue to deliver financial education directly to local youths so that the expertise of financial companies can make a practical contribution to society.” This pledge, echoed in every article covering the award, captures the heart of the initiative—a belief that knowledge, when shared consistently and thoughtfully, can change lives.
The 1 Company 1 School Financial Education program itself is part of a national push in South Korea to raise the standard of financial literacy among young people. As the financial sector grows more sophisticated, and as digital banking and investment platforms become ubiquitous, the risks of financial missteps—and the potential for exploitation—are greater than ever. Programs like this, with their emphasis on practical skills and ongoing support, are seen as vital tools for preparing the next generation to navigate these challenges.
SK Securities’ back-to-back honors in this field suggest that their model—one built on partnership, persistence, and personalization—could serve as a blueprint for other regions. The company’s efforts in Icheon have shown that it’s possible to integrate financial education into the fabric of community life, reaching students where they are and giving them the tools they need to succeed.
Looking ahead, Hwang and SK Securities show no signs of slowing down. Their continued commitment to direct, hands-on education promises to deliver even greater benefits to Icheon’s youth. As financial literacy becomes increasingly essential in modern society, initiatives like these stand out not just for the awards they win, but for the futures they help shape.