KB Kookmin Bank is making strides in social responsibility through a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of children and improving community safety. Recently, the bank has delivered a total of 61 sets of ‘KB Play Box’ toys to various children’s centers across Seoul, while also engaging in environmental efforts in Indonesia and enhancing safety measures in subway facilities.
On April 28, 2025, ahead of Children’s Day, KB Kookmin Bank, led by President Lee Hwan-ju, held a delivery ceremony at the Gwanak-gu Childcare Comprehensive Support Center. This event was part of the 'KB Play Box Support' initiative, which aims to support children who are viewed as the future leaders of society. The 'KB Play Box' consists of eight types of board games designed to foster creativity and social skills among children.
The toys were distributed to a total of 61 regional children's centers located in areas such as Gwanak-gu, Yangcheon-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu, and Gangseo-gu. A representative from KB Kookmin Bank expressed hopes that these games would inspire children to dream and grow in a positive environment, stating, "We prepared this event with the hope that children can grow with dreams and hopes. We will continue to support children to grow in a warm and healthy environment." This initiative aligns with the bank's broader strategy to contribute to society, particularly in the realms of childbirth and coexistence.
In addition to supporting local children's centers, KB Kookmin Bank is also focusing on environmental sustainability through its Indonesian subsidiary, KB Bukopin. On May 5, 2025, KB Bukopin launched the 'Peduli Lingkungan' environmental CSR program to improve waste management in Kupang City, which produces approximately 234 tons of waste daily. Alarmingly, only 71% of this waste is transported to final disposal sites due to a lack of collection vehicles and temporary storage facilities.
To address this issue, KB Bukopin donated two waste transportation motorbikes and ten 660-liter garbage bins. The delivery ceremony took place during the celebration of Education Day, with local officials and KB Bukopin employees in attendance. Director Dodi Widjajanto of KB Bukopin emphasized the importance of corporate responsibility, stating, "As a financial institution that values sustainability, we believe a company's success is judged not only by its financial performance but also by its contributions to the environment and society."
Moreover, KB Kookmin Bank is also actively working to improve safety for women in public spaces. In collaboration with the Korean Women's Associations United, the bank is promoting the creation of women-friendly restrooms in subway stations as part of the ongoing 'Women’s Safety Project.' This initiative has already seen the installation of surveillance-type illegal filming detection systems in women's restrooms across several subway stations in Seoul.
In 2023, detectors were installed in 35 locations within the women’s restrooms of three stations on Seoul Subway Line 1: Seoul Station, Jongno 3-ga Station, and Dongdaemun Station. The project aims to alleviate the anxiety many women feel due to rising incidents of illegal filming. In 2024, an additional 170 detectors will be installed in ten locations at major transfer stations, including Seoul Station, Yeongdeungpo Station, and Hoegi Station. Warning stickers will also be placed inside and outside these restrooms to further deter illegal activities.
President Heo Myeong of the Korean Women's Associations United highlighted the significance of this project, noting, "Amidst the increasing anxiety among women due to the rise in illegal filming crimes, the women’s restroom safety initiative contributes to creating a safe environment for women. We will continue to focus on efforts to implement a safe society."
In the financial sector, KB Kookmin Bank has also made headlines with its innovative savings products. On May 7, 2025, it was reported that the bank, in collaboration with Samsung Securities, launched the 'Monimo KB Savings Account,' which quickly gained popularity, with 150,000 accounts opened just eight days after its launch. This account offers a maximum annual interest rate of 4% on balances up to KRW 2 million, making it an attractive option for savers.
The Monimo KB Savings Account is linked to Samsung Securities' financial platform and is designed to be a demand deposit account. The basic interest rate is set at 0.1%, with additional preferential rates available for first-time subscribers and those who set up automatic transfers. This strategic move is part of KB Kookmin Bank's focus on 'Embedded Finance,' a model that integrates banking services into non-financial platforms, allowing customers to access financial services seamlessly in their daily lives.
Additionally, the bank's collaboration with Starbucks on the 'KB Star Savings Account' has proven successful, with 80,000 accounts opened in just one month. This account not only offers competitive interest rates but also rewards customers with coupons for Starbucks beverages, demonstrating the bank's innovative approach to attracting new customers.
As the financial landscape evolves, KB Kookmin Bank continues to adapt by offering products that meet the needs of modern consumers. The bank's initiatives reflect a commitment to social responsibility, community engagement, and innovative financial solutions that cater to diverse customer needs.
Through these various programs and partnerships, KB Kookmin Bank is not only contributing to the social fabric of its communities but also paving the way for a future where financial services and social responsibility go hand in hand. As they continue to roll out these initiatives, the bank aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
