Changnyeong, South Korea – A growing commitment to inclusivity in sports is taking shape in South Korea, spearheaded by the Korea & Company Group and its subsidiary, Hankook Donggeurami Partners. The organization is actively fostering opportunities for athletes with disabilities, most recently through its support of the 2025 Korea Donggrami Partners Para-Badminton League and a broader initiative to expand adaptive sports nationwide. This dedication extends beyond athletic competition, encompassing employment opportunities and awareness programs designed to break down barriers for individuals with disabilities.
The Korea & Company Group’s involvement in para-badminton began gaining momentum in 2025, with the hosting of the second round of the Korea Donggrami Partners Para-Badminton League at the Changnyeong National Sports Center in Gyeongsangnam-do from August 15th to 18th. According to reports, the event drew para-badminton players and amateurs from 17 cities and provinces across the country, with a cumulative attendance reaching approximately 450 participants, including players and spectators. This represents a significant step in promoting the sport and creating a platform for athletes of all abilities.
Expanding Opportunities Through Adaptive Sports
The initiative is rooted in the “win-win management philosophy” of the Korea & Company Group, as articulated by Chairman Cho Hyun-beom. This philosophy emphasizes mutual growth and social responsibility, and is demonstrably applied through the company’s sponsorship activities and its commitment to creating a more inclusive society. The company’s annual “Circle Partnership Day,” held in Daejeon in June 2025, served as a kickoff for the badminton competition and highlighted the organization’s dedication to adaptive sports. Key figures from Hankook Tire & Technology, the Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled, and the Korea Badminton Association were in attendance.
Hankook Donggeurami Partners, established in 2015 under Chairman Cho’s vision, operates as a supportive workplace providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The organization currently provides essential services to the Korea & Company Group in five key areas: office administration, laundry, bakery, café services, and transportation. Around 160 disabled and non-disabled employees work together, fostering a culture of coexistence and mutual respect. This commitment to inclusive employment is a cornerstone of the company’s broader social responsibility efforts.
The Korea Circle Partners National Badminton Competition
Building on the success of its employment initiatives, the Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled and the Korea Badminton Association collaborated with Korea & Company Group to launch the “Korea Circle Partners National badminton Competition for the Disabled” in November 2024. The tournament is designed to broaden the reach of adaptive sports and provide a competitive platform for athletes with disabilities. This year’s competition is expected to involve approximately 250 athletes from across the nation, competing in a series of league matches held between July and November.
The tournament operates on a cumulative points system, with the top three teams receiving trophies and prize money of up to 5 million won. Various awards, including “Player of the League” and “Young Player” awards, are presented to recognize players’ achievements and encourage their continued participation. The third game is scheduled to be held at Sokcho Indoor Gymnasium in Gangwon Province from September 26th to 28th, with the final fourth game taking place at Namdong Gymnasium in Incheon from November 28th to 30th.
Raising Awareness and Fostering Empathy
Beyond the competitive aspect, the Korea & Company Group is actively working to raise awareness about disabilities and foster empathy between disabled and non-disabled individuals. Korea Donggeurami Partners recently conducted participatory training for its employees, focused on improving awareness of disabilities. The training, named “ON Court,” integrated sports experiences with mandatory legal education. Participants engaged in activities such as experiencing competition wheelchairs, one-on-one rallies, and matches with wheelchair badminton athletes.
This experiential education was designed to promote natural communication and understanding between individuals with and without disabilities. The training followed a mutual support agreement signed in June 2024 between the Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled, Korea & Company Group, and the Korean Disabled Badminton Association, aimed at promoting the development of disabled badminton and improving awareness around disabled employment. This holistic approach, combining athletic opportunities with employment and education, underscores the Korea & Company Group’s commitment to creating a truly inclusive society.
A Decade of Commitment
2025 marks the 10th anniversary of Hankook Donggeurami Partners, reflecting a decade of Chairman Cho Hyun-bum’s commitment to a philosophy of coexistence. The organization’s success demonstrates the potential for businesses to play a vital role in promoting social inclusion and providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The Korea & Company Group’s ongoing support for para-badminton and its broader initiatives are contributing to a growing movement towards greater inclusivity in sports and society as a whole.
The company’s efforts mirror a global trend towards inclusivity in athletics, exemplified by the increasing popularity of adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball and sled hockey in countries like the United States. This growing recognition of the importance of adaptive sports is paving the way for greater opportunities and recognition for athletes with disabilities worldwide.
Looking ahead, the Korea & Company Group plans to continue its support for disabled sports, including holding sports competitions and talent donation exchanges with the Korean Disabled Persons’ Badminton Association. The company’s commitment to inclusivity is expected to drive further growth in adaptive sports and create more opportunities for athletes with disabilities in South Korea.
The next scheduled event is the third game of the 2025 Korea Donggrami Partners Para-Badminton League, taking place at Sokcho Indoor Gymnasium in Gangwon Province from September 26th to 28th. Stay tuned to www.world-today-journal.com for further updates on this developing story and the ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity in sports.
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