SKC said on Wednesday that its chairman, Choi Shin-won, has been appointed to the leadership council of the United Way Worldwide.

The United Way Worldwide is a nonprofit volunteer organization that provides for communities through volunteering and donations. The leadership council consists of around 12 to 15 members all over the world. Choi would be the first council member from Asia.

In order to be on the leadership council, a person has to have donated more than $100,000, be in a chair position of an international company, and show interest in the expansion of donations to social welfare. 

Choi has reportedly donated over 1.74 billion won ($1.61 million) to the Community Chest of Korea, and donated around 450 million won to the Community Chest this year.

Choi, who has been running SKC after his father, has been known for regularly donating to society, and voiced that the nation would be happier if the rich donated more to society. He has been a member of the Korea Community Chest Honor Society, an association for those who have made large donations, since 2008.

Choi is scheduled to receive the appointment at the Honor Society Donor Club general assembly next Tuesday in the 63 Building in Yeouido.

By Sang Youn-joo (sangyj@heraldcorp.com)