Handok has received the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Golden World Award 2025 in the Publication category for its campaign “Archiving 70 years: Time Into Value.” To mark its 70th anniversary in 2024, Handok published Handok Archive 70: A Journey Toward Innovation using an archival approach.

Founded in 1955, IPRA is a global PR organization that hosts the annual Golden World Awards (GWA), recognizing outstanding PR campaigns worldwide. Winners are selected under strict criteria across more than 50 categories by PR experts from countries including the UK, Germany, the U.S., Australia, Bulgaria, and the Philippines.

Handok Archive 70 was highly praised for its differentiated approach compared to traditional corporate histories. Unlike typical company chronicles focused solely on achievements, Handok systematically archived more than 30,000 historical records accumulated over 70 years to create a public resource useful across various fields. The publication goes beyond being a mere commemorative book, incorporating records of Korea’s modern history, the evolution of the pharmaceutical industry, and changes in pharmaceutical advertising, making it a living historical document.

Handok conducted three years of systematic research for this project, with Chairman Youngjin Kim personally involved from planning to publication. The company enhanced the historical value of the archive by integrating its extensive records with media articles, official documents, and testimonies from relevant figures. Additionally, interviews with over 30 pharmaceutical industry advisors were included to provide vivid insights, and even challenging moments in the company’s history were objectively documented to ensure factual reliability.

Aligned with Handok’s digital strategy, key materials were digitized, and a digital book was produced alongside the physical edition to improve accessibility and usability. This initiative established a sustainable archiving system that connects present records with future documentation.

The completed 720-page Handok Archive 70 was donated to more than 300 institutions nationwide, fulfilling its role as a public record. Recipients include the National Library of Korea, the National Assembly Library, the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Association Library, and libraries of medical and pharmacy schools across the country. A digital version is also available on Handok’s website for public access.

Chairman Youngjin Kim stated: “The records of a pharmaceutical company that has worked for 70 years to contribute to healthier lives go beyond corporate history—they help us understand the flow of industry and society. We are delighted that our intention to create living records for continuous use has been recognized at an international awards ceremony. We will continue to uphold our philosophy of growing together and pursue innovative challenges to make the world healthier.”