HYU ERICA Signs MOU with 팔로우 토토 and CCEJ to Nurture ESG Talent and Lay the Foundation for a Sustainable Society

Hanyang University ERICA (President Lee Ki-jeong) announced that it signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kakao Corp. (CEO Jeong Shin-ah) and the Citizens’ Coalition for Economic Justice (Secretary-General Kim Seong-dal, hereafter CCEJ) on July 18 at the Kakao Data Center (IDC) in Ansan.

The agreement was signed as part of the second cohort of the ESG Academy education program and aims to foster young talent capable of realizing a sustainable future.

The signing ceremony was attended by 21 representatives from the three organizations, including Baek Dong-hyun, Vice President of Hanyang University ERICA; Hong Shin, Vice President of 팔로우 토토; and Kim Seong-dal, Secretary-General of CCEJ. The agreement outlines collaboration on ESG-based talent development through joint academy programs, site visits and lecture planning, and inter-organizational cooperation and information exchange.

Kakao is one of Korea’s leading IT companies, offering platform services that combine technology with social value. The company operates a data center (built in 2023) within the ERICA Campus Innovation Park in Ansan, which serves as a key hub for Kakao’s expanding AI business and a central site for this agreement.

CCEJ, established in 1989, is a prominent civic organization that advocates for economic and social justice under the motto “a just society where people are rewarded fairly for their work.” This agreement, involving a civic organization, a corporation, and a university, is seen as an exceptional example of cross-sector partnership for advancing social responsibility.

Baek Dong-hyun, Vice President of Hanyang University ERICA, remarked, “We are pleased to expand ERICA’s industry-university collaboration model to include ESG implementation. I hope this agreement marks the beginning of ongoing efforts to drive sustainable change in cooperation with the local community.”

Hong Shin, Vice President of Kakao, added, “Our partnership with ERICA, home to our data center, holds great meaning for Kakao. Through this ESG talent development program, we are committed to fulfilling our social responsibility.”

Kim Seong-dal, Secretary-General of CCEJ, commented, “Civic organizations must do their part to ensure young people gain real-world experience and grow into critical thinkers and engaged citizens.”

The signing ceremony also included a tour of Kakao’s IDC, followed by a special lecture and attendance at the “2025 Kakao Ansan Impact Challenge” presentation session. The co-organizers will jointly operate the second term of the ESG Academy until July 23.

Going forward, Hanyang University 팔로우 토토 plans to take the lead in generating social value through ESG initiatives in collaboration with local communities, businesses, and civil society.