호국보훈의 가치를 잇는 BNK경남은행의 ‘상생 금융’ 행보: 장병 위문에서 방산 지원까지 > K-wave Trends

BNK Gyeongnam Bank recently visited the Army 39th Infantry Division headquarters located in Haman-gun and directly delivered consolation money for South Korean soldiers to Division Commander Kim Jeong-do. This visit was organized with the intention of expressing gratitude for the dedication of the soldiers who are silently responsible for regional security in celebration of Patriots and Veterans Month, and to improve their welfare and boost their morale. Managing Director Choi Jin-kwon and Division Head Kim Jeong-do, who attended the site, went beyond simply handing out consolation money to sharing regional security issues and having in-depth conversations for the sustainable development of the community. This communication can be said to be a symbolic scene that visually shows that the military and local financial institutions are closely connected under the common value of security.

The reason why this consolation activity is more meaningful is because it is in line with the noble spirit shown by military soldiers. Recently, platoon commanders of the 39th Infantry Division have become great examples by practicing the ‘soldier spirit’ of prioritizing completing missions with platoon members over personal job preparations or future plans ahead of discharge. BNK Gyeongnam Bank's support of consolation money instills confidence that the sacrifices and hard work of these soldiers are not just a simple slogan, but that they are receiving real support and encouragement from the local community. The act of financial institutions boosting military morale ultimately becomes a social investment that strengthens the security capabilities of the entire region and serves as important social capital that promotes a sense of community.

BNK Kyongnam Bank’s actions do not stop here, but are also expanding to supporting the ecosystem of the defense industry, a strategic industry in the region. Last April, they signed a business agreement with the Defense Industry Mutual Aid Association through the ‘2026 Yi Sun-sin Defense Industry Exhibition (YIDEX)’, opening the era of ‘win-win finance’ in earnest. In particular, by investing a total of 5 billion won in specialized funds, we are providing unprecedented benefits to small and medium-sized defense companies, such as a 2% point reduction in loan interest rates and support for guarantee fees. This serves as a balm in a drought for local defense companies that are having difficulty raising funds in the era of high interest rates, and serves as a practical driving force to solidify the roots of the local defense industry.

From the perspective of the social role of finance, BNK Kyongnam Bank's strategy is very sophisticated and systematic. By combining the compassionate approach of ‘consolation’, which takes care of the welfare of individual soldiers, and the economic approach of ‘productive finance’, which helps defense companies survive, we are maximizing the social value of the company. This proves that financial institutions are not simply entities that generate profits by managing capital, but are key partners that support the two pillars of local community security and economy. When local small and medium-sized defense companies reduce their financial burden and grow stably, the result is a virtuous cycle that leads to the strengthening of regional security.

Meanwhile, this sharing solidarity is actively continuing throughout the local community. Choi Kyeong-ja, CEO of Korea Wood, joins the ‘Honor Society’, a group of major donors, and returns the company’s profits to society, which is also in line with the spirit of win-win management pursued by BNK Gyeongnam Bank. The businesspeople and financial institutions leading the local economy practice sharing and take care of security in their respective positions, proving that our community has a solid social safety net that does not waver even in times of crisis. This virtuous cycle of sharing will become the power of the Gyeongnam region and a seed of hope for the future.