[Recap] SK Innovation Affiliates’ Social Contributions in H1 2025: Racing Together for Positive Change

“Well done is better than well said.”
(Benjamin Franklin)

No matter how powerful words may be, they alone can’t change the world. It’s action that brings sincerity to life—and proves its true value. 

This belief came to life through the first-half volunteer efforts of SK Innovation and its affiliates. Each small act of kindness by employees added up to create meaningful change in local communities. And along the way, everyone grew, together, shaping moments that truly mattered.

Under the slogan “Standing together, make it better!” employees across domestic and global sites once again took the lead in a variety of volunteer efforts. These initiatives were not just about giving—they embodied the warmth of a virtuous cycle where everyone involved shared in 

Let’s take a closer look at how these small, genuine efforts came together to make a bigger impact—and revisit the special moments shaped by the collective spirit of our people.

| V-Week: 5.6 Seconds to Fill, A True Celebration of Passion and Purpose

SK Innovation and its affiliates host V-Week (Volunteer Week) twice a year, bringing employees from domestic and global sites together to make a meaningful impact. The first V-Week of 2025, held from April 14 to 25, sparked extraordinary excitement even before it began.

Some programs were so popular that sign-ups on the volunteer portal filled within just 5.6 seconds, briefly crashing the server due to overwhelming demand—a first in the company’s history. This frenzy led employees to coin the term “Vol-keting” (a mix of “volunteering” and “ticketing”), likening the competition for spots to snagging concert tickets.

This year, V-Week introduced the new “Self-Design Volunteering” format, where teams and departments created their own service projects. Senior executives also joined employees in the field, wearing the same volunteer vests and setting an inspiring example of leadership.

During the two-week event, approximately 4,200 employees participated in diverse programs nationwide, contributing a total of 13,800 volunteer hours. From the excitement of “Vol-keting” to the creativity of Self-Design Volunteering, the first V-Week of 2025 was a powerful demonstration of SK Innovation’s commitment to giving back.

Sharing Warmth and Hope: Heartfelt Stories of Giving and Support

In March 2025, devastating wildfires swept across South Korea, burning over 100,000 hectares of land and leaving a profound mark on the nation. In response, SK Innovation and its affiliates organized an emergency relief effort as part of the first V-Week of the year. Employees quickly rallied to assemble emergency kits—registration for the program closed in just 10 seconds due to overwhelming interest. Volunteers packed 500 kits with essential items like ready-to-eat meals, toiletries, towels, socks, and masks, and included handwritten letters of comfort and encouragement for families who had lost their homes.

The “Happiness Box” program also drew strong participation. Volunteers packed food and daily necessities into boxes for children at risk of hunger, filling each with messages of hope and warmth. Of the 640 Happiness Boxes created, half were delivered to children in wildfire-affected areas, offering both practical support and heartfelt encouragement during challenging times.

Meanwhile, volunteer programs continued across various business sites. In Seoul, Daejeon, Seosan, and Jeungpyeong, employees participated in a “Meal Sharing” relay to provide free lunches to vulnerable community members. The “Sharing Happiness, Carrying on Love” program, which connects employees with elderly individuals living alone, also continued as a long-standing initiative. In Ulsan, employees carried out locally tailored programs, including a labor-management bread-baking event, lunchbox deliveries, and a celebration for elderly residents—ensuring volunteer efforts met the unique needs of the community.

These volunteer activities went beyond one-time events, embodying SK Innovation’s commitment to creating a culture of sustainable giving. Through every action, employees demonstrated the power of compassion and solidarity, reinforcing the belief that giving back is integral to both corporate and community growth.

Running, Laughing, and Connecting: Special Moments with Children with Developmental Disabilities

Since 2017, SK Innovation and its affiliates have been dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, fostering their growth and social independence through a variety of initiatives.

As part of the “Happy Dream” program, a tailored handball class was held in collaboration with SK Sugar Gliders (SK’s female handball team) and Korea National Sport University’s Special Physical Education Department. Employees paired one-on-one with children, sharing moments of running, playing, and communication on the court. These activities extended beyond physical exercise, offering emotional support and encouraging meaningful social interaction.

In Incheon, the “Hopeful Sports Class” was introduced as a localized initiative to address disability-related challenges in the community. The program created a vibrant atmosphere filled with energy and smiles, leaving unforgettable memories for both children and volunteers.

Additional cultural experience programs, including movie outings and ecological field trips, were organized in Seoul and Daejeon. These activities provided children with developmental disabilities opportunities to explore new experiences and connect more deeply with the world around them, offering a sense of joy and belonging that extended far beyond the day’s events.

A Helping Hand for a Sustainable Future—Change Begins in Everyday Life

SK Innovation and its affiliates continue to lead efforts in environmental conservation, aiming to create a sustainable and thriving future. Invasive plant species, which threaten native ecosystems and cause problems like allergic reactions and crop damage, were a key focus of the “Guardians of Biodiversity” program. Employees in Seoul and Daejeon worked to remove these plants and sow new seeds to restore biodiversity. In Daejeon, birdhouses were also built to preserve local bird habitats, adding an extra layer of care to the initiative.

Everyday environmental actions also gained momentum. Activities like plogging—combining jogging with litter collection—remained popular among employees, turning simple outdoor routines into meaningful contributions to the planet. These efforts demonstrate how small, individual actions can collectively drive significant change.

Localized programs further highlighted SK Innovation’s commitment to the environment. In Incheon, the “One Company, One River” initiative focused on stream clean-up projects tied to the local ecosystem. Ahead of the spring cherry blossom season, employees and executives conducted large-scale clean-ups to prepare for the annual opening of the Cherry Blossom Garden, fostering a sense of pride in their surroundings.

Global sites were equally active. As of April, over 500 employees from 18 sites in 11 countries participated in activities such as plogging, blood donations, and other community programs. The “EnviRun (Environment + Running) for the Earth” initiative, encouraging employees to collect and sort plastic waste while jogging, is now a growing part of SK Innovation’s global volunteer culture. Additionally, employees across 37 sites in 19 countries are preparing over 100 social contribution programs for the year, reflecting SK Innovation’s commitment to spreading positive impact worldwide.

Fostering Social Value through Connection and Collaboration

This year, SK Innovation launched its first-ever “e-Book for All” program to support the visually impaired, drawing overwhelming interest from employees. Volunteer spots filled quickly during each round of registration, with 200 participants contributing during V-Week and over 1,000 expected to join by year-end. Conducted remotely, volunteers proofread and edit provided texts according to specific guidelines to create accessible electronic books in audio and braille formats. This initiative improves information accessibility and contributes to building a society where knowledge and culture are shared by all.

A range of other programs offering greater autonomy and choice also saw strong participation. Employees joined blood donation drives to help address the national blood supply shortage, demonstrating the gift of life in action. Through the “SK Probono” program, employees provided feedback and ideas for improving products developed by social enterprises and social ventures. By leveraging their professional expertise, participants actively supported the sustainable growth of these enterprises. The program has become one of the most popular volunteering opportunities, with over 1,000 participants anticipated annually.

Through these diverse initiatives, employees are connecting their unique skills, interests, and talents to meaningful causes—bridging communities and driving positive change for a better future together.

| From Heart to Impact: SK Innovation’s Volunteer Journey in 2025

In the first half of 2025, SK Innovation and its affiliates extended their social contribution efforts beyond boundaries—supporting elderly individuals living alone, children with developmental disabilities, local communities, environmental conservation, and enhancing digital accessibility. By the end of April, over 8,000 employees contributed approximately 24,800 hours of volunteer work, offering heartfelt support to those in need. These actions went beyond simple volunteerism, serving as a bridge for sustainable connection between the company and society.

The enthusiasm for “Vol-keting” will continue into the second half of the year. SK Innovation and its affiliates remain committed to spreading warmth to more people and building a sustainable future where everyone can grow together.