Dong-a socio holding

The story begins in 1932 when founder Kang Jung-hee established a wholesale store for pharmaceuticals and sanitary materials in Seoul. This modest beginning laid the groundwork for what would become a major player in the South Korean healthcare industry. In 1949, the company adopted the name Dong-A Pharmaceutical and soon began producing antibiotics. A pivotal moment came in the early 1960s with the launch of Bacchus, an energy drink that would become one of the company's most iconic products. Initially a tablet, Bacchus was reformulated into a drink in 1963 and has been a steady seller for decades. A significant step in the company's growth was its listing on the Korea Stock Exchange in 1970, which fueled further expansion. Dong-A diversified its portfolio, venturing into the food industry and establishing joint ventures with international companies like Johnson & Johnson. This period of growth was guided by the founder's son, Kang Shin-ho, who took over and is credited with naming many of the company's hit products, including Bacchus. In 2013, Dong-A Pharmaceutical underwent a major strategic transformation. The company was restructured into a holding company system, creating Dong-A Socio Holdings to oversee its various business divisions. This move separated the prescription drug business, Dong-A ST, from the over-the-counter (OTC) division, Dong-A Pharmaceutical. Today, Dong-A Socio Holdings manages a diverse group of companies in pharmaceuticals, logistics, and medical devices, continuing its evolution from a small wholesale shop to a global healthcare group.