The Korea Association of Realtors has relaunched as a statutory body, marking its 40th anniversary.
The association said it held a ceremony on the 9th at the convention hall of Sejong University's Gwanggaeto Building in Seoul's Gwangjin District to mark its launch as a statutory body and its 40th founding anniversary. About 1,000 people attended, including association staff, heads of 19 regional chapters nationwide, delegates and members.
The event looked back on the association's 40-year history and laid out its future vision. The program included a congratulatory performance, a vision video, member awards, a vision declaration and a performance marking the statutory body launch. Attendees recited the realtors' code of ethics together, reaffirming their responsibilities and role as licensed professionals.
Kim Jong-ho, president of the Korea Association of Realtors, said in a commemorative address that 2026 marks both the association's 40th anniversary and its first year as a statutory body, calling it a meaningful year that brought to fruition what all members had hoped for with one mind over 27 years.
"Statutory body status is not a privilege but another name for responsibility, so we will take greater responsibility for protecting members' rights and interests, safeguarding the public's property rights and establishing a safe transaction order," Kim said. "We will open a new future by making realtors that the public trusts and turns to, and an association that members take pride in."
The ceremony also included an awards presentation for members who contributed to the association's development and to raising the standing of licensed realtors. Going forward, the association plans to enhance realtors' expertise and standing and to carry out public duties such as preventing transaction accidents and protecting consumers, in an effort to establish a sound order in real estate transactions.
