[Interview] Gonggong CEO Sun-un Lee "Leading Innovation in Sustainable Air Purification Technology with Water"
June 10, 2022
"We provide a safe and sustainable indoor air quality management solution based on eco-friendly air purification technology using water."
These are the words of Sunun Lee, CEO of Gonggong Co., Ltd., a company dedicated to developing environmentally friendly air purifiers utilizing water. Gonggong has been selected for the TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startups) by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, where they are currently developing technology capable of removing 99.9% of ultrafine dust particles. We had the opportunity to speak with CEO Sunun Lee about Gonggong’s vision and technological advancements.
Q. Can you introduce the current status of Gonggong’s business?
▶ Gonggong is committed to developing air purifiers under the slogan, "Creating Air Purifiers for Everyone." Our product, Swasher, purifies air solely through the rotational force of water and air, which maximizes their contact area. This innovative approach allows air purification without the use of traditional filters.
Currently, we are developing advanced ultrafine dust removal technology. Additionally, we are participating in Seoul City's R&D project for greenhouse gas reduction, which focuses on low-carbon innovation technology, further enhancing our technological advancements.
Q. What are Gonggong’s expertise and competitive advantages in eco-friendly air purification technology?
▶ The sustainability of air purification technology depends on the expertise and experience of developers involved from the early stages of innovation. Today, the air purifier market is largely dominated by cost-effective products that prioritize affordability. Manufacturers often add extra technology and design elements only after the product has been developed, creating a high-cost, low-tech industry.
However, these conventional approaches struggle with long-term sustainability due to decreasing antibacterial effectiveness over time and frequent filter replacement requirements. Without technological breakthroughs, such systems will not gain lasting consumer support.
After extensive research and development, Gonggong successfully launched Swasher, addressing the biggest drawback of conventional air washers—difficult maintenance. Swasher eliminates the need for disposable filters or additional consumables, allowing for easy cleaning. Its vortex water filtration system is designed to effectively capture both large particles (like hair) and ultrafine contaminants (such as bacteria and dust).
Q. Why air purification?
▶ From 2019 to 2022, the global impact of COVID-19 and the growing focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards have continued to emphasize the importance of clean air and environmental responsibility.
Major corporations have long adopted ESH (Environmental, Safety, and Health) management policies, but ESG has gained prominence as a non-financial performance standard for sustainable business operations. Issues such as global warming and air pollution have become directly linked to human survival, making sustainable air management a crucial global challenge.
Having previously worked in the semiconductor division of Samsung Electronics, where I was responsible for safety and health management, I gained firsthand insight into the practical challenges that corporations face in implementing ESG strategies. Recognizing these challenges inspired me to develop practical and scalable air purification solutions.
Additionally, in the wake of COVID-19, respiratory health concerns have become more prominent. Individuals with underlying health conditions are at greater risk of severe outcomes from infections. Prolonged exposure to high levels of fine dust creates an environment similar to increased vulnerability to COVID-19, making indoor air quality management more crucial than ever.
Q. What is the current market recognition of Swasher?
▶ Swasher first entered the market through Wadiz crowdfunding in December 2020, surpassing its funding goal with over 220 million KRW (~$170,000 USD).
Consumers have embraced Swasher for its easy maintenance, requiring only a light rinse of the water tank once a week, and its low-noise operation (33dB). Additionally, it operates at one-third the power consumption of conventional air purifiers.
Swasher received its second CES Innovation Award in January of this year. It has also attracted investment from Plug and Play, a leading Silicon Valley venture accelerator, accelerating its entry into the global market.
From a design perspective, Swasher has also gained industry recognition. The product has made it to the final round of the IBS (International Builders' Show), one of the world's top three architecture exhibitions. Additionally, we are currently preparing for submissions to the prestigious iF and Red Dot design awards in Germany.
Q. What is Gonggong’s ultimate goal and vision?
▶ The core priorities in air purification technology development are safety and energy efficiency. From the very beginning, we have collaborated with Korea’s top experts in this field to maximize technological synergy.
Our short-term goal is to become the leading company in air purification technology as quickly as possible. However, our long-term vision extends beyond air purification alone. Our ultimate aim is to develop an integrated air quality management solution, addressing factors such as oxygen levels and ventilation, providing comprehensive air management solutions for a healthier future.