KOREA WHO

Profile

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  • Chairman of POSCO Holdings

    Chang In-hwa

    Chang In-hwa is the CEO and Chairman of POSCO Holdings, the holding company of POSCO Group. He is focusing on strengthening the core competitiveness of POSCO Group's key businesses, steel and secondary battery materials, and preparing a turning point for the group's leap forward. He was born on August 17, 1955. He graduated from Seoul Gyeonggi High School and Seoul National University with a degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering. He received a master's degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from Seoul National University's Graduate School of Engineering and a Ph.D. in Ocean Engineering from the University of Massachusetts. He started his career at the Pohang Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (RIST) of POSCO. He served as the Head of the Steel Solution Marketing Department in the Steel Business Division, the Head of the Technology Investment Division (concurrently serving as the Director of the Technical Research Institute), and the Head of the Steel Division CEO before stepping down from management in 2021 as an advisor. He returned as CEO and Chairman of POSCO Holdings in 2024. He is considered a true "POSCO man," having worked in various fields within the company, from research and new business to finance and marketing. He is a benevolent leader who embraces all members of the organization. #ChangInhwa #POSCO #POSCOHoldings #steelindustry #batteryindustry #businessleader #SouthKorea #engineering #corporateleader #POSCOman

    NEWS

    • • Posco Subcontractor Union Holds Rally in Seoul: "Chairman Chang In-hwa Must Directly Participate in Wage Negotiations"
    • • POSCO's Steel and Battery Businesses Face Challenges, Doubt on Chang In-hwa's KRW 200 Trillion Goal
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  • Chairman of Samsung Electronics

    Lee Jae-yong

    Lee Jae-yong is the chairman of Samsung Electronics. As the third-generation owner of the Samsung Group, he succeeded the late former chairman Lee Kun-hee and oversees the management of the Samsung Group. He was born on June 23, 1968, in Seoul as the grandson of Samsung Group founder Lee Byung-chul and the eldest son of the late former chairman Lee Kun-hee. He graduated from Kyungbock High School in Seoul, earned a degree in Oriental History from Seoul National University, and received a Master's degree in Business Administration from Keio University in Japan. He also completed the doctoral program in Business Administration at Harvard Business School in the United States. He joined Samsung Electronics as the head of the General Affairs Group. He served as Executive Director and Senior Vice President of Management Strategy, COO and Vice President, President, and Vice Chairman. After the late former chairman Lee Kun-hee was hospitalized due to acute myocardial infarction, Lee Jae-yong practically led the Samsung Group as vice chairman. Following the passing of Lee Kun-hee, he inherited shares and officially succeeded the management rights, becoming chairman. He was implicated in the Park Geun-hye-Choi Soon-sil scandal, sentenced to prison, and later released on parole. In August 2022, he was pardoned on Liberation Day. As of July 2024, he is undergoing a separate trial regarding the merger of Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries, as well as the subsequent accounting fraud at Samsung Biologics. He is focusing his efforts on achieving results in new businesses such as system semiconductors, automotive electronic components, and robotics, establishing new growth engines for Samsung Electronics. In particular, he is striving to lead in advanced semiconductor microfabrication processes in the AI era, staying ahead of global competitors. He believes that securing talent and technology is the most crucial factor for strengthening competitiveness. He is known for his down-to-earth personality, emphasizing rationality and practicality in decision-making. He is also praised for his affability and communication skills. #LeeJaeyong #Samsung #SamsungElectronics #SouthKorea #BusinessLeader #Technology #Semiconductors #AI #NewBusiness #CorporateManagement

    NEWS

    • • Samsung SDS Split Rumored: "IT to Electronics, Logistics to C&T" as Holding Company Transition Looms
    • • Lee Jae-yong Boosts Samsung Electronics Stake: Accelerating Holding Company Structure?
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  • CEO of Krafton

    Kim Chang-han

    Kim Chang-han is the CEO of Krafton. To diversify Krafton’s revenue structure, which relies heavily on the game "PUBG: Battlegrounds," he is focusing on developing new games. He was born on September 13, 1974, in Seoul. He graduated from Seoul Science High School and the Computer Science Department of KAIST, where he also earned his master’s and doctorate degrees. #Krafton #KimChanghan #PUBG #gamingindustry #revenuegrowth #gameinnovation #KoreanCEO #KAIST #gamebusiness #diversification While pursuing his doctorate, he worked as a developer, planner, and technical team leader at the gaming company "IMagic." Later, he moved to "Nextplay" as the CTO and technical director. After obtaining his doctorate, he served as the CTO and development producer at "Ginno Games." Following the acquisition of Ginno Games by Bluehole (now Krafton), he became the head of development at Bluehole Ginno Games (now PUBG). Later, he was appointed as the CEO of PUBG and Krafton. He is called the "Father of PUBG," which holds the record as the 5th best-selling game globally. He is known as a "hardworking genius." Despite 17 years of repeated failures, he never gave up and continued his path, eventually achieving remarkable success.

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  • Chairman of Orion Group

    Tam Chul-gon

    TAM Chul Gon is the chairman of the Orion Group. He established independence from the Dongyang Group and has been leading the Orion Group. While diversifying the business into areas such as distribution, media, film, and dining, he struggled to achieve notable results. He is now refocusing on the food industry, aiming to transform Orion into a comprehensive food company. Born on June 6, 1955, in Daegu, Gyeongsangbuk-do, he hails from a Taiwanese-Chinese family that operated a traditional Korean medicine clinic. During middle school, he attended the Seoul Foreign School and later graduated from George Washington University with a degree in business administration. At Seoul Foreign School, he met Lee Hwa Kyung, the second daughter of Dongyang Group founder Lee Yang Goo, and they eventually married. TAM joined Dongyang Cement as a manager, and within a year, transitioned to Dongyang Confectionery. He worked as vice president and, after the passing of founder Lee Yang Goo, inherited managerial control and was appointed CEO and president of Dongyang Confectionery. After separating Dongyang Confectionery from the Dongyang Group, he renamed the company Orion and became its chairman. However, both he and his wife, Vice Chairwoman Lee Hwa Kyung, stepped down as registered directors of Orion. TAM is praised for his keen ability to read trends and prepare the company for the future. However, he has faced criticism for exacerbating owner-related risks, particularly due to controversies including a conviction for embezzlement. #TAMChulGon #OrionGroup #SouthKorea #businessleadership #corporategovernance #management #businessdiversification #entrepreneurship #corporaterisks #businesshistory

    NEWS

    • • The Pioneer of Family-in-Law Management, TAM Chul Gon: Will He Make Bio the 'Next Choco Pie' of Orion?
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  • Head of MX at Samsung Electronics

    Roh Tae-moon

    Roh Tae-moon is the President and Head of Samsung Electronics' Mobile eXperience (MX) Division. As the artificial intelligence (AI) smartphone market enters a new era, Roh is focusing on enhancing Samsung Electronics' AI-powered "Galaxy AI" to gain an edge over Apple in this competitive landscape. He is also working to expand Samsung's presence in AI smart devices by collaborating with Google and Qualcomm to launch extended reality (XR) devices equipped with AI capabilities. Born on September 3, 1968, Roh graduated from Daeryun High School in Daegu and went on to earn a degree in Electronic Engineering from Yonsei University. He also obtained a master’s and doctoral degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) Graduate School. Roh joined Samsung Electronics as a researcher, where he achieved notable success in smartphone development. This led to him becoming the company’s youngest executive director and, six years later, a rapid promotion to vice president. When he was promoted to president, Roh was recognized as the youngest president at Samsung Electronics. As the head of the Wireless Division, he oversaw Samsung’s smartphone business. Having handled wireless development roles since his initial entry into Samsung, Roh is a smartphone specialist. In product development, he places the utmost importance on consumer feedback. #RohTaeMoon #SamsungElectronics #GalaxyAI #smartphones #AI #XR #POSTECH #YonseiUniversity #consumerfeedback #technology

    NEWS

    • • Samsung Galaxy S25 Targets '1.9 Billion Gamers': Roh Tae-moon Aims for MZ with High-Performance
    • • Samsung to Launch 'Triple Foldable' Next Year, Roh Tae-moon Targets Huawei
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  • CEO of GS E&C

    Huh Yoon-hong

    Huh Yoon-hong is the President and CEO of GS Engineering & Construction (GS E&C). As the 4th generation leader of the GS Group, he is dedicated to restoring trust following a series of incidents and controversies, including the collapse of an underground parking lot in Incheon. He was born on January 24, 1979, in Seoul, as the eldest son of Huh Chang-soo, the Chairman of GS Construction. He graduated from Seoul Han Young Foreign Language High School and earned a degree in International Business from Saint Louis University in the United States. He also obtained a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington. After joining LG-Caltex Oil (now GS Caltex), he moved to GS Construction, where he is celebrating his 19th year. Prior to becoming CEO, he held positions as the Future Innovation Representative, Business Support Director, and Head of New Business Division. With extensive experience in overseas construction sites, he emphasizes on-site management. Known for his modest and amicable personality, he often shares drinks with his employees.

    NEWS

    • • No New High-End Brand for GS E&C: Huh Yoon-hong's Commitment to 'Xi'
    • • GS E&C Sees Balanced Growth Across Residential, Infrastructure, and Plant; Huh Yoon-hong Strengthens Stability
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  • Chairman of CJ Group

    Lee Jay-hyun

    Lee Jay-hyun is the chairman of CJ Group. In 2023, he has focused his efforts on improving the management efficiency of CJ Group's affiliates and preparing future growth engines amidst declining profitability. He is executing a strategy to invest over KRW 20 trillion (approximately USD 14.4 billion) by 2025 in the areas identified as the four growth engines: Culture, Platform, Wellness, and Sustainability (C.P.W.S). He was born on March 19, 1960, in Seoul, as the eldest son of Lee Maeng-hee, former honorary chairman of CJ, and Sohn Bok-nam, former management advisor of CJ CheilJedang. He is also the eldest grandson of Lee Byung-chul, the founder of Samsung Group. Lee graduated from Kyungbock High School in Seoul and earned a degree in law from Korea University. After working at Citibank, he joined CJ CheilJedang, where he held various positions, including manager of the accounting department, managing director, executive director, and vice-chairman. Through expansive management, he transformed CJ CheilJedang, a food company with sales of approximately KRW 2.2 trillion (approximately USD 1.6 billion), into CJ Group, encompassing food, logistics, biotechnology, and media. After serving a prison sentence for charges including tax evasion, he was released in 2016 through a special pardon on Liberation Day. Upon returning to management, he has pursued mergers and acquisitions and restructured the affiliate governance to expand CJ Group's business. He is known for being frugal and humble.

    NEWS

    • • Lee Jay-hyun of CJ Group Prioritizes Future Investments, Letting Go of Low-Growth Businesses
    • • CJ Group to Announce Executive Appointments Early, Lee Jay-hyun Focuses on Stability Over Overhaul
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  • CEO of CJ CGV

    Heo Min-heoi

    Heo Min-heoi is the CEO of CJ CGV. He is focusing on improving the company’s financial structure while promoting the future growth strategy, "Next CGV," in response to changing movie-watching trends following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was born on March 15, 1962, in Busan. Heo graduated from Masan High School and earned a degree in Accounting from Pusan National University. He also completed an MBA at the Graduate School of Business at Yonsei University. He began his career at the finance team of CJ CheilJedang and later held key positions such as Head of the Management Team and Head of the Business Support Division at CJ Investment & Securities, as well as Director of the Business Support Division at CJ Hello. Heo served as Vice President in charge of business operations at CJ Corporation, the holding company of the CJ Group, before being appointed CEO of CJ Foodville. During Chairman Lee Jay-hyun’s absence from management, Heo took on the role of Vice President in charge of overall business operations at CJ. Later, he became the CEO of CJ OliveNetworks and also headed the Creative Economy Promotion Division within CJ Group. Heo subsequently managed the business support division at CJ CheilJedang before being appointed CEO of CJ O Shopping. After the merger of CJ O Shopping and CJ E&M, he served as the CEO of CJ ENM and then transitioned to his current role as CEO of CJ CGV. Known for his strong execution and drive, Heo has often been deployed to struggling CJ affiliates to restore them to stability, acting as a firefighter for the group. #HeoMinheoi #CJCGV #NextCGV #CJGroup #KoreaCinema #BusinessLeadership #CJCheilJedang #CJOShopping #CJENM #PostPandemic

    NEWS

    • • Heo Min-hoei, CJ's Future "Problem Solver," Brings Crisis-Management Expertise to the Group
    • • CJ CGV's Management Normalization: Heo Min-heoi Frustrated by Sluggish Chinese Film Market
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  • CEO of KB Kookmin Bank

    Lee Jae-keun

    Lee Jae-keun is the president of KB Kookmin Bank. He is engaged in intense competition with Hana Bank and Shinhan Bank for the top bank position. He was born on May 27, 1966, in Seoul. He graduated from Seoul High School and majored in Mathematics at Sogang University. He earned a master's degree in Economics from Sogang University Graduate School and a master's degree in Financial Engineering from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). He began his career at Housing Bank, the predecessor of KB Kookmin Bank, and served as Chief Secretary of KB Financial Group and Branch Manager of KB Kookmin Bank Pangyo Techno Valley Branch. After serving as Head of Financial Planning and Director at KB Financial Group, he returned to KB Kookmin Bank. He held the positions of Executive Director of the Management Planning Group and Deputy President of the Sales Group before being appointed president of KB Kookmin Bank in 2021. As one of the youngest heads of a major bank, he is noted as the leader of generational change at KB Kookmin Bank. Having worked as the group's Chief Financial Officer, he has a deep understanding of KB Financial Group's strategic direction and financial situation. He emphasizes execution over planning, and his decision-making is sharp and quick. #LeeJaekeun #KBKookminBank #banking #financialservices #leadership #competition #finance #strategy #execution #decisionmaking

    NEWS

    • • Long-Term Plan for Normalizing KB Kookmin Bank’s Indonesian Unit; Lee Jae-keun Endures a Testing Period
    • • KB Kookmin Bank Defends Hong Kong ELS Crisis, Boosts Lee Jae-keun's Reappointment Prospects
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  • Leader of DPK

    Lee Jae-myung

    Lee Jae-myung is the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). In the April 2024 general elections, the DPK secured a majority in the National Assembly. Lee is now striving to strongly check the Yoon Suk-yeol administration and improve the lives of ordinary people through legislative actions on the livelihood economy. He is also focused on presenting policy agendas and garnering public support to achieve a change of government by winning the 2027 presidential election. Born on December 22, 1964, in a rural village in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, he was the fifth of seven siblings. Due to financial difficulties, he could not attend middle and high school. After moving to Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, he worked as a "young laborer" at the Sangdaewon Industrial Complex for five years. He passed middle and high school equivalency exams and entered Chung-Ang University as a scholarship student in the law department. Upon graduating from university, he passed the bar exam and began his career as a human rights lawyer. He entered politics by participating in the movement to establish Seongnam City Medical Center. He joined the Uri Party and ran for mayor of Seongnam but was unsuccessful. Ahead of the presidential election, he served as the Deputy Chief Secretary for Candidate Chung Dong-young but failed to secure a seat in Bundang Gap, Seongnam during the general elections. He ran again in the 5th local elections and was elected mayor of Seongnam, securing re-election. Implementing bold welfare policies such as the "three free welfare policies," he rose to prominence as a "star mayor" and challenged for the DPK's presidential candidacy but did not pass the party primary. In the 7th local elections, he ran as the DPK candidate for governor of Gyeonggi Province and was elected. In 2021, he defeated former leader Lee Nak-yon in the DPK presidential primary but lost to Yoon Suk-yeol of the People Power Party in the 2022 presidential election. After running in the Incheon Gyeyang-gu by-election and winning, he was elected leader of the DPK at the party convention. In April 2024, he was re-elected in Incheon Gyeyang-gu in the general elections. In June 2024, he resigned as the leader of the DPK, hinting at a challenge for re-election as party leader. Known for his outspoken remarks, he has earned the nickname "Cider." His proactive welfare policies and straightforward statements have been polarizing.

    NEWS

    • • Debate Heats Up Over Cryptocurrency Tax Deferral: Lee Jae-myung’s Dilemma
    • • Lee Jae-myung Sentenced to 1 Year in Prison with 2-Year Probation for Election Law Violation in First Trial