KOREA WHO

Profile

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  • Head of DX at Samsung Electronics

    Han Jong-hee

    Han Jong-hee is the Vice Chairman and CEO, as well as the head of Samsung Electronics' DX Division. He oversees Samsung Electronics' finished products and electronic device business, which were previously separated into the IM (IT & Mobile) Division and the CE (Consumer Electronics) Division. He is striving to expand Samsung's presence in the OLED TV market, led by LG Electronics, with a focus on Quantum Dot (QD) OLED TVs. He was born on February 15, 1962, according to the lunar calendar. He graduated from Cheonan High School and the Department of Electronic Engineering at Inha University. After joining the development team of Samsung Electronics' Video Business Division, he dedicated himself to TV research and development as the head of the LCD TV Lab, development team leader, and development group leader. He was promoted to head of the Visual Display Business Division and president after serving as the head of the Visual Display product development team and development team leader. In 2021, he was appointed as the head of the DX Division and Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics, leading the company alongside Kyung Kye-hyun, head of the DS Division, in a two-top system. He is a TV expert who participated in the development of most of Samsung Electronics' TVs, leading the company to hold the number one global TV market share for 16 consecutive years. He has earned the nickname 'Rhino President' for overcoming obstacles through consistent and diligent efforts. #Samsung #SamsungElectronics #HanJonghee #DXDivision #OLEDTV #QuantumDot #TVMarket #CheonanHighSchool #InhaUniversity #RhinoPresident

    NEWS

    • • Samsung Electronics Accelerates Integration of 'Mobile+Home Appliances+AI' in Response to Apple's 'Smart Home' Challenge
    • • "Europe Wants AI Appliances" – Samsung Aims for Top Spot in KRW 140 Trillion Market
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  • Chairman of SPC Group

    Heo Young-in

    Heo Young-in is the Chairman of SPC Group. He led the growth of Paris Baguette through meticulous site management systems and research and development for quality improvement. He is striving to expand overseas operations to elevate SPC Group into a 'Great Food Company.' He was born on May 17, 1949, in Hwanghae-do, as the second son of Heo Chang-seong, the Honorary Chairman of Samlip Food. Seven months after becoming the CEO of Samlip Food, he went to Kansas City in the United States to learn baking technology. After completing his studies abroad, he returned to take on the role of CEO of Shany. While his elder brother, Chairman Heo Young-seon, led Samlip Food into business difficulties due to investments in the resort business, he grew Paris Baguette, Baskin-Robbins, and Dunkin' Donuts into leading domestic franchises. When Samlip Food went into court receivership due to bankruptcy, he acquired Samlip Food and established SPC Group by merging Samlip Food, Shany, Paris Croissant, and BR Korea. He expanded global operations by opening Paris Baguette stores in China and the United States, the first in the domestic baking industry. He is pushing to expand into a comprehensive food company by entering the fresh food business through international food and beverage franchises such as Jamba Juice, Pascucci, Shake Shack, and Eggslut. He is known for his meticulous nature, emphasizing fieldwork and quality management.

    NEWS

    • • SPC’s Talent Acquisition Keywords: ‘Management’ and ‘Government Affairs,’ Attracting Former Samsung Affiliates and Presidential Office Veterans
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  • CEO & Chairman

    Park Han-oh

    Park Han-oh is the Chairman and CEO of Bioneer. He was born on May 16, 1962, in Inje, Gangwon Province. He graduated from Wushin High School in Seoul and obtained a degree in Chemistry from Seoul National University. He earned his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Biochemistry from KAIST Graduate School. While working as a researcher, he founded Bioneer with the aim of achieving the localization of genetic technology, which was then heavily reliant on imports. Bioneer is the "first domestic" bio venture company created through a spin-off from the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology. The company successfully synthesized DNA for the first time in Korea and developed the first PCR diagnostic kits and equipment in the country. It is increasing its sales with products that apply its technologies, including the hair loss relief cosmetic "Cosmerna" and the functional probiotic product for body fat reduction, "Bienalssin." He is regarded as a first-generation bio engineer and manager who has contributed to building and expanding the life sciences research infrastructure in Korea.

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  • CEO of iFamilySC

    Kim Tae-uk

    Kim Tae-uk is the CEO of iFamily SC. He leads iFamily SC as co-CEO alongside CEO Kim Seong-hyeon. He is a singer-turned-entrepreneur and the husband of actress Chae Si-ra. Starting with the wedding business, he grew iFamily SC into a company with over KRW 100 billion (US$ 72.6 million) in revenue by making the cosmetics business a new growth engine. He was born on September 5, 1969, in Daegu. He graduated from Yeongnam High School in Daegu and later from Inha Technical College with a degree in Naval Architecture. In 1991, he debuted as a singer with the song "Gaeggoom" (meaning "Dog's Dream"). In 2000, recognizing the potential in the wedding industry, he founded iWedding.net (now iFamily SC) and became its CEO. In 2016, he officially entered the cosmetics industry by launching the color cosmetics brand "Rom&nd." He is focusing on expanding into overseas markets, particularly by growing the cosmetics brand's lineup and distribution channels.

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  • CEO & President of SKC

    Park Won-cheol

    Park Won-cheol is the CEO and President of SKC. He is focusing on expanding the business to lead in the fields of battery materials, semiconductor materials, and eco-friendly materials as a 'global ESG material solution company.' He was born on August 25, 1967. He graduated from the Seoul National University with a degree in Chemical Engineering and obtained his master's and doctoral degrees in Chemical Engineering from the Seoul National University Graduate School. He completed the MBA program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Having worked at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), OCI, SK Energy, GS Energy, and Hana Alternative Asset Management, he has been with the SK Group since 2018. He is a new business expert responsible for global growth and business development at the SUPEX council of SK. He is leading the task of transforming SKC from a film and chemical business-centric company to a chemical, secondary battery, and semiconductor material company. He was appointed as the CEO and President of SKC in 2022.

    NEWS

    • • SKC’s 'Semiconductor Glass Substrate' Commercialization Progresses Smoothly, Park Won-cheol to Kick Off Growth Engine After AMD Certification Next Year
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  • President of Republic of Korea

    Yoon Suk-yeol

    Yoon Suk-yeol is the President of South Korea. He prioritizes solving the population decline issue, boosting the economy, and healthcare reform in governing the country. Born on December 18, 1960, in Seoul, as the eldest son between Yoon Ki-jung, an honorary professor at Yonsei University, and Choi Jeong-ja, a former professor at Ewha Womans University. He graduated from Seoul Chung-Ahm High School and Seoul National University Law School, obtaining a master's degree in law from Seoul National University Graduate School. He started his career as a prosecutor at the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office after passing the 33rd Judicial Examination. He served as the Deputy Head of the 2nd and 1st Departments of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Chief of Special Division 1 at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, and Chief Prosecutor of Yeosu Branch at the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office before becoming the Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. He was appointed as the Prosecutor General of the Moon Jae-in government, seen as a suitable figure for prosecutorial reform. However, he resigned as Prosecutor General after clashing with the Moon Jae-in government over the investigation of Cho Kuk, former Minister of Justice, and entered politics. He was elected as the People Power Party's presidential candidate in the 2021 presidential election and won the presidency in 2022. Following the ruling party's defeat in the April 2024 general election, it is expected that he will adopt a defensive approach in the latter half of his administration.

    NEWS

    • • [Poll Report] Yoon Suk-yeol's Approval Rating Drops to 10% Range for the First Time, Party Support: Democratic Party 43.5%, People Power Party 26.9%.
    • • Lee Jae-yong, Chey Tae-won, Chung Eui-sun, Koo Kwang-mo Gather in Czech for Semiconductor and Electric Vehicle
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  • CEO of LG Electronics

    Cho Joo-wan

    Cho Joo-wan is the President and CEO of LG Electronics. He is strengthening LG Electronics' software capabilities to find new business opportunities. He was born on October 11, 1962. He graduated from Dongsung High School and Pusan National University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and received a master's degree in Business Administration from Yonsei University Graduate School. He joined Goldstar, the predecessor of LG Electronics, and worked in the United States, Germany, and Australia. He served as the head of the Overseas Business Strategy Group in the DA Business Division, Managing Director of the Canadian branch, head of the Australian branch, head of the US branch, and Vice President in charge of the North American region and branch. He served as the Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and was appointed CEO of LG Electronics in 2021. Having worked overseas for more than half of his 35-year tenure at LG Group, he is known as a 'global strategist.' He has focused on establishing the foundation for LG Electronics' management system and business portfolio based on digital transformation. He is also credited with instilling a 'success DNA' in LG Electronics with the keywords 'Winning Growth and Successful Change.' He strives to create an environment where potential can be realized, rather than obsessing over short-term results. #ChoJooWan #LGElectronics #President #CEO #GlobalStrategist #DigitalTransformation #BusinessPortfolio #SuccessDNA #WinningGrowth #BusinessOpportunities

    NEWS

    • • LG Electronics Faces Weak Performance Outlook for Q4, Cho Joo-wan Rushes to Expand 'Service and B2B' Revenue
    • • LG Electronics Achieves 'Triple 7' Milestone, Urgently Seeking M&A Opportunities
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  • Governor of the Bank of Korea

    Rhee Chang-yong

    Rhee Chang-yong is the Governor of the Bank of Korea. He is focused on the optimal implementation of monetary policy that considers price stability and economic conditions to respond to concerns about an economic recession and an uncertain external environment. He was born on May 16, 1960, in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do. He graduated from Inchang High School in Seoul and received his bachelor's degree in economics from Seoul National University. He earned his Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University in the United States. He served as an assistant professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Rochester in the United States and as a professor in the Department of Economics at Seoul National University. He outlined financial policies as a member of the Economic Planning Division of the Presidential Transition Committee during the Lee Myung-bak administration and later served as Vice Chairman of the Financial Services Commission and Director of Planning and Coordination for the Presidential Committee for the G20 Summit. After serving as the Chief Economist at the Asian Development Bank, he worked as the Director of the Asia and Pacific Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He was appointed Governor of the Bank of Korea in April 2022, just before the launch of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. He is known for his theoretical and practical knowledge and has an extensive international network. He is praised for his rational work approach and good interpersonal skills. #RheeChangyong #BankOfKorea #economist #monetarypolicy #IMF #Harvard #SeoulNationalUniversity #AsianDevelopmentBank #KoreanEconomy #G20Summit

    NEWS

    • • Bank of Korea ‘Pivots’ After 38 Months, Rhee Chang-yong Prioritizes Domestic Recovery Over Housing Prices
    • • Bank of Korea Faces Audit, Rhee Chang-yong Balances Economic Stimulus and Household Debt
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  • CEO and President of KT

    Kim Young-shub

    Kim Young-shub is the CEO and President of KT. He is focused on overcoming the 'privilege cartel allegations' and 'internal transaction allegations' facing KT and strengthening KT's growth engine by focusing on digital transformation technologies such as cloud and artificial intelligence. Given his experience in expanding IT businesses by focusing on smart logistics and smart cities during his tenure at LGCNS, he is expected to demonstrate relevant capabilities in KT's new IT business areas. He was born on April 10, 1959, in Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do. He graduated from Kyungpook National University High School and Korea University with a degree in Business Administration. He joined Lucky-Goldstar Trading Company, the predecessor of LG International (now LX International), and worked in the General Affairs Department and the Financial Improvement Team of the LG Restructuring Headquarters before moving to LGCNS. At LGCNS, he served as Vice President of the Management Headquarters and Head of the Solution Business Division before moving to LG Uplus as CFO (Chief Financial Officer). He returned to LGCNS as CEO, where he improved the efficiency of the organization through restructuring. He was appointed CEO of KT in August 2023. He is known as a financial expert but also has a high understanding of IT technology. #KimYoungshub #KT #LGCNS #digitaltransformation #cloud #AI #smartlogistics #smartcity #KoreaUniversity #CFO

    NEWS

    • • KT Under Kim Young-shub Implements First Voluntary Retirement, Establishes Network Subsidiaries
    • • KT's Kim Young-shub Summoned to National Assembly Audit, Heightened Tensions
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  • Head of DS at Samsung Electronics

    Jun Young-hyun

    Jun Young-hyun is the Vice Chairman and Head of the Device Solutions (DS) Division at Samsung Electronics. He is focused on improving the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) business, an area where SK Hynix has taken the lead. Utilizing the capabilities of an integrated device manufacturer (IDM), he aims to turn the tables with the sixth-generation HBM4. He is dedicated to technological development to stay ahead in the foundry competition with TSMC. Normalizing the System LSI business is also considered a major task. He was born on December 20, 1960, in Seoul. He graduated from Baejae High School and Hanyang University with a degree in electronic engineering. He earned his master's and doctorate degrees in electronic engineering from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). He worked as a researcher on the DRAM development team at LG Semiconductor. When LG Semiconductor merged with Hyundai Electronics, he moved to Samsung Electronics. At Samsung Electronics, he served as the design team leader and development manager in the DRAM development office. After being promoted to Vice President, he held roles as head of flash development, head of memory strategic marketing team, and head of the memory division. He moved to Samsung SDI and served as CEO for five years. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Samsung SDI, which led to speculation that he might step back from frontline management. However, he was recognized for elevating the battery business to a global level and was appointed Vice Chairman and Head of Future Business Planning at Samsung Electronics. As the semiconductor crisis intensified, he was appointed Head of the DS Division at Samsung Electronics on May 21, 2024, as a "relief pitcher." This marked an unusual career move, returning to Samsung Electronics as a responsible executive after moving to Samsung SDI. He is known for his practical approach and meticulous personality that does not tolerate mistakes. #JunYounghyun #SamsungElectronics #DSDivision #Semiconductor #HBM #IDM #TSMC #SystemLSI #SamsungSDI #KAIST

    NEWS

    • • "Despite Foundry Losses, No Spin-Off for Samsung Electronics; Jun Young-hyun Focuses on Turnaround Strategy"
    • • Samsung's Jun Young-hyun: "Fell Short of Expectations, Will Restore Competitiveness"