KOREA WHO

Profile

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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 vs. SK hynix: Leadership Differences Between Lee Jae-yong and Chey Tae-won?
    • • Samsung Semiconductor Leadership Shakeup Looms, Lee Jung-bae, Choi Si-young, Park Yong-in Under Fire
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  • CEO of Hanwha Corporation E&C Division

    Kim Seung-mo

    Kim Seung-mo is the CEO and President of Hanwha E&C Division. Until the integration of Hanwha's defense division in 2022, he served as the CEO and President of the defense division. After the integration, he has been focusing solely on leading Hanwha E&C Division. He is dedicated to advancing Hanwha E&C Division's strengths in large-scale complex development projects and positioning it as a green developer, emphasizing eco-friendly businesses such as offshore wind power. Born on August 3, 1963, in Jeju, he graduated from Jeju Ohyun High School and earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from Sungkyunkwan University. He joined Hanwha Group and was responsible for Hanwha's new business initiatives. He worked at Hanwha Q CELLS Korea as the head of the domestic business division and Chief Operating Officer, eventually becoming the CEO in charge of overall management before returning to Hanwha to serve as an executive in charge of management strategy. He held positions such as head of management strategy at Hanwha Techwin, Hanwha Land Systems, and Hanwha's business support division, and was in charge of overall management for Hanwha's defense division. In 2022, with the merger of Hanwha Construction and Hanwha, leading to the formation of Hanwha E&C Division, he assumed the role of CEO. He is considered a strategic expert in Hanwha Group's key sectors of defense and manufacturing. #KimSeungmo #Hanwha #E&C #ConstructionDivision #DefenseDivision #GreenDeveloper #OffshoreWindPower #Jeju #SungkyunkwanUniversity #IndustrialEngineering #StrategicExpert

    NEWS

    • • Hanwha E&C Nears Seoul Station Project, Kim Seung-mo Eyes Revival Through Mixed-Use Development
    • • Hanwha Corporation E&C Division Faces Challenges, Kim Seung-mo Aims for Rebound with Large-Scale Developments
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  • CEO & Chairman

    Ahn Young-Koo

    Ahn Young-Koo is the Chairman and CEO of UNICK. He is the founder of UNICK, the No. 1 company in Korea and No. 3 globally for solenoid valves, a key component of automatic transmissions for automobiles. He was born on February 20, 1947, in Seoul. He graduated from Gyeonggi High School in Seoul and the Department of Industrial Education at Seoul National University. In 1971, he founded Jeokgo, a watch company that was the predecessor of UNICK. He was the first to localize small watches powered by AAA batteries and expanded the business to include car clocks and cigarette lighters. In 1992, he developed Korea's first solenoid valve for 4-speed automatic transmissions, and in 2010, he successfully mass-produced the solenoid valve for 8-speed automatic transmissions, the second in the world to do so. He views hydrogen vehicle parts, including valve modules for supplying and regulating hydrogen in hydrogen fuel cell stacks, as a future growth driver for UNICK.

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  • CEO of Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance

    Cho Yong-il

    Cho Yong-il is the Vice Chairman and Co-CEO of Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance. He has been working to strengthen the corporate insurance agency channel to expand the sale of long-term insurance policies with high profitability. He is leading efforts to integrate information technology (IT) into insurance operations to enhance customer convenience and improve operational efficiency. Cho was born on August 18, 1958, in Daegu. He graduated from Gyeongbuk High School in Daegu and obtained a degree in English Language and Literature from Seoul National University. He began his career at Hyundai Engineering & Construction and later moved to Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance, where he held various positions, including General Insurance Division and Corporate Insurance Division. He eventually served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President of the company. After serving as the Chief Executive President, he was appointed Co-CEO along with Lee Seong-jae, Vice President of Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance, in March 2020, and later promoted to Vice Chairman. Having served as a resident officer at the New York office and head of overseas operations, Cho has developed a deep understanding of international markets, including the U.S. He is recognized as a sales expert with extensive field experience both domestically and internationally. #ChoYongil #HyundaiInsurance #insuranceindustry #coCEO #corporateinsurance #ITintegration #overseasoperations #salesexpert #insuranceleadership #HyundaiMarine

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  • Executive Producer of YG Entertainment

    Yang Hyun-suk

    Yang Hyun-suk is the founder and Executive Producer of YG Entertainment. He is focused on overcoming the crisis triggered by the Burning Sun scandal and restoring public trust. He was acquitted in the first trial of 'retaliatory threats' charges and is currently undergoing an appeal trial. Born on January 9, 1970, in Seoul, Yang began his career as a legendary dancer in Itaewon and debuted with 'Seo Taiji and Boys,' shaking up the domestic music scene. After Seo Taiji and Boys' sudden retirement, Yang shifted his career path to music production. In 1996, he established Hyun Planning, a hip-hop specialized record label. After discovering Jinusean and 1TYM, he changed the company's name to YG Planning and continuously pursued a brand image as a 'specialist in black music,' solidifying his foundation as a producer. Renaming the company to YG Entertainment, he discovered and successfully launched artists such as Se7en, Gummy, BIGBANG, and 2NE1, widely showcasing his prowess as a producer. He also achieved significant success in the global music market with PSY's 'Gangnam Style.' Yang stepped down as Chief Executive Producer of YG Entertainment, taking responsibility for the Burning Sun scandal involving former BIGBANG member Seungri, but returned after three and a half years. He is working on renewing the contract with BLACKPINK and is directly managing the new girl group 'Baby Monster,' striving to restore his and the company's image. Keywords #YangHyunSuk #YGEntertainment #BurningSunScandal #Kpop #MusicProducer #SeoTaijiAndBoys #BIGBANG #BLACKPINK #BabyMonster #GangnamStyle

    NEWS

    • • YG Entertainment's BABYMONSTER Gears Up for 2nd-Year Tour, Yang Hyun-suk Nurtures 'Next BLACKPINK'
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  • CEO of Kiwoom Securities

    Eom Ju-sung

    Eom Ju-sung is the CEO and President of Kiwoom Securities. He is focusing the organization’s capabilities on restoring Kiwoom Securities' brand trust and reorganizing its crisis management system. Eom was born on July 21, 1968, in Seoul. He graduated from Siheung High School (now Geumcheon High School) and Yonsei University with a degree in Applied Statistics. He also holds a Master's degree in Investment Management from the Korea Development Institute (KDI) School of Public Policy and Management. Eom started his career at Daewoo Securities. He joined Kiwoom Securities in 2007 and went through the PI (Principal Investment) Division, Investment Management Division, and Strategic Planning Division before being appointed as CEO and President in 2024. He is an expert in the field of Principal Investment (PI). Known for his keen understanding of market trends and numbers, he is considered the right person to lead Kiwoom Securities' internal control enhancement and performance improvement efforts. #KiwoomSecurities #EomJuSung #2023MajorIncident #InternalControl #CrisisManagement #FinancialExpert #PrincipalInvestment #BrandTrust #InvestmentManagement #CorporateLeadership

    NEWS

    • • Kiwoom Securities' Savior Eom Ju-sung Faces Parliamentary Audit, Paving the Way for Megainvestment Bank
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  • Chairman of SK Group and KCCI

    Chey Tae-won

    Chey Tae-won is the chairman of SK Group. He also serves as the chairman of affiliates SK Innovation, SK Hynix, and SK Telecom, as well as the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Emphasizing ESG management, he is expanding the eco-friendly business portfolio through investments in hydrogen and electric vehicle batteries. He is building a group-wide "financial story" that aims to be trusted and empathized with by the market and stakeholders, beyond just revenue and operating profit. He was born on December 3, 1960, in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, as the eldest son of Chey Jong-hyun, the chairman of Sunkyong Group (now SK Group). He graduated from Shinil High School and studied physics at Korea University. He completed a combined master's and doctoral program in economics at the University of Chicago Graduate School. He joined SK Trading as a manager, then served as a director at SK America, and later as a managing director at SK Trading before becoming vice chairman and CEO of SK. After becoming the chairman and CEO of SK, he also took on the role of CEO for SK Innovation and SK Hynix. In 2022, he elevated SK Group to the second-largest business group in Korea by total assets, surpassing Hyundai Motor Group. He is actively engaged in external activities as the chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also served as the chairman of the private committee supporting the bid for the 2030 Busan World Expo. He is highly regarded for his global network and sense of business. #CheyTaeWon #SKGroup #SKInnovation #SKHynix #SKTelecom #ESGManagement #HydrogenInvestment #EVBatteries #KoreaChamberOfCommerce #BusanExpoBid

    NEWS

    • • Chey Tae-won "SK Shares Are Indivisible Personal Assets"
    • • The Secret Behind How "Perennial No. 2" SK Hynix Is Now Challenging Samsung Electronics for the Top Spot in Memory
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  • Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group

    Chung Eui-sun

    Chung Eui-sun is the Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group. He concurrently serves as the CEO of both Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai Mobis. He is focusing the organization's capabilities on transforming Hyundai Motor Group into a "smart mobility solution company" that comprehensively provides mobility-related services, such as urban air mobility (UAM) and autonomous driving. Born on October 18, 1970, in Seoul, he is the eldest son of Chung Mong-koo, Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group. He graduated from Whimoon High School and obtained a degree in Business Administration from Korea University. He joined Hyundai Precision Industry (now Hyundai Mobis) as a manager but soon went to the United States to study, earning an MBA from the University of San Francisco. He worked at the New York branch of Japan's Itochu Corporation before joining Hyundai Motor as a purchasing manager. He has held various positions, including Deputy Head of Domestic Sales Division at Hyundai Motor, Deputy Head of Planning Division at Hyundai-Kia Motors, CEO of Kia Motors, and Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor, before becoming Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group in 2020. Having received thorough management training from the ground up and succeeded to management rights, he enjoys a relatively favorable social view among third-generation conglomerate leaders. As CEO of Kia Motors, he led "design management" and actively recruited overseas executives at Hyundai Motor, bringing a fresh perspective to the company. He has established new leadership through generational change in Hyundai Motor Group and is dedicated to innovating corporate culture to prepare for the era of future cars. He is known for his modest and humble demeanor and communicates openly with employees. #ChungEuisun #HyundaiMotorGroup #smartmobility #urbanairmobility #autonomousdriving #corporateculture #designmanagement #leadership #futurecars #innovation

    NEWS

    • • Hyundai Motor Group Slips to 3rd Place in U.S. EV Market Behind GM in Q3; Chung Eui-sun Aims to Chase Tesla
    • • German Automakers Risk Missing EV Opportunity, Opening Door for Hyundai in Europe
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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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  • 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