I went to study in the US when I was 18 years old in 1983, earned an MBA at Clark University (Worcester, MA) in 1990 and then returned to South Korea. I was commissioned as an interpretation officer in the Air Force in Korea, and have served for 40 months. 

My job was leading, preparation and interpretation at the meetings and negotiations between Korean and US Forces for the procurement of weapons and armory, buying and selling. For me, this experience was very valuable and it really helped my negotiation skills on my personal and business end. I coordinated the meetings by exchanging for what the Korean Forces ultimately wanted. These skills are the critical success factors in real business. I also learned about advanced technology and IT equipment at those meetings. I have been able to make good on the negotiation skills and IT knowledge ever since which has been some of my main tools.

There is a chance that there may be a threat of a war of wealth in the future and that the main stage will be in Asia. This may be an opportunity for Asia but it may also pose as a threat. Our advantage comes because we know the Asian marketplace better than the West, however we have to compete with world-class multinational enterprises and countries with battle-hardened business experiences and if we fall behind in the competition, we could be weeded out of the world market.

During the economical crisis of 2008, the American economy stalled and it led to the US attempting to recover the economical situation by accelerating growth of their economy. However this quick growth affected China's. The Japanese economy, whose system never really recovered, started to worry about losing 20 years of progress and China could experience a similar internal economical crisis similar to South Korea's. 

The very key for solving challenges faced by each country is to have the initiative in the most rapidly growing Asian market. Because of this, the war of wealth around Asia began to emerge. To enjoy benefits provided by the “Pax Asiana” era, our country must solve an internal systematic problem. Fortunately, we still have 10 years left. We also have neighbors like Japan who has experienced the ‘Lost Decade’ prior to us. Once we analyze the trials and errors of Japan and handle the crisis by establishing our new future strategy, we can hopefully overcome all the challenges.

I am extremely happy and honored that Japan Times, instead of South Korea Times, nominated me to Top 100 Next Era CEOs in Asia. Concurrently, I feel a sense of responsibility. I have come to the realization that as Asia becomes the main stage, it is important to try and predict for the Asia-centric future. I also think that as leadership becomes an important living element, a strong leader is needed as a vital factor for survival in the future.

Unique experiences and a strong network is also extremely important for the future. I emphasize that these two factors should be combined and well utilized. When I was young I was able to experience foreign countries and gain various knowledge of cultures, education, society and economies. This was a result of my ability to network while being in those foreign countries. I believe that these were some of the reasons that I was selected for nomination as a Top 100 Next Era CEO in Asia.

I have no doubt that Asia will become a huge market in the future and especially because China is in their G2 phase, we will have to expand our business with them. I believe that it is important to know the language and culture of China so in order to learn, I am moving to Beijing While I was a translation officer, I realized how valuable it is to know other languages and that is why I will study abroad in China.

In the future, whether it is geographically or in every circumstance, KCJ's business triangle will have a very important role. I will be going to Beijing to study about China to prepare for this. As our country has been discussing with China about the Free Trade Agreement, I am going there to learn more about their country in order to establish a business partnership that would benefit us in the future.

10 corso como

I was able to learn a lot about Japan when I first visited in 1979. I have gained valuable experience in Japan, which is still Asia's most highly developed country in culture, education and economy. Even now, I visit more than 10 times a year. Such long times and experience has led me to like Japan, and I discovered a good opportunity to develop and introduce various business items.

My favorite restaurants in Japan are as follows:

Serina (Teppan Yaki & Shabu Shabu)

Union Square Tokyo (Western)

Ginza Kubei (Sushi) 

Jakuro (Skiyaki &Shabushabu)

Maisen (Tonkatsu) 

In the 21st century, the global competitiveness of enterprise relies on the ability to monitor the future, the utilization of collective intelligence network, and the the evolutionary ability of confronting the changes of the enterprise environment.

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Privy was introduced to me as an American community with successful Asians in America. I think that the greatest charm is that it connects successful people with valuable information in diverse fields. I believe that the value of Privy will increase because Asia's era has started. And if some of Privy's members don't know much about Asia themselves, Privy will be a great resource for education and provide valuable information about the continent.