Initially, I began reading out of curiosity about how such a notable company in the business world could fall. What kept me reading was the intriguing story of “global management,” and how Kim Woo-choong ventured worldwide under this vision, leading me to finish the book.
Just two years ago, the only country I had visited was the USA, either for a school field trip or to visit my cousins. I didn’t appreciate the school trips in high school and really disliked going; all I remember from those precious two weeks is playing card games at night and not understanding a word of English during lessons.
My visit to my cousins occurred when my aunt, who has since passed away, wanted to give me an overseas experience and bought me a round-trip ticket to Denver. By sheer coincidence, in 2016, my cousin introduced me to the Oculus, which sparked my interest in 3D.
Although I had always dreamed of going global with my business, it wasn’t until 2022 in Paris, when I had the opportunity to participate in an exhibition, that I truly opened my eyes to the possibilities. Currently, most of my team members are from various countries like Ethiopia, Vietnam, and Pakistan. I have received angel investment from a Japanese investor and advice from industry leaders in both the USA and Japan, making me realize how vast the world truly is.
Chairman Kim Woo-choong began his efforts in Africa, and in his later years, he was nurturing businessmen in Vietnam—both places that are now familiar to me, which made me feel a connection. His legacy of building businesses in diverse countries, including impoverished ones, those under trade sanctions, socialist states, and even North Korea, is truly impressive.
Looking into companies from developed countries, I found them to be more inefficient than expected. The ethos of moving faster than them and carving out niches we can excel in was a learning point. However, it was disappointing that he was too ahead of his time and ultimately couldn’t compromise with the flow of the international economy. This aspect, particularly struggles with government policies, seems even more relevant now during this investment downturn.
It may be a fleeting thought, but I feel that it would have been wonderful if such a person were a politician rather than a businessman. I admire and am pleased by the pioneering spirit he demonstrated a generation before me. Tonight, I am strongly inspired by Kim Woo-choong, and I am determined to realize the global management he couldn’t complete.
