Chaebol Heads' Personalities Analyzed
Sep 25, 1998
A book which analyzes the characters of five big chaebol chiefs was recently
published. Lim Sung Hwan, a consultant classified Ku Bon Moo ( LG chief)
and Kim Woo Jung (Daewoo chief) as 'leader types', Chung Mong Koo
(Hyundai chief) and Choi Jong Hyun (the former SK chief) as 'analyst types',
and Lee Kun Hee (Samsung chief) as a 'friendly type'.
Chung Mong Koo is intensely curious and wants to know everything. He
observes and analyzes all aspects of life thus deserving his nickname 'secret
agent'. He never expresses himself and is interested more in machine operations
than human relationships. However he is prepared to promptly handle any
crises that arise. In comparison to his son, Chung Joo Young, the honorary
Hyundai chief is a 'tank type' who can do anything due to his abundant
imaginative power and passion. But he prefers improvisation to carefully
thought-out plan. Regarding organizational types, Chung has vision but his son
has a keen problem-solving ability.
Lee Kun Hee is a man of passion and integrity but is cautious in his personal
exposure. He has a character of dreamer so dislikes any restrictions placed on
him. He maintains a hard working and self-sacrificing value system but has a
tendency to do too many projects at the same time. Lee Byung Chul, the
former Samsung chief had amazing focus and concentration powers and
planned his work thoroughly. But he was not vey humorous and did not like to
enjoy life. The former chief preferred a compact bureaucratic organization and
his son displays a self-control type.
Ku Bon Moo, is a born mediator. While he is aptly nicknamed the Promoter.
He is not afraid of crisis and is good at solving problems. He often acts liberal
but his values are conservative. Ku Ja Kyung, the former LG chief was so
unassuming and honest that he could not be embarrassed.
Kim Woo Jung is a man of numerous accomplishments and is nicknamed
McCarthur after the U.S. general. He is so realistic that he is not interested in
any non-practical works. He likes to organize all facets of the company and
can be an excellent leader when he is open to other's opinion.
Choi Jong Hyun who is nicknamed Socrates, is a scholarly type. He liked to
thoroughly discuss all issues from all angles . He was quiet mannered but his
vision was innovative. He expressed his opinion in a definite way and had a
tendency not to consider other's opinion.
ps: Wonder if somebody is going to analyze Mr. Simplot ? He he he.
InSook |
