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“I want to give back what I have received from the Alumni members” – Interview with Seonyong Lee (KU
2017.06.15 Views 1317 경영대학
“I want to give back what I have received from the Alumni members” – Interview with Seonyong Lee (KUBS 80)
Seonyong Lee (KUBS 80), CEO of Asian Star Inc., donated KRW 50 million to KUBS. The donated funds will be devoted to the undergraduate scholarship programs. On May 17th, at the donation event, we had a meeting with Mr.Lee and asked him to share his story.
Q Could you tell us about your memorable episodes in KUBS?
The 1980s, the time when I was in undergraduate, was in a continuous cycle of social disorder between the student movement and closure of a school. I was able to check whether it was a school closing day or not, by stopping by at the billiard club which had been located in front of the main entrance, every day before the class starts. If there were any friends of mine in the morning, it implied that the school was closing that day.
Also, networking with the fellow students who came from other provinces in Korea was a very interesting experience for me, since I was born and raised in Seoul before entering into the college.
Q What do you think is the most important mindset in social attitudes?
In 1990, I imported an American family restaurant brand “TGI Friday’s” for the first hand in Korea, and initiated 22 franchises domestically until 2002. Then the brand was sold to Lotte group. Currently, I’m running a health care business that manages the wholesale and services of medical instruments.
Looking back on my previous business practices, I think the mindset of “being sincere and honest” toward the customers has been the most important key to success. I had to behave earnestly while I was running the restaurant business, for instance opening the diner 365 days with no closing, and always trying to figure out the ways to provide the finest qualities and better services to the customers. As a result of the attitudes based on the sincerity, I was able to successfully expand the number of franchises.
My sincere attitude toward the customers has never been changed until today. I believe that the solutions in a right path to make a success in every business are reachable with “Sincerity” and “Honesty”.
Q What has been the core motivation for you to make a decision in donating for KUBS?
I started my own business when I was in age of early 30s, and it became successful thanks to the support from the people around me, including my parents, alumni members and other business partners. Especially for the currently running business in medical sector, contribution from the KUBS alumni was the most significant part of the corporate developments. I decided to give back the benefits that I have received from the seniors, as much as my ability reaches and before it gets too late. Sharing and donating is a beautiful legacy of KUBS. I wish this little support from me also takes place as a cornerstone for the next generation’s future donation.
Q Could you kindly advise the students who are dreaming of becoming a future CEO?
I would like to introduce a word “GRIT”. GRIT refers to an individual power that exhibits perseverance to achieve a goal. That means, even if you have any difficulty and hardship in pursing your objectives, you need this ability to continuously move on track. If you are planning to become a leader, you should develop “GRIT”.
Q Please leave a comment for the KUBS undergraduates
I would like to share a phrase “You will reap what you sow, rejoice always, give thanks in all circumstances”. Thank you.
The 1980s, the time when I was in undergraduate, was in a continuous cycle of social disorder between the student movement and closure of a school. I was able to check whether it was a school closing day or not, by stopping by at the billiard club which had been located in front of the main entrance, every day before the class starts. If there were any friends of mine in the morning, it implied that the school was closing that day.
Also, networking with the fellow students who came from other provinces in Korea was a very interesting experience for me, since I was born and raised in Seoul before entering into the college.
Q What do you think is the most important mindset in social attitudes?
In 1990, I imported an American family restaurant brand “TGI Friday’s” for the first hand in Korea, and initiated 22 franchises domestically until 2002. Then the brand was sold to Lotte group. Currently, I’m running a health care business that manages the wholesale and services of medical instruments.
Looking back on my previous business practices, I think the mindset of “being sincere and honest” toward the customers has been the most important key to success. I had to behave earnestly while I was running the restaurant business, for instance opening the diner 365 days with no closing, and always trying to figure out the ways to provide the finest qualities and better services to the customers. As a result of the attitudes based on the sincerity, I was able to successfully expand the number of franchises.
My sincere attitude toward the customers has never been changed until today. I believe that the solutions in a right path to make a success in every business are reachable with “Sincerity” and “Honesty”.
Q What has been the core motivation for you to make a decision in donating for KUBS?
I started my own business when I was in age of early 30s, and it became successful thanks to the support from the people around me, including my parents, alumni members and other business partners. Especially for the currently running business in medical sector, contribution from the KUBS alumni was the most significant part of the corporate developments. I decided to give back the benefits that I have received from the seniors, as much as my ability reaches and before it gets too late. Sharing and donating is a beautiful legacy of KUBS. I wish this little support from me also takes place as a cornerstone for the next generation’s future donation.
Q Could you kindly advise the students who are dreaming of becoming a future CEO?
I would like to introduce a word “GRIT”. GRIT refers to an individual power that exhibits perseverance to achieve a goal. That means, even if you have any difficulty and hardship in pursing your objectives, you need this ability to continuously move on track. If you are planning to become a leader, you should develop “GRIT”.
Q Please leave a comment for the KUBS undergraduates
I would like to share a phrase “You will reap what you sow, rejoice always, give thanks in all circumstances”. Thank you.