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Follow Curiosity over Fear: Growth and the Spirit of Challenge Learned through Experience
Introduction: Alumnus Soo-ho Kim graduated from the College of Business Administration at Seoul National University and earned his MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management in the United States. He served as a partner in finance and digital strategy at McKinsey & Company, where he specialized in new business and digital transformation strategies. He then served as the executive director of future strategies at Hyundai Capital and is currently the CEO of SeAH Holdings and SeAH Besteel.
Looking back, my career path might seem a bit unusual. I started my career in consulting at McKinsey, then gained experience in finance at Hyundai Card and Hyundai Capital, and now I oversee the steel and materials industries at SeAH Holdings. Although the paths may appear quite different at first, they were all learning experiences for me. The people I met and the experiences I had in each field gradually made me stronger, and I believe that is what shaped who I am today.
Instead of using elaborate words, I want to present myself as someone who has worked to solve problems step by step. As a consultant, I pondered the structural issues of companies, and in finance, I learned to manage risks and achieve growth in a constantly changing market. In the steel industry, I feel the pressure of tradition, but at the same time, I am exploring new opportunities. Although these experiences seem different, they are part of my journey to find my answer to the question, “How can I find a better way?”
My studies at Seoul National University College of Business Administration have been a great asset in this journey. Business administration has helped me learn how to structure problems and develop the habit of making data-driven decisions, which has allowed me to remain calm and assess situations in the field. Of course, I have much to improve, but the framework of thought formed during that period still lives within me. The valuable connections I made at university also remain a great asset in my life to this day.
I have made several career changes throughout my life. While it's normal to prefer safer options, I chose new paths whenever I believed they offered more opportunities to learn and contribute. I don't think my choices were always correct. However, my effort to uphold my standards of growth and value has led me to this point.
The biggest lesson I learned while managing a holding company at SeAH Group is the power of organizational culture and its people. Steel is a traditional industry that has sustained human industry, and it simultaneously serves as the foundation for future sectors like environmentally friendly and renewable energy. My goal is to help tradition and innovation achieve harmony in that intersection. Most importantly, I believe it is crucial to create an environment that fosters talented individuals, because it is the people who drive change. Furthermore, the challenges faced by Korea’s manufacturers are significant. My aim is to help think about the future of the Korean manufacturing industry and make it a reality at SeAH Group, considering major issues like changes in the global business environment, green transition, and Institutional constraints.
Even if I could go back to my 20s, I wouldn't lose my courage to pursue new challenges. However, I do have some regrets about not listening to voices from the field sooner and not spending more time connecting with people. While entering a new, unfamiliar industry was challenging, the difficulties I faced then turned out to be valuable lessons in hindsight.
I want to advise students at Seoul National University to develop a deeper understanding of themselves. You should constantly reflect on what makes you feel fulfilled and the values you hold dear. If you're preparing for a career in consulting, logical thinking is essential, but remember that people drive change. The ability to understand and connect with others will truly become your competitive advantage. I would like to continue my life as someone who learns from my shortcomings and keeps growing. I also work every day to instill the core values of SeAH Group―honesty, passion, and competence―in myself. At the same time, I will collaborate with my colleagues to help SeAH Group explore the future of Korea’s manufacturing industry, forge new paths for steel, and establish ourselves as a pillar in the global steel, metal, and materials industries. One piece of advice I would like to share is to “Follow curiosity over fear.” I hope you set your path by following the values you cherish. I am confident that this decision will make you grow further and lead you to a bigger world.
