Top 20 Korean Business Leaders to Follow on LinkedIn
LinkedIn Korea is like a treasure trove of networking opportunities that can open doors to a world of possibilities for millions of ambitious individuals. It’s where the crème de la crème of Fortune 500 decision-makers and executives love to hang out when they have some free time. Trust me, it’s buzzing with activity as people eagerly scroll through, hungry for valuable content that can revolutionize the way they do business. Brace yourself for some mind-blowing facts about LinkedIn:
First off, we’re talking about a staggering 500 million members! That’s right, you heard it correctly — half a billion individuals from various industries, all congregating in one place, just waiting to connect and collaborate.
But wait, there’s more! Picture this: 40 million LinkedIn users occupying top-tier decision-making positions. These are the power players, the game-changers, the ones who can truly make things happen. Imagine the possibilities when you tap into that network!
Now, here’s a stat that might surprise you: out of those millions of users, only a measly one million have taken the plunge and published an article on LinkedIn. That means there’s a massive untapped opportunity waiting for you to showcase your expertise and captivate the attention of eager Korean readers.
If you’re hungry to expand your network in Korea, you’ve come to the right place. This article is your ultimate starting point, your launchpad to connect with the finest minds in the Korean business community. Brace yourself to explore the thriving realms of IT, HR, media, marketing, and countless other industries that shape the landscape of this captivating nation. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and unlock a world of endless possibilities together!
Korean CEOs
1. Bom Kim
Founder and CEO at Coupang
Meet Bom Kim, the mastermind behind Coupang, the rocket-fueled Korean e-commerce start-up that’s taking the country by storm. Dubbed the “Amazon of South Korea,” Coupang has soared to a jaw-dropping valuation of 9 billion USD. But here’s the kicker: before revolutionizing the online shopping game, Bom Kim cut his teeth at the prestigious Boston Consulting Group. Talk about a journey!
2. Seunggun Lee
Co-founder and CEO at Toss
Get ready to be inspired by Seunggun Lee, the tenacious former dentist who refused to let failure define him. After not one, not two, but eight unsuccessful ventures, he finally struck gold and built a dazzling 2-billion USD fintech start-up called Toss. Seunggun Lee’s resilience and unwavering determination prove that success often lurks just beyond the horizon.
3. Suyong Joh
Co-CEO at Kakao
Meet the visionary force known as Suyong Josh, the mastermind who took Korea’s largest mobile messenger company by storm. But wait, there’s more! This dynamic leader transformed it into a major fintech, media, and cab-hailing powerhouse. With an impressive background as the former head of Kakao Brand Center, Suyong Josh is rewriting the rules of success in multiple industries.
4. Jaeuk Park
CEO at VCNC (Tada)
Buckle up, because we’re about to introduce you to the mastermind behind Tada, the exhilarating “Uber of Korea.” Jaeuk Park has created a sensation with his groundbreaking ride-hailing platform, which has quickly become the talk of the town. Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled journey as you navigate the streets of Korea with Tada!
5. Sophie Kim
Founder and CEO of Market Curly
Get ready to have your taste buds tantalized by the extraordinary Sophie Kim, the genius behind Market Curly, South Korea’s answer to online grocery shopping. Armed with a whopping 24.7 million USD in funding and a jaw-dropping valuation of 470 million USD, Sophie’s start-up has taken the market by storm, especially in the realm of healthy eating.
6. Bokkee Lee
CEO at Wanted Lab
Say hello to Bokkee Lee, the trailblazing CEO at Wanted, a referral recruiting platform that has stolen the hearts of Korean start-ups. This dynamic platform has recently set its sights on Japan and is gearing up for an expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. But here’s the twist: Wanted actually played a pivotal role in my own journey, helping me secure two previous employments. Thanks, Wanted!
Business Networking
7. Sean Blakeley
CEO at British Chamber of Commerce in Korea
If you’re seeking the ultimate business connection for global firms in Northeast Asia (Korea, Japan, Taiwan), look no further than the legendary Sean Blakeley. With his unrivaled expertise and a thriving global business organization under his belt, Sean is the go-to guru for business development in this dynamic region.
8. Rodney Johnson
President at Erudite Risk
Enter the realm of risk management with Rodney Johnson, the brilliant mind behind Erudite Risk, a cutting-edge consultancy. But that’s not all — Rodney also wears another hat as the mastermind behind a business executive network in Korea. When it comes to security-related professional services for multinational companies in the Asia Pacific, Rodney is your trusted ally.
9. James Kim
Chairman and CEO at AMCHAM Korea
Prepare to be amazed by James Kim, the powerhouse leading the largest foreign chamber in Korea. With a diverse membership and a significant impact on the Korean economy, James is a force to be reckoned with. And as if that wasn’t impressive enough, he also served as the President and CEO at General Motors.
10. Christoph Heider
President at European Chamber of Commerce in Korea
Introducing Christopher Heider, the remarkable President of the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK), a prestigious European executive network. With his extensive background as the CFO at Bayer, Christopher brings a wealth of expertise in business planning, management, business development, marketing strategy, and accounting. Christopher’s multifaceted skills make him a true powerhouse in the business world.
HR and Recruiting
11. Thomas Kim
Director of Recruiting at Pincus Korea
Picture this: Thomas Kim, the ultimate matchmaker and talent acquisition advisor, working tirelessly on behalf of Fortune 1,000 companies. He’s like cupid for the corporate world, specializing in the APAC region. Whether it’s hospitality, financial services, information technology, or any other field, Thomas has the superpower to headhunt the best and brightest for his clients.
12. Eric Sung Him Wan
Principal Consultant at RDI Worldwide
Say hello to Eric Sung, the maestro of strategic human resource planning. Leading a team of expert minds, he’s the go-to guy for multinational companies in Korea seeking help in talent management, employer branding, leadership development, and learning programs. With Eric by your side, you’ll unlock the secrets to building a winning workforce that drives success.
13. Duncan Harrison
Managing Director at JAC International
Meet Duncan, the visionary who once headed up the largest international recruitment company in Seoul, conquering finance, accounting, IT, and a plethora of other sectors. But his journey doesn’t stop there! Today, he reigns as the managing director at JAC International, a specialized recruitment agency that forges lasting partnerships with top multinational companies in Japan. Duncan knows the ins and outs of connecting talent with opportunity.
Media
14. John Yoon
Editor in Chief at SeoulZ
Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Korean startups with the one and only John Yoon. As the founder of Korea’s leading independent digital media resource, he’s a true trailblazer, covering the latest tech news, events, and trends that shape the dynamic Korean startup community. With John as your guide, you’ll stay one step ahead of the game.
15. Peter Pae
Seoul Bureu Chief at Bloomberg LP
Meet Peter Pae, the Seoul Bureau Chief at Bloomberg LP, and an acclaimed wordsmith who has graced the pages of renowned publications like the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. Peter’s expertise in journalism and his insider knowledge of the Korean business landscape make him a trusted voice for industry insights that can’t be missed.
Legal
16. Michael Quigley
Senior Partner at Kim & Chang
Introducing Michael Quigley, the ultimate legal superhero who represents clients in international arbitrations in Korea and the United States. Armed with a wealth of legal prowess and a passion for justice, Michael fights tirelessly to protect his clients’ interests and navigate the complex world of international law.
17. Brian Hopkins
Former Special Counsel at Lee & Ko
Lee & Ko, the powerhouse law firm in Korea with a formidable team of 800 lawyers, is where you’ll find Brian Hopkins, the master of legal risk management in Asia. With his extensive experience as an international corporate lawyer, legal executive, law professor, published author, and risk management consultant, Brian is the ultimate ally for mitigating legal risks and ensuring your business’s success.
Marketing and Market Entry
18. Olivier Mouroux
Co-founder and CEO at Asiance
Say hello to Olivier Mouroux, the creative genius behind an advanced digital agency that operates seamlessly between Seoul and Tokyo, boasting a dream team of over 60 digital specialists. But that’s not all — Olivier also wears another hat as the Vice President at The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Korea.
19. Alex Kim
CEO at The SMC Group
Prepare to revolutionize your marketing game with the dynamic CEO, Alex Kim, at The SMC Group. This innovative agency is all about providing cutting-edge social and mobile marketing solutions that take your brand to the next level. Alex and his team will bring your visions to life and create a buzz that captivates your target audience.
20. Jonathan Cleave
Managing Director at Intralink
Unlock the vast potential of East Asia with the brilliant Jonathan Cleave, the mastermind behind an international business development consultancy with a deep specialization in the region. If you’re seeking market-entry strategies, forging powerful partnerships, and expanding your business horizons, Jonathan is the trusted expert who will guide you towards success.
Conclusion
There are many more great entrepreneurs and executives in Korea to follow. Our list only represents a sample size of a fairly large group! We strongly encourage you to research and connect with people who are good fits to your industry.
“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” -Walt Disney
To learn more about South Korea business insights, try checking the AJ Marketing Blog.
Read Next:
Top 20 South Korea Market Trends in Charts
Top 28 Korean Twitter Accounts to Follow: Best of 2020
Contact Us
info@ajmarketing.io
AJ Marketing | Unlock the Power of Influence
Newsletter🎭 | LinkedIn🤝 | Twitter💡 | Instagram🎨
