were opening, trade was increasing, and South Korea, still on an isolated
peninsula, was once again vulnerable to getting squashed by foreigners—
this time by the likes of global companies like IBM, Microsoft, Motorola,
and Sony.
COURTESY OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, PHOTO BY AHN YOUNG-JOON, APRIL 22, 2008. USED WITH PERMISSION.
Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee, also known as Chairman Lee II. After
inheriting the company from his father, he began a movement to transform
Samsung from a manufacturer of third-rate microwaves and TVs into a global
powerhouse.Lee knew that while Samsung may have been the number one company
in South Korea, it was still weak by global standards.
“From the summer of 1992 until that winter, I suffered from insomnia,”
Lee wrote. “I was feeling desperate, as though Samsung, beyond simply
having to give up a business or two, might completely wither away. I never
slept more than four hours in those days. Instead of my usual big appetite,
which would only be satisfied with three portions of bulgogi [marinated
slices of beef or pork], I barely managed to eat a meal a day. That year, I
lost more than 10 kilograms [20 pounds].”
And then he came out of his hermitage.