Jowon Tae: "Employees are seeds for the future... No fruit grows in hastily prepared soil"

Seemingly Indirect Criticism of the Three-Party Alliance

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Cho Won-tae, Chairman of Hanjin Group, said on the 2nd, "Seeds planted in soil hastily mixed with various ingredients, and in places where companies are regarded merely as means to make money, can never bear fruit." This is interpreted as a veiled criticism of the actions of the three-party coalition consisting of former Korean Air Vice President Cho Hyun-ah, private equity fund KCGI, and Bando Construction, who are contesting the management rights of Hanjin Group with Chairman Cho.

On the occasion of Korean Air's 51st anniversary, Chairman Cho stated in a commemorative message posted on the company intranet, "As we enter the first year toward the 100-year future of the company beyond half a century, I hope we can sow new seeds together for Korean Air's future."

First, Chairman Cho expressed gratitude and respect to the previous management, including the late Cho Jung-hoon and Cho Yang-ho, saying, "I extend my thanks and respect to the founding chairman who laid the cornerstone of the company, the previous chairman who led its growth as a global airline, and the many predecessors who devoted themselves together."

He then addressed the employees, saying, "I sincerely thank all employees," and emphasized, "Especially during the difficulties caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), I believe no expression of gratitude is sufficient for those who have steadfastly carried out their duties in their respective positions."

Chairman Cho particularly praised, "The ordinary daily lives of employees are the most precious and good seeds for Korean Air's future," and added, "Your dedication and sacrifice, boarding the chartered flight to Wuhan (武漢) at the nation's call, putting even your own comfort aside, are invaluable seeds incomparable to anything else."

He also stated, "The valuable and precious seeds of the employees should rightfully be sown in good soil," and explained, "Mature land that has endured storms for many years, a place that cherishes seeds and allows them to take root fully, is the appropriate and suitable soil to plant our daily lives, dedication, and sacrifice."

Chairman Cho further said, "The process until we achieve the results we desire will not always be smooth," and urged, "But let us faithfully sow seeds day by day, nurture the valuable future contained in those seeds with love and devotion, and move forward."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.