"Haezin Hyung Wants to Treat, But..." Naver's Lee Hae-jin Steps in to Resolve Bonus Controversy

Lee Hae-jin, Naver Global Investment Officer (GIO)

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] "'Haejin hyung is treating' or something like that, I do want to try doing something that earns your praise and love"

Lee Hae-jin, Global Investment Officer (GIO) and founder of Naver, recently took steps to calm internal sentiment regarding the performance bonus controversy. On the 12th, Lee sent an email to employees expressing his candid feelings. The day before sending the email, on the 11th, he held an online internal event (Yeondan) to explain future business plans and compensation measures to the staff.

Lee said, "Business and compensation have always been two sides of the same coin that I have pondered over during my 20 years of work," adding, "Good compensation cannot be achieved without good business, and good business cannot be sustained without good compensation."

He went on to express concern about the recent salary increases and compensation competition in the IT industry, saying, "While there are positive aspects, it seems that the competition is happening too hastily and aggressively without sufficient explanation about business changes or directions, which raises concerns about aftereffects."

Lee stated, "The issues you raised?differences by job category, junior and senior distinctions, company differences, and benefits beyond salary that other companies find hard to imitate?are being carefully considered and worked on, but it inevitably takes some time."

He explained, "After the shareholders' meeting on the 24th, a board meeting is scheduled, where I will explain to the outside directors the contents previously announced to you," adding, "I plan to seek understanding regarding the success potential of global business and discuss the related compensation issues."

He concluded by saying, "Please trust the management and staff," and added, "I believe that the business must grow bigger and better to ultimately become the winner in the compensation battle against other companies."

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