[W Frontier] Seo Ji-hee "Female Director Quota Is an Issue of Organizational Diversity Rather Than Gender"

2021 Asia Women Leaders Forum 10th Mentor
Interview with Seo Jihee, Deputy CEO of Samjong KPMG

Legislation Needed for 30%+ Quota of Female Directors
Accounting Firms with High Intensity of Overtime and Business Trips
Countless Job Changes After Marriage Seeking Work-Life Balance
Endured Crises Thinking of Juniors
First Female Executive and Deputy CEO Title Achieved
"In Life, Persistence Matters More Than Speed"

Seo Ji-hee, Vice President of Samjong KPMG, is being interviewed by Asia Economy on the 18th. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Ji-hwan Park] In the past, accountants were notorious for their intense workloads, including frequent overtime and business trips. During the annual audit season, it was common to sacrifice sleep to head to work, making it especially challenging for women balancing work and family life. Although they joined accounting firms, it was not uncommon for women to leave in search of jobs with lighter workloads. Consequently, it was rare to see female accountants rise to partners within accounting firms. Seo Ji-hee, Vice President of Samjong KPMG, who has overcome numerous challenges and established herself as a strong female leader in the accounting industry for decades, is a remarkable exception. Seo holds the titles of the first female executive, first female partner, and first female vice president at a major accounting firm.

The ‘First Female’ Accountant Nicknamed ‘Seoyang’

Contrary to her impressive resume, Seo’s career as an accountant started with difficulties. Shortly after passing the CPA exam in 1986 and joining an accounting firm as its first female accountant, she heard someone calling out “Seoyang” from somewhere. When no one responded, the call was repeated several times. Seo never imagined it was her being called. It was only when a male colleague sitting next to her said, “I think they’re calling Accountant Seo,” that she understood the situation. At that time, female secretaries were addressed by adding ‘yang’ to their surname. Although she had passed the rigorous CPA exam, the workplace was still unaccustomed to having a ‘first female’ accountant in the organization.

After getting married and becoming a mother of two sons, Seo faced challenges on a whole new level. Especially when her children were young, her maternal instincts would stir, and she seriously considered changing jobs once or twice a year. Like others, she thought about moving to local accounting firms, related institutions, or even academia to find better work-life balance. Seo recalled, “I doubted why I was doing this job and lacked confidence in myself. I thought the opportunity cost of giving up my role as a mother, which I could do best, was too great.”

Each time, support from those around her was a great pillar of strength. She sought advice from a senior at a local accounting firm who told her, “If you quit now, it will have a big impact on other female juniors working at large accounting firms. Please endure it.” Seo said, “What helped me get through those difficult times was a strong sense of responsibility toward my juniors. I often receive feedback from juniors saying, ‘Thank you for steadfastly surviving in the industry,’ and hearing that gives me the greatest sense of fulfillment.”

Seo Ji-hee, Vice President of Samjong KPMG, is being interviewed by Asia Economy on the 18th. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

"If You Don’t Give Up, You Will Shine Someday"…Urgent Need for Diversity

“Never Ever Give Up.” Seo advised female juniors that pacing themselves and maintaining a mindset of perseverance are crucial. If one pushes too hard too fast, they won’t be able to complete the marathon of life. Seo emphasized, “If you focus on those who have gone ahead or try to outpace others, you will easily get exhausted. If you have the will not to give up, you should be able to regulate your breathing and take breaks when times are tough.”

Although perspectives and roles for women have changed significantly compared to the past, Seo believes there is still a long way to go. One frequently asked question at overseas conferences or meetings clearly shows Korea’s current status: “Why is Korea’s female economic participation rate and female executive ratio low compared to its economic power?” According to the ‘2021 Global Gender Gap Report’ released by the World Economic Forum (WEF, Davos Forum) in March, Korea ranked 102nd out of 156 countries, remaining in the lower tier. The ‘Glass Ceiling Index’ published this year by the British weekly magazine The Economist shows that the average female executive ratio in OECD countries is 25.6%, nearly five times higher than Korea’s 5.2%.

Seo stressed, “It is necessary to approach this issue from the perspective of diversity rather than just gender. The critical mass to create organizational change is usually said to be 30%. At least 3 out of 10 members need to represent diversity to make substantial change.” She mentioned institutional legislation such as quotas for female directors. Seo explained, “Norway implemented a 40% quota for female directors in 2008, and although Germany’s listed companies have a 17% female executive ratio, it recently passed laws requiring companies and various sectors to have female executives exceed 30%.”

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