Lee Gap, CEO of Lotte Duty Free, "Calm Judgment in Crisis, Must Take on Challenges"

CEO Lee Gap, Born in the Year of the Tiger 1962, "The Current Crisis Is an Era's Demand for Change... Let's Prepare for the Future Together"

Lee Gap, CEO of Lotte Duty Free.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] "We possess the DNA of success that has enabled us to overcome numerous difficulties and crises in the past. We must all unite and wisely navigate through this current crisis as well."

On the 3rd, Lee Gap, CEO of Lotte Duty Free, emphasized calm judgment and challenge in his New Year's address for the Year of the Black Tiger 2022. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 situation, he conveyed a message urging employees to face the current reality rather than vague hopes and to overcome the crisis together in 2022.

CEO Lee expressed gratitude for the tireless efforts of employees who achieved results through continuous challenges despite difficult conditions last year. Lotte Duty Free created new business models in the rapidly changing duty-free industry environment, including the world's first online luxury store 'Sogong 1beonji,' the industry's first chartered non-landing sightseeing flight, and the launch of the overseas direct sourcing online mall 'LDF BUY.'

However, he also expressed concerns and a sense of crisis that 2022 could be another challenging year for the duty-free industry. Quoting the 'Stockdale Paradox,' CEO Lee called for calm judgment and thorough preparation for the future. The 'Stockdale Paradox' originates from the story of U.S. military officer James Stockdale, who was held captive for eight years during the Vietnam War and survived by acknowledging the difficulty of early escape and living each day faithfully. It signifies rational optimism that faces reality instead of vague hope and pursues clear goals with determination.

CEO Lee stated, "COVID-19 demands diverse and fundamental changes across the entire industrial structure, not just social changes caused by a simple infectious disease. We must accept the current crisis as a demand of the changing era and sincerely contemplate and prepare for what kind of company Lotte Duty Free will be in the changed world five or ten years from now." He added, "If we accurately grasp the movements of great change and take the lead in challenging them, we will move closer to our vision of becoming 'The most Trusted Travel Partner.'"

He continued, "Thanks to the blood and sweat of many who have pursued endless challenges for over 40 years, Lotte Duty Free has established itself as a global duty-free store. Overcoming the current COVID-19 crisis depends on the mindset with which each employee lives each day." He urged all employees to think deeply and devote themselves to their duties.

CEO Lee was born in 1962, the Year of the Tiger. Promising to visit the field frequently this year, he emphasized, "Let us run together, energized by the vigorous spirit of the 'Black Tiger Year.'"

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