Oh Heeseok, Jinbuk Nonghyup Union Chief: "I Will Enhance Member Welfare and Share Life with Local Residents"

On the 50th Anniversary, Expressing Aspirations to Members and Local Residents

Oh Hee-seok, President of Jinbuk Nonghyup.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Song Jong-gu] Oh Hee-seok, the head of Jinbuk Nonghyup in Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, is known as a cooperative head who is particularly considerate of the elderly and local residents.

He is also known as a ‘quirky cooperative head’ who, upon seeing elderly customers, approaches them without hesitation, kneels on one knee, and makes eye contact while conversing.

Oh was first elected on March 21, 2015, achieving remarkable results, and was re-elected without opposition in the 2019 election by the members’ reappointment.

Ahead of the 50th anniversary in November, he expressed his ambition, saying, “I will take care of the pain of the members and local residents, ensure that the elderly in the area do not feel emotional loneliness, and make Jinbuk Nonghyup grow even more than now.”

Right after taking office, he started his work with the determination to improve the welfare of members, work together with local residents, and elevate the cooperative to the next level.

This determination showed results. Not only has the break-even point increased every year, but since 2018, it has continuously been selected as an excellent customer satisfaction office.

On March 2, 2020, it received the Export Tower Award for achieving $6 million in agricultural and marine product exports, and in the first half of 2022, it was recognized as an excellent cooperative in the comprehensive performance evaluation.

From the beginning of his first term until the past eight years, loan screenings have been thorough, and not a single financial accident has occurred.

Looking forward to the 50th anniversary this November, Oh said, “Jinbuk Nonghyup is forever Jinbuk Nonghyup.”

“While small cooperatives are merging with each other, our cooperative will proudly carry the name Jinbuk Nonghyup forever and become a solid cooperative looking toward the next 50 years,” he emphasized.

“At a time when aging is accelerating, we will consider not only the members but also the hearts of the elderly to improve their quality of life,” he added.

“I want to show that the cooperative is by the side of the local residents so that they can be the happiest. I will ensure that the farmers who trust the cooperative and produce can focus on agriculture without worrying about sales channels,” he also said.

Oh, who shows exceptional affection for the region, once operated a pig farm but lost all his assets due to a fire.

He was devastated by the charred barn and the herd of pigs, and was about to give up everything, but the warmth and encouragement of the local residents lifted him up.

Oh recalled, “At that time, the local residents rolled up their sleeves and ran here and there to clean up the burnt barn without receiving a single penny. When I think about the help and comfort I received then, I still tear up and feel deeply moved.”

He said, “Having received a favor I can never repay until I die, I want to help the local residents in any way and enrich their lives. I lead Jinbuk Nonghyup with the mindset of looking out for the difficulties of the local residents before myself and rushing to help.”

Oh said, “Even after 50 years and as times change, we must not forget the pure heart of the cooperative.”

He explained that “the greatest joy is to empty my own pocket,” meaning that even one won added to the members is the ultimate goal pursued by the cooperative.

Oh, who usually tells Nonghyup Bank and Hanaro Mart employees to have the ‘mind of a company president,’ reiterated, “We must become a cooperative that approaches members and local residents first and treats customers humbly with the determination that I am the president leading the company.”

Following his management principle that local residents come first, Jinbuk Nonghyup is carrying out activities such as agricultural managers’ meetings, side dish support projects for elderly living alone, scholarship support projects for university students, and agricultural material support projects.

Oh said, “The greatest joy is to see the smiles of members and customers, who are like family, together with the employees,” and pledged, “We will look into even the parts not supported by the administration and try to solve the difficulties of local residents as much as possible within the scope of what the cooperative can do.”

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