The Moving True Story of Chairman Jeong Ju-young That Even Musk "Liked"

The Life Story of Hyundai Group Honorary Chairman Posted on SNS

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, sparked attention by reacting to a post about the life story of the late Chung Ju-yung, the honorary chairman and founder of Hyundai Group.

On the 16th (local time), Musk liked a post related to Chairman Chung's life story shared by a foreign netizen on X (formerly Twitter).

The post detailed Chairman Chung's tumultuous life. According to the post, Chung was born in 1915 in Asan-ri, Tongcheon-gun, Gangwon Province (now North Korea) as the son of a poor farmer. He wanted to become a teacher but gave up on his dream because he could not afford to attend a teacher training school.

Chung attempted to run away from home several times to escape poverty but was caught by his father each time. On his final attempt, he took 70 won, the money his father earned from selling a cow, and went to Seoul. In 1931, he got a job at a rice store called 'Bokheung Sanghoe.' After working there for about three years, he took over the store and started his own business under the name 'Gyeongil Sanghoe.' However, the store closed in 1939 when the Japanese colonial government implemented a rice rationing system under wartime regulations.

Though discouraged, Chung acquired an automobile repair shop called 'Ado Service' in 1940. However, this too was forced to close in 1943 when Japan merged it with Iljin Workshop in Jongno.

Chung Ju-yung: "Human potential is infinite... We can do anything"

The late Chung Ju-yung, Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Group. [Image source=Asan Foundation]

But he did not give up. In 1946, the year after Korea's liberation, he restarted an automobile repair shop, naming it 'Hyundai Automobile Workshop.' In 1947, he established a construction company called 'Hyundai Togeonsa,' which merged with Hyundai Automobile Workshop three years later. This marked the birth of Hyundai Construction, the foundation of Hyundai Group. Hyundai Construction grew rapidly, and Chung became a representative self-made tycoon.

Notably, in 1998, Chung led 1,001 cows on a visit to North Korea, leaving a significant mark on inter-Korean exchanges. While reading a statement at the time, he said, "I set out with a dream and 70 won earned from selling my father's cow," and added, "I sincerely hope this visit to the North will serve as a cornerstone for reconciliation and peace between the South and the North, beyond just a personal hometown visit."

During his lifetime, he also emphasized "infinite potential." Chung said, "Human potential is infinite. This infinite human potential promises unlimited possibilities to everyone. If one has strong belief in their goals and puts in the corresponding effort, anyone can accomplish anything."

Musk Praises "Hyundai is Doing Well"

[Image source=Captured from Musk's Twitter]

Musk also acknowledged the competitiveness of his rival, Hyundai Motor Company. On June 18 last year, he tweeted, "Hyundai is doing pretty well," in response to a Twitter user who posted the U.S. first-quarter electric vehicle market share rankings.

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