[Manbo Jeongdam] Health Secret of the Chairman Over Eighty: "I Walk Fast and Far"

Son Kyung-sik, Chairman of the Korea Employers Federation
Started Fourth Term This February... Seven Years in Total
Expansion of K-Food, Growth in Entertainment Sector

Son Kyung-sik, Chairman of the Korea Employers Federation, being interviewed by Asia Economy. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

Son Kyung-sik, Chairman of the Korea Employers Federation (KEF), traveled to three countries over two weeks starting in mid-last month. He visited China and Cambodia in his capacity as KEF chairman, and briefly went to Japan for CJ Group business in the last week of March. Upon returning to Korea, he immediately paid his respects to the late Cho Seok-rae, honorary chairman of Hyosung Group and a senior alumnus from Gyeonggi High School, and that evening had a dinner accompanied by drinks with the leadership, including Kim Dong-myeong, chairman of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions. The interview took place the following day, on the 2nd. Considering his age of 84 this year, it was quite a rigorous schedule.

In particular, as a representative organization of employers, he frequently meets with key domestic and international figures and faces numerous pressing issues. Unlike other economic organizations, there are many occasions when negotiations require raising voices and making decisive decisions. It is well known that the KEF chairman position, which directly deals with the labor sector, is not an easy one, as labor shortages have been a recurring concern during past chairman appointments. The conditions are inevitably demanding both mentally and physically. When asked about his daily routine, he said, "It’s busy."

We could not help but ask about his health management secrets. Chairman Son replied, "I try to walk a lot, especially at a fast pace, as it is said to be good." Since taking office as KEF chairman in 2018, Son has completed three two-year terms and began his fourth term in February this year. This marks his seventh year in the role.

Throughout the interview, Chairman Son emphasized his regret regarding the labor reforms initially advocated by the government. However, he also acknowledged some visible achievements. He was not simply critical of the government. He pointed out that with the government’s clear stance on strict enforcement, illegal strikes have decreased, and the number of lost workdays, which had been on the rise for several years, has declined. Son said, "I have repeatedly stressed the importance of abiding by the rule of law, and I consider it fortunate that the frontline workplaces have improved, as evidenced by the reduction in lost workdays."

Chairman Son also expressed his aspirations regarding his primary role at CJ Group. Particularly, as Korean popular culture, known as K-culture?including K-pop and K-movies?is gaining recognition and widespread consumption worldwide, attention to CJ Group has significantly increased. The company, once perceived as a domestic consumer goods company, is now spotlighted as an export company. When told that Bibigo dumplings are wildly popular in the United States, he smiled and said, "It’s going well."

Son said, "It is a difficult era, but we have the goal of strengthening competitiveness and seeking new business opportunities to expand. We plan to further expand K-food to supply various overseas markets and also expand our entertainment sector." Regarding his senior alumnus Cho Seok-rae, he honored the late honorary chairman as "a versatile person who greatly contributed to our economy" and expressed his sorrow, saying, "It is regrettable."

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