Emphasizing Wealth Accumulation as Social Responsibility

On April 9, Professor Kim Daejong of Sejong University delivered a special lecture at the Sangju Sangsan Forum, held at the Forcs Building in Gangnam District, where he presented strategies for survival for individuals and companies in the Korean economic environment. He emphasized, "We must become wealthy in Korea and live a life that contributes to society."

Professor Kim Daejong and members of the Sangju Sangsang Forum are taking a group photo. Sejong University

Professor Kim Daejong and members of the Sangju Sangsang Forum are taking a group photo. Sejong University

View original image

He began his lecture by describing wealth accumulation not merely as personal success, but as a value closely connected to social responsibility.


Professor Kim suggested that the most realistic way to become wealthy in Korea is through apartment subscription lotteries.


In particular, he explained that apartments sold south of the Han River have the potential for significant asset appreciation over the long term.


Taking into account the characteristics of the apartment subscription point system, he emphasized, "Children can open a subscription savings account from the age of one, and from the age of fifteen, one point is awarded each year. I recommend giving your children a subscription savings account with a deposit of 20,000 won as a gift."


He also presented a global investment strategy. Professor Kim explained, "Currently, the United States accounts for about 60% of the global market capitalization, while Korea accounts for about 3%," highlighting the necessity of global diversification.


He particularly stressed investing in Nvidia, the company with the highest global market capitalization, and Samsung Electronics, stating, "If you diversify 25% of your salary into investments, you can become an asset owner worth 1 trillion won."


He also provided concrete directions for the survival strategies of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the self-employed.


He presented 'subscription economy,' 'online shopping,' and 'government procurement' as the key future keywords.


He explained that the subscription economy, which generates stable monthly revenue, enhances corporate sustainability. He also noted that online shopping already accounts for about 60% of the total retail market of approximately 600 trillion won, and projected that this share will expand to 80% in the future.


In addition, he emphasized the importance of the government procurement market. As SMEs account for over 80% of the approximately 250 trillion won annual government supply market, he explained that SMEs must enter the public procurement market to secure a stable revenue base.


Regarding SME survival strategies, he stressed, "Alignment with government policies is more important than anything else," and encouraged active participation in the ABCDEF future industry policy directions of President Lee Jaemyung's administration, which focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, content, mobility, semiconductors, and energy.


Regarding the exchange rate outlook, he stated, "There is an 86% probability that the KRW-USD exchange rate will show an upward trend," citing several factors: the 70% share of the US dollar in international trade settlements, insufficient foreign exchange reserves, a broad national debt ratio of 181%, and the lack of Korea-US and Korea-Japan currency swap agreements.


Professor Kim also remarked, "Salaried workers can also become wealthy," and suggested the following methods: winning an apartment subscription lottery, long-term investment in high-quality global stocks, and maintaining consistent asset management habits.


Concluding his lecture, he referenced the Jewish concept of 'Tikkun Olam' (the responsibility to make the world a better place), saying, "The purpose of becoming wealthy is to do more good deeds," and emphasized the importance of living a life that practices both economic success and social responsibility.


Seong Ikjoong, president of the Sangsan Forum, commented, "Professor Kim Daejong's lecture was of great help to our members. I will lead the Sangsan Forum as a policy forum that presents strategies and alternatives for national economic development."



Meanwhile, this special lecture was met with great enthusiasm from attendees as it offered direction for individuals and companies in a rapidly changing economic environment.


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

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.

Today’s Briefing