A New Generation of South Korean Entrepreneurs Reaches Out to Bridge the Divide

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Many describe the current tensions between Japan and South Korea as the worst since WWII. In this climate, a South Korean professor from the country's prestigious Yonsei University has set the ambitious goal of changing Japan-South Korea relations. "If Japan-South Korean relations change, the global order will change," he says.

Earlier in November, the professor traveled to Japan with a group of young South Korean entrepreneurs looking to expand into the Japanese market. Together, they held their first-ever training session in the country.

Could private business help improve Japan-South Korea relations? I attended their lecture to find out.

Yonsei University's Bold Initiative

On the 11th floor of a gleaming new glass high-rise next to Shibuya Station, a sign reads "Yonsei University GTJ Seminar." Inside, some 14 participants are gathered, ready to learn.

They are young business elites from South Korea, including representatives from major companies. Some are with corporations managing Japanese operations in South Korea. There are also financial executives supporting South Korean entry into the Japanese market. In addition, there are second-generation CEOs of mid-sized companies and leaders of IT startups aiming to expand into Japan.

Yonsei University professor Kwon Sung-joo (46) led the group as part of the university's Gateway to Japan (Gateway) program. He aimed to facilitate a deeper understanding of Japan among South Korean companies wanting to expand here. It was the program's first training session in Tokyo.

A Yonsei University alumnus contacted JAPAN Forward seeking introductions to Japanese entrepreneurs. JAPAN Forward invited one of its supporters, Yoichi Hino (57), president of Silverbacks Principal (SBP), to deliver a lecture.

*Professor Kwon Sung-joo (46) of Yonsei University, who devised the GTJ program. (©JAPAN Forward)*

Understanding Wa

Hideaki Ota, JAPAN Forward representative director, and former president of The Sankei Shimbun welcomed the group in a short address. (Ota also founded this publication eight years ago in 2016.) SPB President Hino followed him, delivering a 90-minute lecture titled "Understanding the Japanese."

Hino discussed the unique characteristics of the Japanese people, highlighting the core value of Wa. It's a concept of harmony emphasizing creating new things by incorporating various influences and avoiding conflict. He also stressed the importance of coexistence, mutual prosperity, and altruism in Japanese culture.

Participants were particularly interested in the significant differences in historical perspectives between Japan and South Korea. Responding to their questions, Hino emphasized, "Instead of dwelling on the past, isn't it more important to focus on the future and move forward?"

Yonsei University's Professor Kwon, who devised the Gateway program, grew up and was educated in Japan. "Simply having good skills or techniques isn't enough to succeed in Japan," he shared.

"To truly succeed, one must understand and love Japan more than the Japanese themselves. Through this program, I want people to realize that. If we can blend Japan's craftsmanship with South Korea's IT, speed, and dynamism, the two countries can lead the world."

*Yoichi Hino, CEO of Silverbacks Principal Co., speaking at the GTJ lecture on November 9, Shibuya, Tokyo. (©JAPAN Forward)*

Wonderful Meetings

The program involved more than an evening lecture. During their stay, the South Korean visitors inspected cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and attended networking events with top leaders of these companies.

In 2016, Kwon launched the educational and exchange initiative Gateway to Korea program for Japanese businessmen in South Korea. "This is our first tour of Japan," he stated. "It's been a journey of trial and error, with many challenges along the way."

However, he emphasized, "The only way to resolve the friction between our two countries is by deepening mutual understanding."

Kwon also said, "Meeting these exceptional Japanese entrepreneurs has been truly remarkable, and everyone enjoyed the experience. Through ongoing exchanges like these, we can bridge the divide between Japan and South Korea, fostering deeper mutual understanding. In time, we will be able to shift public opinion."

If the world keeps heading down a path of division and chaos, conflict will be all that is left. While this may be a modest initiative, I have great hope in the determination of young entrepreneurs from both Japan and South Korea.

Author: Yasuo Naito, Editor in Chief

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