The ShinsungHwa of Ho-Am Lee Byung-chu (2019)
Brief Description of Lee Byung-chul (Ho-am)’s ShinsungHwa
The golden-woven material realm appears remarkably solid and strong. Sky-blue energy radiates from the feet—representing one’s life journey—and from the material center, displaying vibrant and progressive qualities. A golden double helix flows downward from the spiritual core above the head. This fundamental energy may have been the driving force behind Samsung’s evolution into the company it is today.
Quote
“Perhaps the greatest happiness in the world comes from realizing one’s purpose in life. I have been fortunate enough to dedicate my entire life to business.”
“There are three things that money can’t buy. First, no matter how wealthy you are, you can’t send your children to Seoul National University. Second, no matter how much you spend on coaching and equipment, you can’t hit the golf ball as you wish. Third, despite investing the most money, I couldn’t beat Mi-won.”
“Stay humble while you still have it. But be confident when you don’t have.”
“Be prudent in hiring someone. But once you’ve hired them, be bold in entrusting them with tasks.”
“Opportunities go by in the blink of an eye. Cultivate your pure energy.”
“Always be joyful. Good things will follow joy.”
“In every decision, there is a cost. What matters is whether you can bear that cost.”
“Business is not about profit alone; it is about serving the nation.”
The Man Behind Three Stars: Ho-Am Lee Byung-chul’s Journey from Rice Trader to Tech Pioneer
A young man with coins in his pocket sells dried fish and rice noodles in a small Korean city. Fifty years later, he’s built one of the world’s largest companies. This isn’t fiction—it’s Lee Byung-chul’s story, the founder of Samsung.
Born February 12, 1910, in rural Uiryeong County, Lee Byung-chul grew up comfortably on his family’s land. Yet he dreamed beyond the countryside.
His parents sent him to Tokyo’s Waseda University to study economics. Dreamers rarely follow conventional paths, though. After two years, Byung-chul abandoned college and returned to Korea.
Birth of Three Stars
At 28, Byung-chul launched his own venture in Daegu, trading everyday goods—dried fish, vegetables, noodles. He named it “Samsung,” meaning “Three Stars” in Korean.
The choice was deliberate. Stars symbolize greatness, power, and permanence in Korean culture. An ambitious name for a modest trading post, but Byung-chul envisioned brilliance ahead.
Timing proved challenging. Under Japanese occupation, Korean entrepreneurs faced steep obstacles. Yet Byung-chul possessed keen insight: success demanded excellent relationships and forward thinking.
Wartime Wisdom
The Korean War devastated most businesses in 1950. Byung-chul moved strategically south to Busan, where American forces imported supplies. Samsung’s trading network flourished, distributing goods nationwide while competitors crumbled.
Soon ranking among Korea’s top ten trading houses, Samsung might have remained content with commerce. Not Byung-chul—he wanted to manufacture what people truly needed.
The 1960s brought a pivotal decision: Samsung would enter electronics manufacturing. Risky territory—Korea produced no TVs or radios then. High-tech meant Japan or America.
Byung-chul believed otherwise. Korean workers matched anyone’s capabilities. Samsung Electronics launched in 1969 with 45 employees, starting with basic appliances but aiming much higher.
Beyond Profit
What distinguished Byung-chul from typical moguls? Purpose beyond wealth. Companies should strengthen entire nations, he believed.
The Samsung Culture Foundation emerged in 1965, championing Korean arts and education. Job training programs followed, alongside fair labor practices rare for that era. His guiding principle: “People make companies; companies don’t make people.”
Byung-chul’s path wasn’t spotless. Samsung’s government ties sometimes yielded preferential treatment. Corruption and tax allegations surfaced in 1966, briefly forcing Samsung’s dissolution before eventual reconstruction.
These setbacks taught valuable lessons about accountability and ethical business practices.
When Byung-chul died in 1987, Samsung spanned twenty industries. Money and fame mattered less than his greater achievement: proving Korean enterprises could dominate globally.
Every Samsung device reflects one man’s audacious vision. Son Lee Kun-hee continued this legacy, transforming Samsung into today’s technology titan.
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