Korea's Economic Woes Trouble Tycoon

밒 cannot sleep when I think about the deeply troubled Korean economy,?said Park Tae-joon (79), the president emeritus of POSCO, a Korean steel manufacturer, during an exclusive interview with The Dong-A Ilbo at POSCO뭩 guesthouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province on December 1. He said, 밒t is very frustrating to see the Korean economy losing its vigor.?

Park stressed, 밫hroughout the history of Korea뭩 economic growth phase, I have never seen Koreans so unenthusiastic about achieving something. The most urgent task is to encourage entrepreneurship so that companies can boost their investment.?

He continued, 밯hile neighboring China and Japan keep growing, the Korean economy, whose per capita income is slightly over $10,000, is fast asleep.?

He advised, 밚eaders should provide sound philosophy and a clear vision. Only a leader with a defined vision can raise worker morale to the highest possible level and make them work for him without complaining.?

The interview was the first official interview in about 40 months since the press conference and interviews at the completion ceremony for the then newly built POSCO Museum on July 3, 2003.

changkim@donga.com · bell@donga.com