In a remarkable tale of resilience and determination, Mr. Sang Bong Hahn, an 83-year-old successful businessperson and philanthropist, shares his extraordinary journey from his birth in North Korea during the Korean War to his rise as a prominent entrepreneur in South Korea.  During our recent visit to South Korea, Vice Versa Media Ghana was privileged to meet Mr. Amar Deep Singh Hari, Executive Chairman of IPMC Group, who facilitated a brief yet insightful business meeting with the esteemed Mr. Sang Bong Hahn on June 3. Following this meeting, Mr. Hahn graciously led us on a tour of the impressive Kaesong Industrial Complex in Seoul, displaying his latest venture, the 21-floor Vision Park CO LTD building.

As we explored the intricately designed complex, we uncovered the extraordinary life journey of Mr. Hahn, an 83-year-old visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Born in North Korea during the tumultuous era of the Korean War, Mr. Hahn’s family embarked on a perilous journey to South Korea in search of safety and stability. Despite facing numerous financial challenges, Mr. Hahn persevered, pursuing education and eventually immigrating to Vancouver, Canada, in the late 1980s. There, he achieved success in the import-export industry, notably introducing Canadian salmon to the Korean market.

Adopting the name Eric for ease of identification, Mr. Hahn returned to South Korea in the late 1990s, amidst the country’s economic crisis. Witnessing the struggles of entrepreneurs during this period, he recounted, “It was a very hard time for the people living in South Korea. Major entrepreneurs could not sustain their businesses, so they had the option to sell, which many did.” Undeterred, Mr. Hahn has since established himself as a prominent business leader, chairing LA MER Company with subsidiaries in the USA and founding the Eric Hahn Academy Center in South Korea.

THE VISION PARK CO. LTD

The Kaesong Industrial Complex is an Industrial Park and duty-free trade facility, purposely instituted to run industrial operations in support of the government-led industrialization projects to boost economic development. “President Park Chung Hee knew that Korea had lots and lots of materials that other nations needed. So this was established to turn those materials into useful goods and export it” – Mr. Hahn Explained.

Wanting to contribute to the overall success of his country, Mr. Hahn bought a property in the Industrial complex. “Using some of the money I earned from the businesses I conducted in Canada, I purchased this building, demolished it about 30 years ago today and now, I am rebuilding it” Mr. Hahn recounts.

His aim for the 21-storey infrastructure is to provide business spaces for young emerging entrepreneurs. “I know for a fact that there are young talented individuals who are looking for office spaces to run their business operations. Instead of watching them immigrate to other Western countries to find these opportunities, I decided to provide one here for them.”

He foresees the Vision Park being a beacon of opportunities, allowing others to contribute to reinstituting the original intent of the Industrial Park. “It is time we resurrect the vision of President Park and take South Korea to the next level. Yes, the economy looks good now as compared to the previous years but there is more we need to achieve. We need to elevate South Korea to a height the whole world would see and learn from” Mr. Hahn states.

THE DRIVE FOR IMPACT

“Mr. Hahn, your story promotes True Patriotism. You leave South Korea searching for greener pastures and return when the country is still struggling economically. While others were leaving to establish their businesses elsewhere, you returned and established your business. Many who leave their country do not return to contribute significantly to the economy. But you believed in your country and are still in your 80s, when you should be enjoying your retirement, you are taking on this project, tell us what the drive is?” – Mr. Amar asked.

Mr. Hahn Answers, “I know what it’s like to have dreams and not have resources to help you build this dream. I want to try as much to help the youth build up this country when everyone of my generation is gone and I want them to do the same with the next generation.”

Mr. Hahn has designated 10 to 15% of his profits to provide scholarships at University level to native South Koreans. “Having had tremendous professional growth through education, I want to provide others with the opportunities to climb the educational ladder. Not only do I provide scholarships but I built an educational institution, the Eric Hahn Kindergarten, to support children with disadvantaged backgrounds and children in orphanages, to get access to the right education” – Mr. Hahn Added.

“Mr. Hahn, you stand today, even in your old age, towards the early part of the progress of the future generation. Your service to South Korean society by contributing to literacy growth and creating more business ventures is a legacy that will forever be remembered for generations to come” – Mr. Amar Concluded.