Latest news with #Korean-Japanese
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Checks, gaps, global voices: The evolving face of Korea's bank governance
Governance reforms gain ground amid uneven progress on diversity, independence South Korea's financial giants have been working to shed their long-standing reputation for rubber-stamp governance, as diversity and boardroom expertise have visibly improved. Yet, with CEOs and legacy ties still exerting implicit power in some high-level conference rooms, the extent to which boards can hold management accountable remains in question. All four of Korea's top financial groups now have at least two female outside directors, with women holding an average of 32 percent of those seats. Shinhan leads with four of nine, followed by KB with three of seven, Hana with three of nine and Woori with two of seven. Notably, the female directors are, on average, more than a decade younger than their male peers — suggesting that gender inclusion is also fostering generational renewal. Average board ages cluster between 61 and 63, with Shinhan and Woori the youngest at roughly 61.7 years old. However, none of the boards currently includes a foreign national. The last was Stuart B. Solomon, a former MetLife executive who left KB in 2022. The absence is especially striking given that foreign investors now hold an average 63 percent stake across the four groups — more than six times the Kospi average. While not legally mandated, foreign directors are widely seen as a marker of governance transparency and stronger representation of foreign shareholders' interests. Strengthening internal oversight was the dominant theme in board appointments across Korea's top banking groups this year. Woori made the most sweeping changes, replacing four of its seven outside directors after a high-profile internal control failure led to regulatory scrutiny. It also launched an ethics and internal control committee and revamped its audit committee. New appointees include Kim Choon-soo, a compliance specialist and former head of Eugene Group's ethical management division, and Rhee Yeong-seop, a Seoul National University professor with expertise in economics and financial regulation — both expected to strengthen the group's internal controls. To support Woori's digital transformation, tech entrepreneur Kim Young-hoon, a founding member of Daou Tech, also joined the board. Still, gaps remain. Woori's board skill matrix highlights a lack of expertise in consumer protection and legal affairs — areas that need strengthening going forward. The other three groups, with more balanced skill coverage, emphasized continuity while selectively shoring up governance capabilities. Shinhan added two new directors with deep ties to Japan, preserving its long-standing alignment with the Korean-Japanese community and maintaining the share of third-generation Korean Japanese outside directors. New appointees include Chun Myo-sang, a third-generation Korean Japanese and certified public accountant in Japan, and Yang In-jip, a Korean national with extensive professional experience in Japan, including as a tech CEO and former chair of the Korean Business Association in Japan. This enduring alignment reflects Shinhan's founding roots — established with capital from Korean Japanese investors in the 1980s — and continues to serve as a stabilizing force in its governance. KB maintained board stability while adding targeted expertise. New appointees include Ewha University economics professor Chah Eun-young and E-Jung Accounting CEO Kim Sun-yeop, bolstering regulatory and audit oversight. A new internal controls committee is chaired by Lee Myong-hwal, a veteran economist and policy expert. Notably, KB limits outside director terms to five years, shorter than the industry's six-year norm, underscoring its commitment to board renewal. Hana made minimal changes, but focused on governance upgrades. It established an internal controls committee and added Suh Young-sook, former chief credit officer at SC Bank Korea, as its only new outside director. Though modest in scope, the move raised Hana's female director ratio and added global credit expertise. Despite formal efforts to separate management and oversight, executive influence remains entrenched. At KB and Shinhan, the CEOs of their flagship banks — Lee Hwan-ju and Jung Sang-hyuk, respectively — sit on the holding company's board as 'nonstanding' directors: nonexecutive, nonindependent, but voting members who serve on committees. These positions blur the boundary between oversight and management. Hana goes further, including not only its CEO, but also two vice chairs — Lee Seung-lyul and Kang Seong-muk — on the board. In 2024, the group expanded its board to 12 members — the largest among its peers — by adding external directors to balance the increased number of internal seats. Notably, Lee remains a board member even after stepping down as Hana Bank CEO, reinforcing the view that these seats function as power bases for the group's CEO Ham Young-joo, who secured a three-year term extension in March. As foreign ownership rises, investor communication is increasingly seen as a measure of governance openness. All four groups now provide English-language disclosures, translated shareholder materials and access to electronic voting — but depth and quality still vary. Shinhan and Woori lead in outreach. From July 2024 to June this year, Shinhan held eight investor sessions involving board members, along with 24 CEO- and 43 chief financial officer-level meetings. It offers disclosures in Korean, English and Japanese and commissions third-party board evaluations. Woori conducted over 100 foreign investor meetings during the year, many attended by the CEO, signaling volume and senior-level commitment. Hana and KB focus on accessibility. Hana has held two annual investor roundtables since 2022, with full participation from outside directors. This year, it scheduled one at 10 p.m. local time to accommodate North American shareholders. KB upgraded infrastructure this year with simultaneous interpretation and livestreaming of shareholders meetings, while tailoring voting procedures for institutional and American Depositary Receipt holders. Woori, Shinhan and KB — each listed on the New York Stock Exchange — also file English-language disclosures via the US Securities and Exchange Commission, alongside Korean regulatory filings. Still, global investors see room for improvement. More frequent board engagement and clearer channels for shareholder input remain key. Amar Gill, secretary-general of the Asian Corporate Governance Association, stressed that board-level dialogue is essential not just for transparency, but to strengthen the boards themselves. 'There should at least be a designated point person on the board for foreign investors to engage with,' Gill told The Korea Herald. 'The most important part is engagement with investors at the board level, particularly from independent directors. They should be getting feedback from the market. That is how they are empowered.' He also stressed that logistical improvements around annual shareholders meetings are needed to support non-Korean shareholders. 'Two to three weeks' notice is not enough. It should be at least a month in advance. And foreign investors attending should be able to ask questions.'
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Korean Actor Lee Jun-young Makes History - First Korean Star to Work with Japanese Legend Takuya Kimura
The Secret Project That Nobody Saw Coming Imagine keeping the biggest secret of your career for months - that's exactly what Lee Jun-young did! The Korean heartthrob was cast and completed filming for the Japanese film " Tokyo Taxi " in complete secrecy. The announcement came as a massive shock to fans when it was revealed that he had already wrapped up all his scenes before anyone even knew he was part of the project. This level of secrecy is pretty much unheard of in today's social media-obsessed world. It's like pulling off the ultimate surprise party, except the party is a major international film collaboration that could change the trajectory of Korean-Japanese cinema relations forever. Star-Studded Cast That Reads Like a Dream Team by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "Tokyo Taxi" isn't just any ordinary film - it's a remake of the popular 2022 French film "Une Belle Course" (A Beautiful Course). The movie is set against the backdrop of Tokyo's ever-changing landscape and tells a touching human drama about life's regrets, reconciliation, and miraculous moments at the end of one's journey. The cast is absolutely insane - we're talking about Japanese cinema royalty here. Takuya Kimura , the legendary actor who's basically the Shah Rukh Khan of Japan, leads the cast alongside veteran actress Baisho Chieko, the talented Yuu Aoi, and Sakoda Takaya. And right in the middle of this Japanese powerhouse ensemble is our very own Lee Jun-young, representing Korea with pride. Lee Jun-young plays Kim Young-gi, the first love from the younger days of the main character Sumire (played by Baisho Chieko). His character shares deep emotional scenes with Yuu Aoi, which honestly sounds like the kind of romantic subplot that's going to have audiences reaching for tissues. The Director Who's Basically Japanese Cinema's Living Legend Here's where things get even more exciting - the film is directed by Yamada Yoji, who's literally a walking piece of Japanese film history. This man has directed classics like "It's Tough to Be a Man," "The Twilight Samurai," "Tokyo Family," and the "What a Wonderful Family" series. He's the kind of director whose name alone guarantees quality cinema. What makes this even more special is that this marks Kimura Takuya's reunion with Yamada Yoji after 19 years since "The Twilight Samurai". That's like waiting for your favorite band to get back together - the anticipation in Japan is absolutely through the roof. Why This Matters More Than You Think Lee Jun-young's casting represents something much bigger than just one actor getting a role. This is about Korean talent being recognized and valued in international markets, particularly in Japan where the entertainment industry has traditionally been quite insular. The actor himself seemed genuinely moved by the experience, saying, "Thanks to Director Yamada's emotion-centered direction, I was able to naturally immerse myself in the character. Although it was a short filming period, it was a very intense experience". He also expressed his honor at working with such accomplished actors in his first Japanese film. What's particularly sweet is his hope that "audiences will also be able to feel the warmth of humanity through this work". In a world that often feels divided, stories that emphasize our shared humanity are exactly what we need. The film is set to release across Japan on November 21st, and honestly, this feels like the beginning of a new chapter in Korean-Japanese cultural exchange through cinema . Lee Jun-young is expanding his territory from Korea to the global stage, solidifying his position as a rising star with international appeal. This collaboration feels like a beautiful bridge between two cultures that share so much yet often seem worlds apart. Just like how Bollywood and regional cinema have found ways to collaborate and create magic, Korean and Japanese entertainment industries are showing that great storytelling transcends borders. It's the kind of cultural exchange that makes you believe in the power of art to bring people together.
Arab News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: Ramen Restaurant – authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine in Riyadh
This cozy spot in Riyadh Park is officially my new favorite ramen destination. Ramen Restaurant blends authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine with warm interiors and traditional seating that make you feel like you have stepped out of the mall and into a corner of Tokyo or Seoul. We kicked things off with a complimentary banchan, then moved on to the beef dumplings at SR44 ($11.73), which were tender and juicy with a crisp bite. The dakgalbi (SR82), a bubbling dish of cheesy rice cakes and chicken ribs, came packed with rich flavors and that perfect spicy kick. The kimchi jjigae (SR90) brought comfort in a bowl — hearty, warm, and loaded with kimchi, tofu, and beef. But the real standout? The special jjampong ramen (SR85) — a bold, seafood-rich broth with chewy noodles and just the right amount of heat. Every bite was layered, satisfying, and deeply flavorful. Yes, the prices are on the higher side, but the quality and authenticity of the food easily justify the cost. From flavor to presentation, every dish felt thoughtfully made. One downside, though, is that the establishment does not serve sushi — which might disappoint some diners expecting a full Japanese menu. Also, it can get a bit busy during peak hours, so service may slow down slightly. It is best to visit early or make a reservation if you are going with a group. Still, if you are looking for a genuine Korean-Japanese dining experience in Riyadh, this one is a must on your food bucket list. For more details, check the restaurant's Instagram @
Muscat Daily
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Disney+ confirms season 2 of 'A Shop for Killers'
Critically acclaimed Korean action-thriller to return with original cast Seoul, South Korea – Disney+ has officially greenlit a second season of its hit action-thriller A Shop for Killers , following widespread global acclaim for its debut. Production is now underway, with a premiere slated for 2026 and a cast lineup that blends returning favourites with new international talent. Upon release, the series received rave reviews. Media agencies, fans commended lead actors Lee Dong Wook and Kim Hye Jun for their 'suspenseful, intriguing' performances. Korean outlets echoed the praise, with many highlighting its 'gripping story and high-octane direction,' and likening the character to a 'Korean John Wick .' Lee Dong Wook returns as Jin Man, the enigmatic former mercenary and mastermind behind the secretive MurderHelp, with Kim Hye Jun reprising her role as Jian, his determined niece. The pair's dynamic chemistry was central to the first season and remains at the heart of the second. Several key cast members are set to reprise their roles including Jo Han Sun as Veil, the sinister Babylon mercenary. Geum Hannah will return as the fiercely skilled Min Hye with Lee Tae Young as Brother, the loyal MurderHelp manager. Fan favourite Kim Min as Phasin, Jin Man's old ally and Jian's Muay Thai mentor is also going to return for season 2. Season two introduces new characters tied to the shadowy Babylon organisation including Hyunri, the Korean-Japanese actress acclaimed for Tokyo Vice and Eye Love You , playing Q, the leader of Babylon's East Asia unit. Masaki Okada, known for Drive My Car , takes on the role of J, Q's younger brother and co-commander. Additionally, Jung Yun Ha ( Trunk , Netflix) joins the show as Kusanagi, head of Babylon's East Asia operations With MurderHelp and Babylon preparing for an explosive confrontation, fans can expect even higher stakes, deeper backstories, and a broader global setting. Season two promises to intensify the action while exploring new layers of the show's universe. As anticipation builds, A Shop for Killers looks set to continue its reign as one of Korean drama's most thrilling international exports.
Korea Herald
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Ajeo-chic? How middle-age became cool in the eyes of Korean youth
Korean term 'ajeossi' reborn as middle-aged men redefine 'cool' with unfiltered authenticity, mature personalities Yoo Jae-hoon, 30, vividly remembers the first time he was called an "ajeossi." "I was at a cafe when a little girl, maybe 4 or 5 years old, accidentally spilled her juice on my pants. Her mother turned to her and said, 'Say sorry to ajeossi.' I was still in my 20s, and I was so shocked to be called ajeossi that I barely even noticed the juice," Yoo recalled. Typically used for middle-aged men, often married with children, the Korean term carries a connotation of being outdated and uncool — essentially the opposite of an eligible bachelor. But that perception of ajeossi may soon be challenged by a new wave of "cool" ajeossi gaining a following. Enter Choo Sung-hoon, a 49-year-old Korean-Japanese fighter and TV personality who is making waves on YouTube. His channel, launched about three months ago, doesn't attempt to showcase the fierce fighter he once was. Instead, his profile photo features him in a pink spa headband, and his channel description proudly states, "I am ajossi" — the Korean title is intentionally misspelled. It now boasts over a million subscribers and counting. His content is unpolished — he eats snacks from convenience stores, shows off his round chubby belly. His videos consistently go viral, dominating YouTube's trending lists. In one video, he visits a small restaurant in Japan. Soon after, Korean tourists flock to the spot, and on his next visit, the owner has added a special menu item named after him in gratitude for the promotion. The video that truly catapulted him to viral fame — garnering over 9.3 million views —was titled 'Choo Sung-hoon Living in a Rented Room in SHIHO's House.' Rather than tidying up for the camera, Choo let viewers see his home as it is: messy. 'He revealed his house without even cleaning up a little bit. It felt like he was just like, 'Oh? I have to film a YouTube video? Should I just do it at home?' and then did it,' read a comment with over 11,000 likes. "This video will soon hit 10 million views. That means 1 in 5 people in Korea have visited Choo Sung-hoon's house," another commenter said. Fans told The Korea Herald that his casual, unpretentious demeanor is precisely what makes his channel special. 'I always saw Choo Sung-hoon as a well-trained athlete, the dad of Sarang (Choo's daughter). But on YouTube, he's just an ajeossi — laid-back and a little chaotic. It's hilarious and makes him feel more relatable,' said Min Hye-won, 34. 'I only knew him as a fighter from 'Physical: 100', but on his YouTube channel, he's so down-to-earth and funny. He really feels like the ajeossi next door,' said Lee Eun-sun, 28. And Choo isn't the only one exuding that 'ajeossi next door' appeal. Last year, another YouTuber in his 40s, Chimchakman, surprised many with his pop-up event at Shinsegae Department Store. The event featured exclusive merchandise and a life-sized recreation of his streaming room, drawing fans eager to immerse themselves in his world. The demand was undeniable. All 20,000 pre-booked tickets for the pop-up sold out almost instantly. Each day, fans waited up to 12 hours for on-site reservations. According to a Shinsegae department store official, the pop-up attracted a broad demographic-- 10 percent were teenagers, 70 percent were in their 20s and 30s, and 20 percent were over 40. A temporary Instagram account created just for the event even surpassed 24,000 followers. Shinsegae spokesperson Do Young-gwang explained that Chimchakman's pop-up event was successful because of his devoted fan base — comparing the enthusiasm to Pokémon. 'We printed 40,000 photo cards in the initial batch, and they completely sold out. Usually, such high demand for photo cards is reserved for Pokemon or sports stars, but Chimchakman's fandom made it possible,' he said. Much like Choo, Chimchakman's appeal lies in his unfiltered, unscripted personality. 'I like how he just says whatever comes to mind,' said Shim Seo-yeon, 35. 'He doesn't try to please people.' Park Ju-young, 29, added, 'I started watching him in 2019. He's witty, but beyond that, he offers really interesting insights into social issues. Also, as a former webtoon artist, his imagination and perspective make you see things differently.' Song Ji-hoon, 27, said, 'Lotteria (a fast-food chain) offered to sponsor his video after he ate a lot of their food on a livestream, but he turned it down. Chimchakman said he enjoys being able to speak honestly about what he eats. Not many influencers would reject a deal like that.' Pop culture critic Kim Hern-sik agreed that the image of ajeossi is changing among younger generations. 'In the past, if someone was labeled an ajeossi, they were automatically considered uncool,' said Kim. 'But young people, particularly those in their teens and 20s, don't seem to think that way anymore.' Kim pointed to a key factor driving the appeal of middle-aged YouTubers is their approachable, unpretentious demeanor. 'Take someone like Choo Sung-hoon, for example. Despite his image as a fighter, he has an unexpectedly human and pure side. That makes him more appealing to fans,' he said. He also noted that Korean society lacks mentors, and middle-aged YouTubers are filling that gap.
