Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

Specialized in global recruitment, human resource development, and cross-cultural consulting, KoreaPros’ focus is Korea-facing companies and investors entering U.S. market.  For Immediate Release Denver, Colorado, January 29, 2012—With the success of brands like Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and Kia along with solid investment by Korea-based companies in new state of the art American production facilities demand is high for qualified U.S. workers. To best meet this demand, KoreaPros has launched a comprehensive recruitment, HR, and consultancy service. LA-based KoreaPros’ CEO S.K. Moon notes, “Our role is to consult and assist Korea-facing companies, and investors entering U.S. market, with their various human resource needs. We have a worldwide partnership network, and offer a wide variety of human resource initiatives to support international clients.” Don Southerton, KoreaPros’ Senior Advisor and Korean global business expert points out, “Korean brands and products’ sell, wheth...

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor In 2008, I had the opportunity to visit the Hyundai Kia Namyang R&D Center with a group of VVIPs. We test drove a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), and even got to fuel the prototype SUV with hydrogen. ( I'd previously watched a hydrogen fueling in Chino, CA at the HATCI facility where I was teaching classes and consulting the American and Korean teams). Last week when at Kia Motors America I was given the opportunity to road test one of their FCEV. Very smooth drive, with lots of low end torque. Hope to see more FCEV in our future as infrastructure is built to support the technology. Don Southerton w/ Kia FCEV

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor This year Korea will celebrate their annual Lunar New Year holiday on Sunday January 22,  Monday January 23, and Tuesday January 24. Regarding the holiday, I have some recommendations. For your Korean colleagues (in Korea), you can wish them Happy Lunar New Year by phone, or email on Thursday, January 19 in the late afternoon. ( Friday in Korea). For Koreans working in the U.S. or globally you can wish then Happy Lunar New Years on Friday January 20 (pm) or Monday January 23. Here is the formal greeting-- Sae hae bok mani ba deu say yo. I suggest you also share with your non-Korean teams the significance of the holiday. Here is some info to share with the team: The 2012 Lunar New Year celebration ( Seol) is Jan. 22-24. This is the year of the Dragon (actually the Black Dragon.) This year is considered especially lucky... Along with Chusok (the fall harvest festival), Lunar New Year is the most important of traditional Korean ho...

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor Time to update the cover art for my upcoming book-- The Hyundai Way . The current cover art ( see below) was a mock up-- with a plan that we'd update prior to publication. Last week, we posted this question on FB with some great feedback. Cover art needs a 2012 update. FB question. What 3 models (Hyundai and Kia ) need to be used? To fine tune (pun intended), take a moment and vote on which 3 models should be used on the cover. http://www.facebook.com/TheHyundaiWay Many thanks, Don

Korea-facing teams--BCW training programs, coaching, and consultancy provides strategy, solutions, and results. Call 310-866-3777 to learn more. We have 2 great case studies to share, too.   Just ask Link.

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor DETROIT —The Hyundai Elantra and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque on Monday were named North American Car and  Truck  of the year by a panel of independent automotive journalists after the opening ceremonies of the 2012   North American International Auto Show . Big win for Hyundai and the team. We've been supporting the Hyundai Motor Group teams for years. 

By Don Southerton Each new year, I share thoughts for the upcoming months in an executive-level commentary. Looking back at 2011, South Korea’s export economy saw a robust year—familiar names like Samsung, Hyundai, and Kia continuing to grow global market shares—demand driven by a mix of product quality, value, and design appeal, along with Japanese brands suffering set-backs from the devastation of the tsunami and threat of catastrophic nuclear meltdown. Tempering the demand for top Korean cars, electronics, and consumer goods were deep concerns over the EU fiscal crisis—worries that still linger. On a positive note following an amended agreement for the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) and ratification both by the U.S. Congress and Korean Assembly expectations are that the treaty will be implemented in the first quarter of 2012. Advocates and critics alike see the FTA boosting annual commerce between the two nations into the billions of Dollars. Looking...