1. Early Life and Education
1.1. Birth and Upbringing
Kim Chong-hee was born on November 12, 1922, in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, during the Japanese colonial period in Korea. He was the son of Kim Jae-min and Oh Myeong-gil of the Haeju Oh clan. His bon-gwan was the Suncheon Kim clan. His formative years were shaped by the challenging environment of colonial Korea.
1.2. Education
Kim pursued his academic journey by first attending Yonhi College, which is the predecessor to Yonsei University. Demonstrating an early ambition for broader knowledge, he later continued his studies in Japan, enrolling at Meiji University in 1941.
2. Business Career
Kim Chong-hee's business career was marked by pioneering achievements in industrial self-sufficiency and strategic diversification, laying the foundation for one of South Korea's major conglomerates.
2.1. Founding Korea Explosives Corporation
In 1942, Kim Chong-hee began his career by joining Chosun Explosives Sales Corporation. Following the Korean War, he established the Korea Explosives Corporation (now Hanwha Corporation) in 1952. A significant milestone was achieved in 1957 when the company successfully developed domestic production of dynamite. Commercial production commenced in 1958, a crucial step that provided essential materials for national infrastructure projects, including the construction of bridges, tunnels, and highways, thereby contributing significantly to South Korea's post-war industrial growth.
2.2. Business Expansion and Diversification
Beyond explosives, Kim Chong-hee strategically expanded his business interests into various industrial sectors. In 1964, he acquired Shinhan Bearing Industrial, contributing to the development of the domestic bearing industry. The following year, in 1965, he established Korea Hwasung Industrial, which later evolved into key petrochemical entities like Hanwha Chemical and Hanwha L&C, bolstering South Korea's petrochemical capabilities. Further diversification occurred in 1973 with the acquisition of Daeil Dairy, now known as Binggrae, marking his entry into the dairy industry.
2.3. Formation and Growth of Hanwha Group
Under Kim Chong-hee's leadership, the Korea Explosives Corporation gradually evolved into the multifaceted Hanwha Group. He laid the groundwork for a conglomerate that would eventually encompass a wide array of industries. Key subsidiaries that developed under or as a result of his foundational efforts include Hanwha Life Insurance (formerly Daehan Life), Hanwha General Insurance, Hanwha Investment & Securities, Hanwha Construction, and Hanwha Galleria. The group also later expanded into sports, owning the professional baseball team Hanwha Eagles, and established international entities like Hanwha Q Cells Japan Co., Ltd. While the official name change of the parent company to Hanwha Corporation occurred in 1992, after his death, the strategic vision and initial diversification that formed the basis of the Hanwha Group were firmly established during his lifetime.
3. Social and Diplomatic Activities
Kim Chong-hee was not only a business leader but also an active participant in South Korea's economic advocacy, private diplomacy, and social development initiatives.
3.1. Political Involvement
Kim Chong-hee also engaged in political activities, serving as a delegate to the 1st and 2nd National Conference for Unification from 1972 to 1978.
3.2. Economic Advocacy
Kim played a significant role in representing the Korean business community. In 1967, he was elected as a director of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI). His influence grew further when he served as the vice chairman of the FKI from 1977 until his death in 1981, actively contributing to national economic policy discussions.
3.3. Diplomatic Engagements
His commitment to international relations was evident through his involvement in private diplomacy. In 1968, he was appointed as an honorary consul-general to Greece. In recognition of his substantial contributions to fostering bilateral relations between South Korea and Greece, the Greek government honored him with the Venus Cross Medal of Honor (also known as the Gold Star Cross Medal), Greece's highest honorary medal, in 1972.
3.4. Educational and Cultural Contributions
Kim Chong-hee demonstrated a strong commitment to social development and human capital through his philanthropic endeavors. In 1968, he established the Baegam Cultural Foundation (백암문화재단Baegam MunhwajaedanKorean). Furthering his dedication to education, he founded the Cheonan Bukil Academy, an educational foundation, in 1975, and subsequently established Bukil High School in 1976 in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province. These initiatives aimed to cultivate future generations and contribute to the nation's intellectual growth.
4. Family
Kim Chong-hee was born to Kim Jae-min and Oh Myeong-gil. He was married to Kang Tae-young.
He had several notable siblings and children:
- Siblings**:
- His elder brother, Kim Chong-cheol (1920-1986), was a prominent politician who served six terms as a National Assembly member. He was married to Yoo Seong-eun.
- His younger sister was Kim Chong-suk, who was married to Kim Young-il, a former vice president of Hanwha Energy (now Incheon Oil).
- His younger brother, Kim Chong-sik (1935-2009), also became a politician, serving as a member of the 13th National Assembly. He was married to Moon Young-suk.
- Children**:
- His eldest daughter, Kim Young-hye (born 1948), served as the chairperson of the board of directors for Jeil Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd. (now Hanwha General Insurance). She is married to Lee Dong-hoon (born 1948), the second son of Lee Hu-rak, a former Director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency.
- His eldest son, Kim Seung-yeon (born 1952), succeeded him as the second chairman of the Hanwha Group. His wife is the daughter of Seo Jeong-hwa, a former Minister of Home Affairs.
- His second son, Kim Ho-yeon (born 1955), served as the chairman of Binggrae and was also a member of the 18th National Assembly. His wife is a granddaughter of Kim Gu, a leader of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, and the daughter of Kim Shin, a former Minister of Transportation.
5. Management Philosophy
Kim Chong-hee's management philosophy was rooted in a strong entrepreneurial vision focused on national economic advancement and industrial self-sufficiency. He believed in strategic business growth and diversification to build a robust industrial base for South Korea. His approach emphasized pioneering new industries, such as the domestic production of dynamite, which was critical for infrastructure development. He also demonstrated a commitment to supporting related industries, as seen in his acquisitions in the bearing and dairy sectors, and the establishment of petrochemical companies. His leadership roles in economic organizations and his contributions to education further underscore his belief in the interconnectedness of business success with broader national development and social progress.
6. Death
Kim Chong-hee passed away on July 23, 1981, at the age of 59. His death was attributed to complications from diabetes and renal failure, with which he had been battling. In recognition of his profound contributions to the South Korean economy and industrialization, the South Korean government posthumously awarded him the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit.
7. Legacy and Commemoration
7.1. Contributions to Economic Development
Kim Chong-hee's legacy is defined by his significant impact on South Korea's industrialization and infrastructure development. As the founder of Hanwha Group, he spearheaded the domestic production of dynamite, a critical material that enabled large-scale construction projects across the nation, including bridges, tunnels, and highways. His strategic vision led to the diversification of the group into vital sectors such as petrochemicals, bearings, and dairy, laying a robust foundation for South Korea's industrial self-reliance and economic growth in the post-war era. His efforts were instrumental in shaping the modern industrial landscape of the country.
7.2. Awards and Honors
Kim Chong-hee received several prestigious national and international awards in recognition of his achievements.
- In 1972, the Greek government awarded him the Venus Cross Medal of Honor (also known as the Gold Star Cross Medal) for his contributions as an honorary consul-general and his efforts in strengthening bilateral relations.
- Posthumously, in 1981, the South Korean government honored him with the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, the highest class of the Order of Industrial Service Merit, acknowledging his monumental contributions to the nation's economy.
7.3. Commemorative Projects
Various initiatives have been undertaken to preserve and celebrate Kim Chong-hee's memory and legacy. His life story and pioneering spirit were highlighted in the 2009 publication by the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry, titled Hyeonam Kim Chong-Hee: A Pioneer of the Korean Explosives Industry, which was part of a comic book series on the biographies of South Korean CEOs. Furthermore, the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation issued a commemorative medal upon his selection as a "Figure of Korea," recognizing his significant contributions to the nation. The Hyonam Memorial Hall also stands as a tribute to his life and work.