In 2000, I established the Mirae Asset Park Hyeon Joo Foundation with an initial contribution of W7.5 billion. At the time, I was working around the clock to expand the asset management firm I had founded less than three years earlier. Even though the firm was still relatively small, I felt compelled to start building the infrastructure necessary to drive positive social change over the long term.

That small company has since evolved into Mirae Asset Financial Group, a global player in the financial services industry, and the Mirae Asset Park Hyeon Joo Foundation has blossomed into a major philanthropic organization. I strongly believe that this remarkable growth is a gift from our customers and the communities we serve—and I am dedicated to repaying their generosity by working to cultivate a more prosperous society and nurturing the capitalist spirit in Korea.

Through the foundation, I tirelessly support the younger generation through initiatives such as scholarship programs funded by my dividend income. Of course, our philanthropic activities would not be possible without the private donors and Mirae Asset employees who generously give their resources and time for the betterment of our communities and society. The deep respect I have for all of our contributors is matched only by the profound gratitude felt by the students who benefit from their support.

Today’s youth hold the key to sharpening Korea’s competitiveness across a variety of key industries, including financial services. As such, we at Mirae Asset believe that fostering young talent is one of the most effective ways to contribute to the advancement of Korea and society at large.

The Mirae Asset Park Hyeon Joo Foundation has helped ignite the spark of possibility in over 400,000 ambitious individuals. We empower young adults by giving them world-class educational opportunities in diverse disciplines, including finance, economics, IT, and biotech. Additionally, our programs go beyond the classroom, enabling talented young people to gain a global perspective through cultural exchanges and exposure to new ideas.

I am filled with hope as I imagine a future in which these emerging leaders return home from their studies across the world equipped with the deep knowledge, experience, and relationships needed to propel our society forward. In pursuit of this vision, we will remain steadfast in our efforts to help talented young individuals fulfill their potential and develop into changemakers and innovators on the global stage.

Founder of the Mirae Asset Park Hyeon Joo Foundation