4 major bank executives are taking time this summer to recharge by reading management, humanities, and history books. With increasing uncertainty in management for the second half of the year, they plan to refine their strategies through literature focused on customer management, leadership, and crisis resolution.
According to the financial sector on August 3, the summer vacation style of the presidents of KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, and Woori banks is characterized by being 'short and intermittent.'
With weekly executive meetings and an increase in overseas schedules, most are taking one or two days off at a time. The bank presidents are expected to quietly relax while reading books that address customer service, leadership, and crisis management.
Lee Hwan-joo, president of KB Kookmin Bank, plans to read Dr. Kim Tae-soo's "Twelve Major Transformations That Changed World History" during his vacation. The book discusses how choices made during significant crises, from ancient Persian wars to the end of the Cold War, shaped today's world.
Lee stated, "The current financial environment is also undergoing a transformation marked by the AI revolution and geopolitical uncertainties. This will help us view structural changes from a macro perspective and develop a long-term outlook."
Jung Sang-hyuk, president of Shinhan Bank, has chosen "Detailism" as a recommended book for the vacation. This book encapsulates the management philosophy of a hotelier who served as the general manager of the Shilla Hotel and the representative of the Ambassador Seoul Pullman for 24 years.
Jung emphasized the need to meticulously design every moment of customer experience, even in the AI era, reflecting a management philosophy aimed at improving even the smallest aspects of customer service.
Lee Ho-sung, president of Hana Bank, plans to read "War and the President." This book explores how leaders' choices during the crisis of World War II altered decades of history, suggesting a reflection on leadership judgment and responsibility in uncertain management environments.
Jung Jin-wan, president of Woori Bank, has taken a vacation this week with two books: "Be Happy by Yourself" by Monk Beopjeong and "The Words of the Translated Buddha." Both books emphasize the importance of being present in the moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
This choice reflects a commitment to focus on current tasks rather than resting on past achievements or chasing an uncertain future. Woori Bank has identified strengthening internal controls, transitioning to AI, and improving performance as key tasks for the second half of the year.
After returning from vacation, the bank presidents are expected to focus on enhancing management performance for the second half of the year. Key issues such as restructuring financial holding governance and household loan regulations remain unresolved, and they must simultaneously pursue profitability management, strengthen internal controls, and expand inclusive finance.
Some bank presidents are also approaching the end of their terms. Given that second-half performance and management results could influence their future positions, the financial sector is closely watching their post-vacation management activities.
According to the financial sector on August 3, the summer vacation style of the presidents of KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, and Woori banks is characterized by being 'short and intermittent.'
With weekly executive meetings and an increase in overseas schedules, most are taking one or two days off at a time. The bank presidents are expected to quietly relax while reading books that address customer service, leadership, and crisis management.
Lee Hwan-joo, president of KB Kookmin Bank, plans to read Dr. Kim Tae-soo's "Twelve Major Transformations That Changed World History" during his vacation. The book discusses how choices made during significant crises, from ancient Persian wars to the end of the Cold War, shaped today's world.
Lee stated, "The current financial environment is also undergoing a transformation marked by the AI revolution and geopolitical uncertainties. This will help us view structural changes from a macro perspective and develop a long-term outlook."
Jung Sang-hyuk, president of Shinhan Bank, has chosen "Detailism" as a recommended book for the vacation. This book encapsulates the management philosophy of a hotelier who served as the general manager of the Shilla Hotel and the representative of the Ambassador Seoul Pullman for 24 years.
Jung emphasized the need to meticulously design every moment of customer experience, even in the AI era, reflecting a management philosophy aimed at improving even the smallest aspects of customer service.
Lee Ho-sung, president of Hana Bank, plans to read "War and the President." This book explores how leaders' choices during the crisis of World War II altered decades of history, suggesting a reflection on leadership judgment and responsibility in uncertain management environments.
Jung Jin-wan, president of Woori Bank, has taken a vacation this week with two books: "Be Happy by Yourself" by Monk Beopjeong and "The Words of the Translated Buddha." Both books emphasize the importance of being present in the moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
This choice reflects a commitment to focus on current tasks rather than resting on past achievements or chasing an uncertain future. Woori Bank has identified strengthening internal controls, transitioning to AI, and improving performance as key tasks for the second half of the year.
After returning from vacation, the bank presidents are expected to focus on enhancing management performance for the second half of the year. Key issues such as restructuring financial holding governance and household loan regulations remain unresolved, and they must simultaneously pursue profitability management, strengthen internal controls, and expand inclusive finance.
Some bank presidents are also approaching the end of their terms. Given that second-half performance and management results could influence their future positions, the financial sector is closely watching their post-vacation management activities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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