Chey Tae-Won Quotes

Powerful Chey Tae-Won for Daily Growth

About Chey Tae-Won

Chey Tae-Won (1935-2017), a distinguished Korean novelist, playwright, poet, and essayist, left an indelible mark on contemporary Korean literature with his profound insights into the human condition and societal issues. Born in 1935, in what was then occupied Korea, Chey Tae-Won spent his formative years during the Korean War and Japanese occupation, experiences that significantly influenced his later works. After graduating from Seoul National University with a major in Korean Literature, Chey worked as an editor for the influential literary magazine Munhak kwa Ch'ongsin (Literature and Thought). This position granted him access to various literary trends worldwide, expanding his horizons beyond the confines of Korean literature. In 1960, Chey published his debut novel "The Sea of Fertility," which became an instant success and established him as a promising young author. The novel, set against the backdrop of the Korean War, explores themes of human existence, love, and death through the lives of three generations of a family. Throughout his illustrious career, Chey Tae-Won continued to challenge societal norms and address pressing issues of his time. His works include "The Flower Trading Street" (1963), which presents an unromanticized view of prostitution, and "The Execution Ground" (1975), a powerful critique of the military dictatorship in South Korea. Chey Tae-Won's literary contributions were recognized both domestically and internationally. He was awarded numerous prestigious literary prizes, including the Manhae Art Prize (1986) and the Korean National Order of Cultural Merit (1997). Chey's works continue to captivate readers worldwide, offering insights into Korean society while addressing universal human concerns.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"A man who does not think ahead will find trouble right at his door."

This quote emphasizes the importance of foresight in avoiding problems or difficulties. It suggests that a lack of strategic thinking, planning for the future, or anticipating potential issues can lead to troubles or challenges arising unexpectedly close to an individual, symbolized by the "door". Essentially, it encourages us to think ahead and prepare for the future in order to minimize surprises and problems.


"Courage is like - it's not a destination, just a place to start from."

This quote by Chey Tae-Won suggests that courage is not an end goal or a state of being achieved once and for all. Instead, it serves as the starting point for any significant action or endeavor. It implies that to begin something challenging, one must possess courage – the willingness to face uncertainty, fear, or difficulty. The journey towards success or personal growth requires constant displays of courage along the way, with each act serving as a new beginning and an opportunity to build resilience. Courage is thus a continuous attribute, essential in every step we take on our life's path.


"The greatest victory is that which requires no battle."

Chey Tae-Won's quote, "The greatest victory is that which requires no battle," emphasizes the wisdom in resolving conflicts peacefully rather than resorting to violence or confrontation. This perspective underscores the importance of diplomacy, negotiation, understanding, and compromise to achieve a favorable outcome without engaging in hostilities. By focusing on collaboration and harmony, we can avoid unnecessary destruction, promote mutual growth, and maintain relationships that are crucial for long-term success.


"True strength lies in understanding the worth of others."

This quote by Chey Tae-Won highlights the significance of empathy and valuing others as a demonstration of true strength. By acknowledging and appreciating the worth of others, we foster relationships based on mutual respect and understanding, which ultimately contributes to our own growth and personal power. True strength isn't just about physical prowess or dominance, but about recognizing and nurturing the potential in others, thereby creating a more harmonious and interconnected world.


"To stand in the assembly and not speak when one has something to say is cowardice."

This quote emphasizes the importance of expressing one's thoughts, especially in a setting where others are discussing or making decisions. Silence in such situations, according to Chey Tae-Won, can be seen as a form of cowardice, indicating a lack of courage to share opinions and ideas that might contribute to the collective understanding or decision-making process. It suggests that having something valuable to say is not enough; one must also find the courage to speak up when it matters.


Employees can make happiness when they maximize their brainwork voluntarily and enthusiastically. Management should focus on setting up an atmosphere.

- Chey Tae-won

Focus, Atmosphere, Setting, Employees

Our employees chose SK on belief that they will be happier working here and that the company will make the society happier.

- Chey Tae-won

Society, Here, Happier, Chose

I will invest a lot to support handball as well as building a handball stadium.

- Chey Tae-won

Will, Invest, Lot, Stadium

The aim of SK's fundamental change is to increase happiness and share it with society.

- Chey Tae-won

Happiness, Society, Aim, Fundamental Change

SK Group will work to be reborn as a group embraced by the public.

- Chey Tae-won

Will, Public, Embraced, Reborn

SK will remain the strongest supporter to help creative economy centers become the backbone of the Korean economy.

- Chey Tae-won

Help, Will, Remain, Centers

Social enterprise is an effective solution for social problems.

- Chey Tae-won

Effective, Social Problems, Problems

While many people overseas envy Korea's development, it is true that society has many problems such as economic polarization and a low birthrate.

- Chey Tae-won

Envy, Development, While, Polarization

I will take the lead in turning risks into opportunities.

- Chey Tae-won

Risks, Will, Take, Turning

When surroundings change, we should also change how we make money.

- Chey Tae-won

Change, Money, How, Surroundings

SK will evolve and develop based on its corporate culture and human resources.

- Chey Tae-won

Will, Corporate, Based, Evolve

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