From Chicks to Chaebol: The Rise of Harim Group

A self-made entrepreneur transformed his childhood poultry business into a thriving conglomerate, emphasizing positivity in seizing opportunities.

### From Chicks to Chaebol: The Journey of a Self-Made Entrepreneur
* 🐣 The story begins with a childhood passion for raising chicks, which often ended in disappointment due to their **short lives**, yet sparked an **entrepreneurial spirit**.
* 💼 UJ, a brand founded by a self-made first-generation entrepreneur, highlights the **transformative journey from humble beginnings to becoming a chaebol** in Korea's livestock industry.
* 🎩 Notably, a Napoleon hat auctioned for about **2.6 billion won** in 2014 symbolizes the **wealth and aspirations** of those who achieve success through **hard work and innovation**.
* 📈 By the mid-1970s, the young entrepreneur had raised thousands of chickens and hundreds of pigs, leading to **substantial profits** and a **growing poultry business**.
* 🏭 However, the 1980s brought challenges due to government policies and market fluctuations, leading to a **significant downturn** and a **struggle to repay debts**.
* 🔥 A devastating fire in 2003 further complicated matters, yet through **resilience and strategic planning**, the business was revitalized, achieving **record profits** by 2007.
* 🌍 The company's expansion into the shipping industry and acquisition of international brands showcased the founder's **adaptability and vision for a global food company**.
* 💡 "A negative person will only see the **remaining 1%** even if there is a **99% chance**," emphasizing the importance of **positivity in seizing opportunities for success**.

### From Chicks to Chaebol: A Success Story
The narrator raised chicks as a child, which inspired a self-made entrepreneur in Korea to start UJ, a **successful brand in the poultry industry**. The auction of Napoleon's hat for **2.6 billion won** in 2014 caught the attention of Park Daewon, who aimed to use his wealth to **help those in need**. The narrator's journey of raising and selling chicks led to a **significant business expansion**, ultimately contributing to the narrator's family's **wealth and success** in the livestock industry.

### A Young Entrepreneur's Journey
The speaker's childhood involved **pulling a cart for 6km to collect grain scraps**, which sparked their interest in business. Despite parental opposition, they pursued a career in agriculture and expanded their business by **hiring friends and adults**. By the time they graduated high school, they had raised **thousands of chickens and hundreds of pigs**, leading to **significant financial success**.

### The Journey of a Struggling Business Owner
The eldest daughter's policy led to an **increase in monster supply and a drop in prices**, causing the owner's business to **struggle and fall into debt**. After hiding from creditors, the owner transitioned to a food industry job while planning to **restart the business**. With a strategic move to corporate farming and a new chicken processing plant, the owner successfully met demand and triggered a **virtuous cycle of growth and franchise expansion**.

### Harim's Journey: From Growth to Crisis
Harim successfully listed on the KOSDAQ in 1997 and built a large factory, but struggled with high interest rates and had to attract foreign investment. By the end of the following year, they secured **$20 million in foreign investment**, which was **significant at the time**. However, a devastating fire in 2003 and the outbreak of avian influenza led to a chaotic supply chain and plummeting sales, leaving the company in a **deep crisis**.

### A Journey of Business Success and Strategic Expansion
The speaker faced personal challenges but successfully operated a business, leading to **increased productivity and profits** within two years. They expanded into pig feed and pork processing, and later acquired a U.S. company during the **global financial crisis**. The speaker's unique business strategy of targeting **struggling companies** and managing **shipping costs** has now led to **significant benefits from the shipping industry**, while also adapting the business to cater to **single-person households**.

### Harim Group's Future and Founder’s Philosophy
Harim is planning a large-scale logistics center in Gangnam, Seoul, while facing governance restructuring for management succession. The company's stock price suppression for tax reduction is under scrutiny, raising questions about its **impact**. The founder, Kim Hong-guk, emphasizes the **importance of positivity in seizing opportunities**, believing that even **one person inspired by his message can make a difference**.

치킨의 민족을 만든 재벌의 시작은 병아리 10마리였다! 축산업계의 삼성, 하림 이야기 / 소비더머니

브랜드에 얽힌 사람과 돈, 그리고 세상의 변화.
하지만 소비더머니를 통해 전하고 싶은 것은,
'이야기' 그 자체입니다.


* 문의  
brandstory@mbc.co.kr
