[Seomideum's Book Talk] Was He a 500 Billion Super Rich Silver Spoon? No, He's a Gaekyung Yong Heading into the Void

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] There is a theory called the spoon theory. The gist is that life is divided into gold, silver, bronze, and dirt spoons depending on the degree of wealth inherited from parents. It is a lamenting formula that climbing the ladder of wealth is difficult even with effort, but sometimes it becomes an excuse graveyard for young people who fear fruitless efforts. The preconceived notion that self-made success no longer exists and that results are obvious even if you try.

However, there are always exceptions. Kelly Choi, chairman of the Kellydeli Group (54), is exactly such a person. She lived a difficult life, studying by day and night as a young factory worker, but went alone to France and started a sushi business, achieving great success. She once incurred a debt of 1 billion won due to a failed advertising business, but after researching 1,000 wealthy people who succeeded despite similar backgrounds and failures, she now has assets exceeding 500 billion won. Kellydeli has expanded into 17 countries.

Some may say she was lucky or that a dragon emerged from a small stream by chance, but Kelly Choi firmly states that anyone can overcome the dirt spoon and reach the ranks of successful people if they understand the formula. We met her in writing on the 18th, as she devotes herself to sharing wealth through her book “WealThinking,” which contains her success know-how.

- What have you been up to recently?

“I am currently living in Europe with my family. I spend most of my time filming YouTube videos, giving lectures, and providing content to spread ‘WealThinking’ to more people. Kellydeli has professional managers, and I participate partially in management through the board of directors.”

- What are you focusing on the most recently? The area where you spend the most money is likely your area of interest. You can also tell us the item where you spend the most money.

“Contribution. I spend the most time spreading the know-how I have, ‘WealThinking.’ In fact, time is the most precious thing to me. Time is money. One of the greatest roles humans play after birth is to help the learning and development of future generations through themselves. Currently, many people worldwide are struggling due to the Ukraine war or COVID-19. I spend time providing homes and care for Ukrainian refugees with children. Also, my mother is turning ninety this year. I spend time and money helping my siblings and me live happily while she is still alive.”

- ‘WealThinking’ is gaining attention. Briefly, what is the core concept?

“WealThinking is a compound word of Wealth and Thinking, meaning ‘the thought of wealth.’ I studied people who achieved great success with backgrounds similar to mine, followed them one by one, and fully internalized their methods. Then I upgraded them in my own way and practiced daily. The book contains my belief that if you properly root the seed of wealth that sprouts from the bottom of life and the thinking that creates wealth, you can live an unshakable life. People often judge only by the results and give up easily. But if you can fully make the roots that produced the results your own, you will not be able to give up.”

- Do you think everyone can achieve wealth like you?

“I am confident that anyone can achieve wealth if they ‘properly’ know and follow the success method.”

- You originally dreamed of becoming a designer. I heard you realized you couldn’t be the best in that field and changed your mind. Do you have any regrets?

“I worked as a fashion designer, then in advertising, and finally sold sushi lunch boxes. I was 42 years old in Korean age at that time, and after five years of immersion, I became the best in the industry. The sushi I made reflected what I had studied in fashion. The colors of the sushi were very harmonious. Each lunch box had a design. Changing my career didn’t erase all those experiences.”

- I heard you are not fluent in French and English. It must have been difficult with language barriers. How did you overcome that?

“My language skills are clumsy, but I present a big vision, a heart to share rather than just words. I think people’s hearts are moved and persuaded more by sincerity and attitude than language. I believe that the reason I was able to move the hearts of many people in 17 countries worldwide was because sincerity and attitude persuaded and conveyed. In business, words often don’t carry much weight. I think words are 30%, and attitude or facial expressions are 70%. Great speakers persuade a lot more through their attitude, gestures, and expressions than their words.”

- Many people are curious about your secret to success in overseas expansion.

“I receive many questions from Korean food industry entrepreneurs about overseas expansion. When entering another country, much more research and study are needed than when preparing in your home market. You must thoroughly investigate the country’s per capita income, employment conditions, taxes, and other legal aspects, as well as its culture and lifestyle. Also, you must see the site and make judgments. It’s obvious, but if you don’t understand the cultural differences and peculiarities of each country, overseas expansion can be harmful. Of course, not every entrepreneur must target the global market. Running a small restaurant is also a business, and that is a great dream too. It is important to start small and succeed in the country where you currently reside.”

- The ability to judge people is important. What do you consider when choosing people to work with or partners?

“I have a simple standard that partners and mentors I work with must be ‘experts among experts, the best of the best.’ I think I just need to find the best people according to my own principles and standards. Even when I was penniless, I persuaded the best sushi master, Mr. Yamamoto, and he became my partner. Some might think, ‘How can I work as a partner with the best of the best when I have nothing?’ but money is not everything that moves people.”

- You seem to be able to greatly help Korean youth expand globally. What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of Korean youth?

“Many young people wait without taking action to find the perfect job for themselves. On the other hand, I have seen young people who do various activities like part-time jobs are much more confident and have better execution skills in interviews. Nowadays, many study late, get certifications, and prepare a lot, but I think if you start small with a job you can do right now and gradually increase your execution, you can find a job that suits you. For example, think about exercising. Some people spend 3 months to 3 years just wondering what exercise to do. In my case, I start by walking and think about what exercise to do. Moving is exercise, and it shouldn’t take 3 months to decide what exercise to do. Similarly, if you think about ways to earn money while earning a little, the probability of earning well increases. Rather than giving up quickly and looking for another path, if you start something, I hope you persist with the mindset of becoming the best. If you are recognized in one field, you are likely to do well in any field.”

- You have achieved your wealth goals. What are your goals for the rest of your life?

“My goal for the rest of my life is to have a positive influence on more people. My current dream is to spread the thought of wealth, ‘WealThinking,’ worldwide. An English version of ‘WealThinking’ will probably be released later. I also dream of globalizing ‘Hansik’ (Korean cuisine). I believe Korean things are the most global. I am continuously taking various new challenges for these.”