[2024 Women’s Forum] "When Afraid, Face It Thinking You Have Nothing to Lose"

'Power K-Women' Session 'Achievement and Overcoming'
Park Young-sun "Create Your Own History"
Park Mi-ok "Fall in Love with Yourself and Make Others Fall"
Choi Yuna "Enjoy the Times of Small Failures as Part of the Process"

"Create your own history. Overcoming the many fears given to women directly leads to achievement."

On the 30th, Park Young-sun, former Minister of SMEs and Startups, quoted former South African President Nelson Mandela's words, "Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it," at the '2024 Asia Economy Women Leaders Forum' held at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul, and spoke as follows.

Choi Myung-hwa (second from left), CEO of BlossomMe, and other panelists are attending the '2024 Women Leaders Forum' hosted by Asia Economy on the 30th at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul, discussing the theme of achievement and overcoming challenges. From the left, Park Young-sun, former Minister of SMEs and Startups, Choi Myung-hwa, CEO of BlossomMe, Park Mi-ok, writer, and Choi Yuna, lawyer. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Park Young-sun: "Overcome Fear and Achieve"

First solo female anchor, first female correspondent, first female economic chief, first female chairperson of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and floor leader…. Park Young-sun, former minister, carries the title of 'first' like a business card. At this forum, his keynote for the 'Power K-Women Session' was 'achievement and overcoming.'

Former Minister Park shared an anecdote when, as chairperson of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, she handled the separation of investigative powers between the prosecution and police in the National Assembly and was asked by a female prosecutor, "Aren't you afraid to fight the prosecution?" She replied, "Not at all." She said, "I experienced that when you think you have nothing to lose and throw everything away, you become the bravest and strongest person in this world. When difficult times come to you, don't forget the thought of 'throwing everything away without fear, having nothing more to lose,'" she urged.

She also emphasized the importance of networking. Former Minister Park said, "Networking is something women tend to lack," adding, "The power to unite and help each other in difficult times is somewhat weaker compared to men, I think." Sharing her experience of not completing her term as floor leader, she said, "Of course, I think that was also due to my shortcomings. If possible, I hope you all build many networks and gather strength together toward the goals we must pursue. I believe there is nothing stronger than the power of women and mothers in this world," she added.

Park's reflections on losing the 2021 April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election were interesting. She said, "I learned the lesson that you should not do things you are reluctant to do," adding, "Also, I reflected that I need to be more humble, not to think everything only from my perspective, but to consider once more how others might perceive this matter."

Former Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun is giving a lecture titled "Achievement and Overcoming - The Keyword of My Life is ㅇㅇㅇ" at the 2024 Women Leaders Forum hosted by Asia Economy on the 30th at Lotte Hotel, Sogong-dong, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

At the session that day, writer Park Mi-ok, South Korea's first female violent crimes detective, and lawyer Choi Yuna, who wrote the drama 'Good Partner,' participated alongside former Minister Park. Choi Myung-hwa, CEO of BlossomMe, famous for being a 'triple crown corporate executive,' served as the moderator.

"Fall for Me" Park Mi-ok · "Just Start" Choi Yuna

Writer Park Mi-ok said, "I thought knowledge was also fragmentary. I believed that one meaning does not remain as one phenomenon and was always cautious," adding, "I study each time depending on the subjectivity and think about what changes are needed."

During her detective days, an important task for her was to make male detective juniors older than herself become her allies. Park said, "I started as a police officer and became a team leader at 33, but other team leaders were 15 to 20 years older than me. Some staff were 10 years older than me," adding, "Among them, a team member who was a Marine Corps veteran told me that when he went to drinking gatherings, he was teased by his friends for working under a female superior. It hurt my heart."

She said, "So I always thought I must make people say, 'Have you ever worked with Park Mi-ok?' I wanted to be a rational team leader who shares balanced questions with staff," emphasizing, "If I don't love myself, no one else can love me. Fall for me, and make others fall for me."

Park said she recently had a traffic accident, had part of her forehead stitched, and suffered fractured ribs. Even such situations are precious experiences for her.

"Every time I speak, my chest aches because of the fractures, but now I am facing myself. I feel where the pain is, what is improving, and how. If the wounds heal over time, it will be a great relief. I am truly grateful to myself for living life. This is my attitude of facing the present steadily and carefully."

Park Mi-ok, the first female detective chief in Korea, is attending the '2024 Women Leaders Forum' hosted by Asia Economy at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul on the 30th, discussing the theme of achievement and overcoming challenges. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Lawyer Choi Yuna, known as a divorce specialist and drama writer, introduced 'Just Start' as her life keyword. Choi said, "If you want to write, just take out paper; if you want to start YouTube, buy a camera from an online shopping mall," adding, "Just start first, then improve, study, and plan."

Choi said, "At 29, I rented an office for less than 1 million won a month and worked alone," adding, "Some might have seen it as a failure not to get a job at a good law firm and work alone as a divorce specialist, but I had confidence." She said, "I was deeply immersed in divorce work; although there were many experiences that could be seen as small failures, it was an enjoyable process and looking back, it was fun."

In response to CEO Choi Myung-hwa's question, "What is a good marriage?" Lawyer Choi said, "I oppose the idea of 'finding your other half,'" adding, "I think it would be good to become a whole partner, think about how to help each other, and marry when you can mutually support one another."

Drama 'Good Partner' writer and lawyer Choi Yuna is attending the '2024 Women Leaders Forum' hosted by Asia Economy at Lotte Hotel, Sogong-dong, Seoul on the 30th, discussing the theme of achievement and overcoming challenges. Photo by Kang Jinhyung