Experienced Lawyer and Business Strategist
Born in Seoul, South Korea and raised primarily in Canada, Andrew’s life unfolded in chapters, each city he called home leaving a profound impact on him. From the rugged landscapes of Vancouver to the dynamic streets of Seoul, the picturesque beauty of Copenhagen, the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, to the electric pulse of Shanghai, each destination was a brushstroke on the canvas of his existence.
As he crossed the threshold into adulthood, Andrew ventured into academia. The University of British Columbia was his first stop, where he majored in International Relations, soaking in the intricacies of global dynamics. His journey continued at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor, though it wasn’t entirely a choice of his own. Andrew couldn’t escape the echoes of his mother’s wishes, steering him toward the path of law, a deviation from the potential life as a doctor. He discovered a newfound passion for the legal realm. It was a path he believed he could excel in, a journey that would eventually lead him to the largest law firm in Canada, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. With a chuckle, he admitted that his journey is not a tale of grandeur but rather a tapestry woven from familial expectations and personal intrigue.
Coming from a family of businessmen, Andrew’s grandfather started a company, grew it into a remarkable enterprise and passed it on to his uncles and father before his demise. The company had once been recognised as the Global No.1 leader in its respective industry at a specific point in time. This makes him believe in the business DNA and that the specific business- oriented genes have passed down to him, which is actually the origin of his hunger and passion for business and success.
Balancing the intricate threads of life proved to be a challenging feat, but Andrew believed in a different approach. He coined it “work- life harmony” or “work-life integration.” Instead of viewing work and life as separate entities, he sees them as interdependents, constantly intertwined. “And both work and life make us who we are today – and the fact is that they co-exist, and everyone will have a different stage of equilibrium that works specifically for them.” This is why he takes a flexible approach to work and life and makes decisions based on priority and importance.
An energetic and enthusiastic individual, Andrew believes in his driving passion for two primary things. Firstly, his family and their well-being; Second, the sharing with more and more people what he truly loves and is grateful for – his heritage. As a Korean-Canadian growing up in North America, he never lost his roots and all the things that Korea, as a country, has to offer; he wants to introduce to the world, filling lives with more options and “goods” that originate from Korea, empowering people to enjoy life better should such “goods” be of interest to them – and this could be anything, let it be Korean software technology, Korean food, Korean music, Korean games, Korean cosmetics, Korean drama/ entertainment, Korean Automobiles, etc.
Detail-oriented and focused, Andrew’s qualities were the bedrock of his productivity and efficiency. He believes, “Our success is the product of a delicate interplay of traits, forming our work ethic”. Overthinking and over- stressing were his nemeses, roadblocks to his path to success. His strength, attitude, and dedication led him to earn a scholarship from CEIBS – China Europe International Business School. It was during his MBA journey in Shanghai, China, that destiny intervened, and he was scouted by the Yanolja Group during his MBA, which has led to the opening of many doors and exciting opportunities, including his participation as Yanolja company representative, accompanying South Korea President Yoon’s Economic Mission to the UAE and Vietnam in 2023. He has also co-founded a F&B business in Canada, which has now been in operations for more than 10 years, having grown slowly but steadily with over a decade of hard work, now serving customers in more than 11 locations.
Andrew saw life as a mosaic of decisions, some leading to triumphs and others to lessons. He emphasized the importance of recognizing that our present is the culmination of past choices. He advocates for change and action if discontent or dissatisfaction prevails, reminding us that we hold the reins of our destiny. As a recipient of this prestigious award, Andrew pledges to continue his mission, whether by spearheading the next digital transformation in the global travel and hospitality industry, or bringing a WOW Store to Tilt Cove, Canada’s smallest town.