“Our Boss - The Man Who Always Bounces Back”

Jangwon returned from France and Europe in 1960 with a head full of dreams and clear blueprints for the future, but the 1960s were anything but easy for him. Challenges appeared one after another, like a fierce predator waiting to pounce. The joy of forming a technical partnership with Coty in France was short-lived. Soon, Jangwon faced the harsh reality that the truly important part—detailed description of those the ingredients and mixing ratio, but Coty did not share that information.This meant he had to struggle to develop an equivalent to Coty Facial Powder on his own. The officials at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Korea, which had initially approved the partnership, expressed dissatisfaction, questioning the value of such an agreement. To address their concerns, Jangwon tirelessly persuaded officials and continued his research until he finally secured their approval. But relief was fleeting, as new obstacles quickly emerged to impinge on the company’s progress. Competitors accused him of smuggling technology, and Coty Facial Powder knock-offs began to flood the market.

Despite these repeated setbacks, Jangwon remained steadfast, refusing to be swayed by the storms or heavy rains. He stood as a shield for his research and development team, guiding them forward with integrity. This determination led to the successful launch of the "Age of Coty Powder," a milestone for Pacific that also elevated the Korean cosmetics industry. But Jangwon didn’t stop there. Always the visionary, he set his sights on winning over consumers who favored imported cosmetics from overseas. He was convinced that the time had come to produce and supply high-quality cosmetics on a large scale. This marked the moment when the idea of building a massive factory began to take shape in his mind.

"Jangwon had a magnetism that made us feel infinitely loyal."

Meticulous and discerning, Jangwon tirelessly searched for the perfect site to build the factory day or night. After several attempts, he finally found the right place in the Shindaebang-dong neighborhood of the Yeongdeungpo-gu district in Seoul, and exclaimed with a mix of relief and excitement, "This is it!" On May 3, 1962, when news spread that Pacific had held a groundbreaking ceremony on what was essentially a barren wasteland, it sparked a mix of expectations and skepticism. Some of it was filled with high hopes for Jangwon, but there were also those who scoffed, shaking their heads and calling it reckless. Sharp criticisms, like daggers, were aimed at him, but Jangwon never wavered in his resolve. He knew full well that challenges lay ahead, yet he took the risk with unwavering determination, confident that great creations often emerge from the most challenging circumstances. He believed that at the end of this bold venture, a bright and promising future awaited.

However, reality wasn’t always on Jangwon’s side. As construction of the factory on the considerable plot progressed, reports of capital shortages began to pour in from within the company. This was yet another crisis, threatening Pacific’s path to further growth. One night, as Jangwon returned home, resigned to the idea that private loans might be the only solution, his wife handed him a big glass jar. "I have been too busy to go out and spend money. So I bought these occasionally and saved them." She said.

The jar was full of gold rings, carefully collected over time. With the help of his wise wife and the solid trust of his business partners, Jangwon managed to extinguish the urgent fires one by one. While some new employees were anxious about Pacific’s future, those who had placed their faith in Jangwon’s leadership and character would say, "Our boss always bounces back!" This phrase stemmed from a deep-seated trust in Jangwon as a person. Hyesook Hwang, Senior Vice President, Beauty Research Unit, recalls Jangwon as "a man had a magnetism that made us feel infinitely loyal." Everyone who worked with Jangwon at that time was sincere in their dedication to Pacific, to the cosmetics industry, to Jangwon, and to his vision.

"Technologies are meant to evolve.
I don’t think there is a big future for those who leave the company with only what they have learned here.
You start losing the race the minute you stop."

After overcoming countless challenges and building trust with his team, the Yeongdeungpo Factory was finally completed on November 20, 1962. It was a massive facility, with the site covering more than 22,600 square meter site with 5,660 square meter floor space. Fully equipped with mixers, fuel tanks, and a packaging system, the factory was indeed the culmination of Jangwon’s vision. The modernization achieved through these automated facilities was exactly what had impressed Jangwon during his time at Coty in France. Like a dream on a summer night that could just as easily have faded away, Jangwon was advancing with pride and speed toward this grand vision.

By the time the company’s R&D Center was well-established with top-notch researchers, Jangwon felt that the moment had arrived to harness the power of plants in cosmetics, a long-held dream. He believed that now was the time to realize the dream of creating "ginseng-based cosmetics." "What if we applied the benefits of ginseng, an herbal tonic, to the skin? Yes, let’s make something no other countries can make." With sturdy support and leadership that guided his researchers, Jangwon successfully oversaw the development of the prototype of ABC Ginseng Cream, which later led to the successful stabilization of ginseng saponins in cosmetic formulations with the creation of Ginseng Sammi.

This product, which opened new avenues for exports, began to spread its wings and reach new heights. Jangwon, who steadfastly carved out his path even when others doubted him, believed that the talented individuals who trusted and followed his vision were his most valuable assets. This belief was why he was always committed to caring for the well-being and happiness of his researchers. Jangwon’s decision to locate the research lab in the Seoul metropolitan area undoubtedly stemmed from his deep concern for the well-being of the company's young and talented researchers, many of whom were just beginning to raise families.

Recollecting on those days, Research fellows say, "Jangwon seemed happiest when the R&D center was growing.” During the two expansions of the Yeongdeungpo Factory and the acquisition of additional land, it’s clear that the bold decisions Jangwon made to forge new paths brought him great joy.

Behind the resilient visionary Jangwon, who paved the way for a brighter future, there were always people. People who had felt Jangwon’s broad embrace firsthand, who were united by trust. The spirit of standing tall in pursuit of a dream, the warm and kind attitude, and the genuine passion that never bent easily under any circumstance—these are the unforgettable qualities of the man who always bounced back, Jangwon.

Jangwon always valued the people who worked alongside him designing cosmetics. While his drive was certainly fueled by business ambitions, it was also deeply rooted in his genuine care for those who accompanied him on the company’s journey. One of the principles Jangwon held dear was to "never stop trying." It was a mantra that not only encouraged him to keep pace with those around him but also served as a personal reminder to keep moving forward.

As mature adults, we often face moments when we feel uncertain or lack confidence, and in those moments, we long for words of encouragement. When we finally hear those warm words, we experience a sense of unity and the strength to move forward—something everyone has felt at least once. Whether it’s a superior saying, "You’re doing great!" a colleague suggesting, "Let’s grab a meal before we continue working," or a family member’s "You tried your best today!"—these words remind us of the power of caring for others. Let us reflect on the power of words that express our care for other people. When we think of Jangwon, who always offered warm words to those around him, we realize that such words are a sign that we are truly valued, and today, that thought fills our hearts with a renewed sense of warmth and richness.