Overview

""Be the Key: Ten Korean Women on Careers, Culture, and Identity"" is a deeply human and refreshingly honest exploration of what it means to shape a career, a sense of self, and a purpose--across cultures, expectations, and moments of doubt. Written by ten Korean women whose professional journeys span journalism, technology, diplomacy, recruitment, sustainability, pharmaceuticals, and finance, this book brings together a collection of personal essays that are both intimate and resonant. Each chapter stands on its own, yet together they form a layered, collective portrait of modern womanhood, leadership, and quiet strength. From confronting patriarchal norms in male-dominated industries to navigating motherhood while managing high-pressure roles, these stories offer no illusions about ease or perfection. One author shares what it felt like to present the same proposal four times until it finally succeeded. Another recalls pumping breast milk in the newsroom bathroom while covering politics. Others reflect on corporate survival training in the Scandinavian wilderness or negotiating promotions in environments where job titles mattered more than talent. These are not tales of polished triumph, but of persistence, reinvention, and deeply personal growth. The authors first met through the British Embassy in Seoul and the British Chamber of Commerce's EMPOWER program--a year-long initiative that connected women professionals through mentorship, storytelling, and mutual support. That shared experience led to the group's first book, published in Korean in 2024. Encouraged by readers who said the stories gave them courage and comfort, the group decided to write again--this time in English, reaching out to a global audience. With support from the Australia-Korea Foundation, their reflections continued to evolve through a creative project in Melbourne, where new cross-cultural encounters shaped the pages of this book. ""Be the Key"" is not a linear success manual nor a prescriptive guide to leadership. Instead, it offers something quieter and more enduring: the voices of women who have grown by questioning, adapting, stumbling, and continuing. The book honors those who are often overlooked--those who lead not by command but by clarity, who turn inward not to hide but to listen, and who find power in connection over competition. This is a book for readers who seek meaningful stories about becoming--whether in the early stages of a career, during a period of transition, or in search of direction in an unfamiliar world. It speaks to those navigating cultural dualities, managing expectations, or simply wondering if they are allowed to want something different. Above all, it reminds us that change doesn't come from waiting. It comes from turning the key--and realizing we've had it all along. Be the Key: Ten Korean Women on Careers, Culture, and Identity by Saeyoung Park (Author), Serena Jeong (Author), Minyoung Kim (Author), Soeun (Sarah) Lee (Author), Narai Kim (Author), Victoria Yi (Author), EJ Choi (Author), Sangeun Kim (Author), Yousun Lim (Author), HeeJung Rim (Author), Josie Daw (Editor)

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Reviews

""This book is for anyone interested in really understanding contemporary Korea. If you work with, engage with or just wish to understand the realities of Korean society, this book can be your guide. It outlines the challenges faced by women but particularly highlights the enormous potential of a generation of highly educated, highly motivated, and powerful women. There is heartbreak, surprise, and many things to admire in this book. But ultimately, these stories are hopeful."" - Jeff Robinson, Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea ""If you are invested in seeing South Korea thrive in the coming decades, then I suggest you read this book. The stories provide valuable insights into the role that women will need to play in moving the country forward, as well as the challenges that must be understood and addressed. "" - Sam Richards, Professor of Sociology at Penn State University ""We tend to focus on a small number of global super-leaders and powerful Chaebol bosses, but understanding the experiences of these talented women feels more important now than ever. The contributors are important stakeholders in Korea's future, and their stories need to be heard. I am delighted that JLR could support this initiative and that I had the opportunity to meet the amazing women whose personal journeys make Be the Key such a powerful read."" - Robin Colgan, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Korea ""Be the Key is a moving collection of stories by women reshaping Korea's professional landscape with quiet strength and clarity. A powerful reminder of how personal journeys can drive collective change."" - Pinky Lilani CBE DL, Founder & Chair, Women of the Future

Author Information

Saeyoung is a seasoned journalist with 20 years of experience at one of Korea's leading evening newspapers. She currently serves as the digital news team leader for the third consecutive year, overseeing news content editing and digital strategy. Specializing in economics and international relations, she previously worked as a Beijing correspondent and is fluent in English and Chinese. Born and raised in Seoul, Saeyoung has lived in the UK, US, and China for academic, professional, and volunteer experiences. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science and Chinese language and literature from Korea University, a master's in international strategy and diplomacy from the London School of Economics (LSE), and an MBA in finance from the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB). She is currently pursuing a PhD in international relations at Korea National Defense University. Saeyoung is passionate about exploring new places and acquiring knowledge. She is deeply committed to supporting women's social participation and professional advancement. She is also the author of Gentle Charisma Challenging the Future (2006). Victoria is a strategic, results-driven professional with 15 years of experience in procurement and commercial management across Korean and international manufacturing companies. The ultimate ESFP! A girl like Peter Pan, who has not aged since she was 29. Her glamorous look often lures people into thinking that she works in fashion or design, but EJ has been with the Associated Press for over a decade, licensing content and managing client relationships in several Asian countries. With a background as a news producer at KBS, a public TV station much like the BBC in the UK, and a postgraduate degree in media and communication from London, she helps her clients adapt to the ever-evolving media landscape. A passionate globetrotter, EJ enjoys making new friends, experiencing local cultures, and hosting gatherings. She is a fan of the Busan-based Lotte Giants baseball team and enjoys watching football matches, going to concerts, musicals, and exhibitions. Experiencing anything new keeps her glowing, though she leads a rather routine daily life as a career woman. She may seem like a 'super insider' who frequently goes in and out of Incheon International Airport to visit friends all over the world, but, in reality, she loves staying on her couch and taking care of her plants. Sangeun is an operational planner with over a decade of experience navigating the dynamic interplay between work and life. Her diverse career has included roles as an English teacher, translator, financial analyst, hotel front desk agent, customer service manager, executive assistant, and service coordinator. Each position has sharpened her adaptability and broadened her professional perspective. Often likened to a conductor of an orchestra, Sangeun thrives on coordinating the many moving parts of business operations to create harmony, efficiency, and success. Beneath her meticulous planning lies a deeply personal commitment to balance and intentional living. Yousun began her career with a sense of duty as the eldest daughter in her family, completing her teacher training and preparing for the public-school teacher certification exam. However, unable to bear the thought of being just another test taker tucked away in a library while cherry blossoms bloomed outside, she made a bold pivot. She ran to her university's student information office, found recruitment information, applied to a multinational financial institution, and has now been working there for over 20 years. Throughout her career--spanning credit assessment, accounting, and import/export financing--Yousun believes the most valuable lessons have come not from the work itself, but from the people she has met along the way. Endlessly curious about the world, she finds joy in life's small pleasures, like sharing seasonal fruits with her family as the seasons change. HeeJung leads business development and strategic partnerships at a multinational company, driving innovation across emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, NFTs, digital identity, and digital wallets. With a foundation in engineering and dual master's degrees in management, she brings analytical precision together with a deep commitment to human-centered progress. Curious and creatively driven, HeeJung views innovation as a powerful tool for shaping the world. She firmly believes that technology can transform society--and that greater diversity, including more women in tech, is essential to fueling innovation and eliminating bias. Beyond her professional pursuits, HeeJung's interests span literature, film, music, and the visual arts. While studying in London, she rediscovered her love for drawing and printmaking--creative outlets that now bring balance and inspiration to her life and work. Serena is a career strategist, executive recruiter, and storyteller based in Seoul. She works at a leading UK-based recruitment firm, partnering with global companies to place top talent and advise on hiring strategies. With nearly a decade of experience, she has guided hundreds of professionals to find clarity in their career direction and take confident steps toward a path that feels right for them--aligned with who they are, not just what seems impressive on paper. Beyond her professional work, Serena serves on the executive committee of the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea (BCCK), contributing to cross-cultural leadership and business exchange. She believes that everyone deserves a career that reflects their true self, and through her writing, speaking, and content, she helps young professionals design careers grounded in purpose and self-trust. Minyoung lives by a simple guiding principle: to be just a little better today than she was yesterday. She believes that a rich and fulfilling life is shaped by stories of progress and the diverse experiences gathered along the way. With this mindset, she has consistently pursued new opportunities for personal and professional growth, allowing curiosity and a desire to evolve to guide her path. Over the past fifteen years, Minyoung has built a career dedicated to tackling climate change and advancing sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices. Her journey spans seven unique workplaces, including a boutique consulting firm in Korea, a French multinational, a national research institute, a government ministry, an intergovernmental organization, and global consulting firms. These diverse experiences have shaped her skills and confidence as a businesswoman in her field. She continues to enjoy the dynamic process of growth and remains curious about where the journey may lead next. An avid cyclist and passionate advocate for women's empowerment, Sarah is a medical science liaison working for a multinational company. She currently resides in Seoul, South Korea, and spends most of her time on two wheels when she's not watering her plants. She is passionate about healthcare and public diplomacy. She loves to bridge people and let her worlds collide, as she truly believes that is how the magic of life happens. Narai builds bridges where others see barriers--connecting people, technology, culture, and ideas. She leads with resilience and believes that the courage to begin again is often the first step toward meaningful success. After starting her career at a multinational firm, she made the bold decision to leave after just three months in search of more fulfilling work. This led to thirteen years at a government-affiliated organization, where she focused on technology policy and international cooperation. She now serves as deputy managing director of the Korea office at Intralink, helping tech companies identify the best routes to global markets. Guided by her belief in technology's power to improve lives, Narai continues to grow, sometimes joyfully, sometimes painfully, but always purposefully. She aspires to be a catalyst for connection and a champion of resilience, empowering others to grow along the way. Josie is a British technologist who bridges technology, society, and culture. In 2023, she was honored as a Top 100 Technologist to Watch. She continues to drive impact by organizing hackathons and workshops, mentoring emerging developers, and reducing barriers to the tech industry for under-represented groups. Having lived and worked in Korea for more than a decade and holding dual degrees in history, she brings both cross-cultural insight and a reflective, interdisciplinary perspective to her projects. As an occasional editor as well as a technologist, she amplifies voices and ideas that might otherwise go unheard.

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