Korea TechWeek Series – Achieving market-entry success in South Korea

Lukas Beech is a Partner at the Seoul Office of DHR International, which provides international corporate clients with executive search and talent acquisition in Korea.

For over 15 years, Lukas has specialised in guiding international companies to achieve their business goals in the Korean market, providing strategic and tactical guidance, access to sector-specific human resources, partners and customers. His local expertise combines with hands-on actions to effectively accomplish the business objectives of ‘western’ companies in Korea.

Lukas is also an investor in MissionHeroes, a talent exchange platform that can help New Zealand companies to accomplish specialized projects in Korea by connecting them with expert professionals who can execute those projects.

Lukas has also been a board director and advisor for The Kiwi Chamber since its founding in 2008.

From investors who want to invest in Seoul, to promising companies in need of investment, imagine a bright future with Seoul.

The main goal of Invest Seoul is to help foreign investors create successful businesses. The Invest Seoul Center (ISC) is a one-stop comprehensive organization to attract and support direct foreign investment reflecting Seoul’s unique characteristics. It is operated by Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Business Agency, with locations in Jongno, Gangnam and Dongdaemun.

The center provides a one-stop investment and start-up support package service that includes investment, startup, consultation, startup education, business incubation and business networking in six languages.

Freestyle provides control, feedback and responsiveness to all manner of industries (utilities and security, healthcare, agriculture, logistics and automotive, manufacturing, finance and retail) like never before, with clever touches such as a single, interoperable platform to operate and maintain all of your different vendor devices. Yes, that's a one-stop, robust, tried-and-tested platform, with none of the teething issues, potential bugs or development lag time of a proprietary system. Any device over any communication method is possible.

Yongsun Kim is the Managing Director of Freestyle's Korean operations. Yongsun was previously the CEO of Kathrein Korea and Country Manager for NextWindow. He brings extensive experience to the role.

Daesang Group is a leading Korean FMCG and retail business conglomerate with revenues of USD 3,169M, and 41 affiliates around the world. Daesang has continuously expanded its businesses from FMCG retail and distribution to IT, and with its in-depth understanding of Asian culture, plans to expand into other global markets.


Harry Song brings 25 years of experience in global business, marketing & sales in the Korean and Asian markets, M&A and overseas brand management and operations. He has served as a director of Hyundai Group, Morgan Stanley, Suzhou Harmony, KCL Fico Thailand and USA Magnolia Korea, and has specialized in Australian and New Zealand brand promotion through those governments’ trade departments since 1998.
Mr. Song graduated with a BA from Auckland University and studied at Beijing New Asia University through the New Zealand and China scholarship foundation and Seoul National University.

Founded in 1997, Mirae Asset Capital provides financial investment, management, and consultancy services. Its products and services include venture capital, new growth investment, Mirae Asset Capital, private equity and capital investment.

Ethan Kim is a Senior Manager for Mirae Asset Capital - New Growth Investment Division / ICT Investment Team. Prior to that, he held several positions such as Investment Director – Private Equity Division for LX Investment, Team Leader – Private Equity Group for Aju IB Investment and Senior Associate - M&A Division for DW Consulting. Ethan received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Sungkyunkwan University.

UniServices, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Auckland, provides exclusive access to the university’s capabilities and intellectual property. It works alongside academic staff to identify, protect and develop big ideas with its business partners.

Hansol Cha is a Business Development Manager at UniServices, where he leads R&D partnership strategies for the University of Auckland with industry leaders and government agencies. He is leading the theme called “Digital Services & Economies” with three focus areas: (1) AI/Data Science; (2) Industry4.0/IoT; and (3) Creative Arts & Technologies. He is passionate about using emerging technologies to create real social impact. He firmly believes the power of ethical convergence of arts, humanity and science as a creative approach to solve complex issues around the globe. As a Korean-born Kiwi he plays an important role in fostering R&D partnerships between Asia & New Zealand.