President's Message

It is with great honor that I introduce myself as the next President of the Wharton Club of Korea.

I am a Wharton undergraduate, having graduated in 1990 with a major in Finance. Born in Korea, I moved to the United States as a young child. I grew up in Southern California and attended the University of Pennsylvania from 1986 to 1990. I started my career at a bank in San Francisco and returned to Korea in 2002 to join Standard Chartered Bank. I am currently the CEO of Pepper Savings Bank, a role I have held since 2013.

My class of 1990 coincided with the University’s 250th anniversary, a milestone few universities worldwide can claim. The United States will also turn 250 in 2026, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1776. I am honored to serve as President of the Wharton Club of Korea starting in 2026. Needless to say, the Wharton School has had a profound impact on my life, both professionally and personally. It helped me grow and become the person I am today. I am confident it has had a similar effect on most, if not all, of you. Whether you were undergraduates, graduates, or PhDs, we all carry that Wharton DNA in our blood.

.

Through the Wharton Alumni Club of Korea, I aim to continue nurturing the DNA development of our members. We have a fantastic platform in the Wharton Alumni Club, and whether it's to help advance someone’s career or just enjoy a cold beer with fellow alumni, I want to make the most of that opportunity. We already have many activities planned for next year. With outstanding contributions from the Wharton Alumni Committee, we hope to deliver the best alumni experience for everyone.

Our outgoing President, 김상현회장님, leaves big shoes to fill. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank him for the past three years he led the Wharton Club of Korea. “Thank You!”

As we look forward to 2026, I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday. Let’s keep the faith and hope that the new year brings only the best in all — professionally, personally, and most importantly, health-wise.

Sincerely,