Editor’s Note: I created a Wikipedia page to document my grandfather’s life and contributions to South Korea’s industrial development, but it was rejected by Wikipedia editors. Rather than let this information disappear, I’m publishing it here so that his memory and accomplishments can live on somewhere on the internet. This is for my family, for those who knew him, and for anyone interested in the stories of the people who helped build modern Korea.
📄 View the original Wikipedia draft (PDF)
Sohn Jin-kwan (손진관)
Born: August 7, 1931, Daegu, South Korea
Died: March 20, 2020 (aged 88), Seoul, South Korea
Nationality: South Korean
Education: Sungkyunkwan University (B.A. in Economics), Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Administration (M.A.)
Occupation: Businessman, Certified Public Accountant
Notable work: Leadership roles in Bumyung Shipping Co. Ltd., Korea Oil Corporation, and various other companies
Spouse: Jeon Kyung-nam (전경남)
Children: 1 son, 3 daughters
Awards: Hwarang Order of Military Merit (1953), Ministry of Commerce and Industry Award (1968)
Sohn Jin-kwan (손진관, August 7, 1931 – March 20, 2020) was a South Korean businessman, executive, and certified public accountant. He held leadership roles in shipping, oil, and machinery industries during South Korea’s rapid economic development period.
Early Life and Education
Sohn Jin-kwan was born on August 7, 1931, in Daegu, South Korea. His ancestral home (본관) was Wolseong. He earned a Bachelor of Economics from Sungkyunkwan University (1955–1959) and a Master’s degree from the Graduate School of Public Administration at Seoul National University (1962–1964).
Military Service
Sohn served in the South Korean Air Force during the Korean War from 1951 to 1961. He was a central supply officer and held the rank of Jungnyeong (Lieutenant Colonel). For his service during the war, he received the Hwarang Order of Military Merit in 1953.
Career
Sohn began his career in public service and business in the early 1960s, playing important roles in South Korea’s industrialization. His notable positions include:
- Director of Planning at Korea Machinery Industry (1961–1962), now part of HD Hyundai Infracore
- Vice President at Korea Oil Corporation (대한석유공사) (1963–1980), now part of SK Energy
- President of Heungkuk Trading Company (1975–1980), now part of SK Group’s oil division, SK Innovation
- Vice President of Korea National Oil Corporation (한국석유개발공사) and President of its drilling operations (한국석유시추) (1981–1986)
- President of Bumyung Shipping Co. Ltd. (1992–1995), now part of Pan Ocean
Bumyung Shipping Leadership
In April 1992, Sohn was appointed as President of Bumyung Shipping Co. Ltd. by Seoul Trust Bank as part of a court receivership to stabilize the company. Under his leadership, the company underwent significant restructuring, ensuring its continued operation. Key restructuring measures included the appointment of new executives to critical roles, while Sohn retained his position as President. These efforts were part of a broader strategy approved by Seoul District Court to ensure the company’s financial stability.
Industry Contributions
Sohn also contributed to the development of the Korean oil and shipping industries through his leadership in organizations such as the Korea Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Association and the Korea Shipowners’ Association.
Personal Life
Sohn married Jeon Kyung-nam in 1956. They had four children: one son and three daughters. His son, Sohn Sang-Kyoon, formerly served as an executive at Samsung C&T Corporation.
Legacy and Awards
Sohn Jin-kwan was recognized for his contributions to South Korea’s industrial development. His awards include:
- Hwarang Order of Military Merit (1953)
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry Commendation (1968)
Death
Sohn Jin-kwan passed away on March 20, 2020, in Seoul, South Korea. His funeral was held at Samsung Seoul Hospital on March 22, 2020.
Through his work in Korea’s oil, shipping, and machinery industries, my grandfather was part of the generation that transformed South Korea from a war-torn nation into an industrial powerhouse. While his name may not appear in Wikipedia, his contributions to Korea’s economic miracle and the lives he touched remain part of our family’s legacy and Korea’s history.