South Korea - Late 1960's

In the late 1960s, before Korea’s rapid development, my grandmother’s cousin, a Korean living in Japan, ran a large chemical company called Samyounghwahak. Aware of Korea’s shortage of medical products, he began importing various items, including dental supplies—an unprecedented move in Korea. He invited my grandmother, known for her intelligence and drive, to join him. In her early 20s, she started working in dental imports.

It was a new and challenging venture, but it offered her valuable experience. She managed the import and distribution of overseas dental products. When her cousin fell ill and returned to Japan, the company fell apart. Left alone, my grandmother stood her ground.

She soon launched her own company, importing new products and beginning local production using Korean technology. She built the factory herself and oversaw everything—from sourcing materials to sales. For 40 years, she worked tirelessly without a single day off, raising her children while growing the business steadily through her dedication.

Twenty years later, she encouraged my father, now grown, to train at a partner company in the Netherlands. There, he learned English and the business, eventually securing an OEM agreement. He established a Korean factory to research and produce with the Dutch team—his first major achievement.

Then, unexpectedly, my grandmother suffered a stroke. Though it paralyzed her left side, she returned to work through sheer willpower. A few years later, she passed away from lymphoma at 68. My father took over the business.

Soon after, his Dutch partner began pioneering 3D-printed medical resins. The American company 3D SYSTEMS acquired them, giving my father the chance to work with this global leader. Through this, he began producing and selling 3D printing equipment as an OEM in the U.S., expanding his business internationally.

The small seed my grandmother planted grew through sincere effort. Today, my father works with partners across the U.S., Europe, and Korea. He always says her greatest lesson was sincerity and dedication—values he hopes my brother and I will carry forward.