On the 30th, Hae-jin Lee, founder of Naver, as well as Global Investment Officer (GIO), made the first official comment and apologized for the recent employee death. He hinted at the change of the current management to improve the company culture. It is anticipated that GIO Lee himself will also change his position in order to show that he is taking responsibility.
GIO Lee sent an e-mail to all Naver employees on the 30th, and wrote, "I realize that you must have been shocked, disappointed, and angry at all of the past events. It was a huge shock for me as well, and it's hard to get out of it. I used to believe that I had created a culture, which I was proud of, but I feel that this belief has crumbed down.”
GIO Lee continued by saying, “As the board of directors suggested to the management, the fundamental and essential solution is to revamp the company by having more decentralized authority, more comprehensible responsibilities, and new young leaders.”
He indicated a change of management. GIO Lee said, “Of course, the greatest responsibility lies with me and the management who founded this company. We have an obligation to faithfully hand over to the next management of all the hard work of our colleagues without losing trust of our investors, partners and shareholders.”
He added, “We will do our best to make this change happen as soon as possible, at the latest by the end of the year, as the board proposed." It is interpreted that the reform plan, including management change, will be completed by the end of the year.
GIO Lee is also expected to step down from the frontline management. GIO Lee said, “I have no doubt that we will have a healthier culture in a new system next year, we will find confidence again and work joyfully. I believe it is necessary to take a moment to reflect on myself by stepping back one step from the company.”
By Staff Reporter Si-so Kim
(siso@etnews.com)