Chairman Kihak Sung tries to make everyone happy in the world with good clothes

By Business Editor Kim Hyung-dae, Reporter Lee Sam-sun

Chairman Kihak Sung of the Youngone Corporation is considered legendary business leader in Korea—and also in many countries around the world, especially Bangladesh.

Inspired by his love of nature and outdoor pursuits, Chairman Sung founded Youngone Corporation in 1974.

Chairman Sung’s commitment to the environment, and an unrelenting standard of quality, have provided the long-term vision and standards for Korea’s philosophies. As a result, Youngone continues to be known as a pioneer in the outdoor industry, with the continuous improvement of our people and products at the heart of our operations.

Youngone began manufacturing sportswear and down jackets in Seongnam, the Republic of Korea, and has since grown to become the premier manufacturer of outdoor apparel, footwear and gear. Today, we own and operate production facilities in Bangladesh, Vietnam, China and El Salvador.

More importantly, through the more than 70,000 people Youngone directly employs, Youngone touches the families and communities that have supported the company’s growth for over 40 years.

This integrated support system has enabled Youngone to play an important role in the socio-economic development of the countries we work in. Youngone’s broad product and service portfolio depends on continuous investment in the people and has contributed to Youngone’s exceptionally diversified group.

To further enhance its capabilities and to encourage and support vertical manufacturing, the materials division was launched at the company. Youngone produces both woven and knit fabrics as well as a variety of insulations that are vertically integrated into the manufacturing process.

This allows the company to meet the ever-changing needs of its customers by shortening lead times and improving quality control. The company also helps decrease the carbon footprint required in long haul transportation of materials around the world, which is an important value to the company and its customers.

As an outgrowth of its quality and dependability, customers began asking Youngone to continuously expand into new categories. While its heritage is in down outerwear, Youngone has expanded its technical expertise to cover the needs of the outdoor market.

This includes woven sportswear that incorporates stretch, easy care and versatility as well as rainwear, synthetic insulated outerwear and casual streetwear. In addition, Youngone offers performance knits and activewear that combines functionality with comfort. Youngone introduced seam-sealed garments to Korea in 1982, setting a new standard for waterproof materials. We are very proud of our reputation as a continuous pioneer in the field of outdoor apparel

In order to provide its customers the best possible fabrics for their garments and gear, Youngone created its materials division in 1993 to facilitate and manufacture world class components.

Beginning in the 1970’s with synthetic padding for White Stag, Youngone’s portfolio has grown to include woven nylon and polyester fabrics along with polyester fleece and knits. Youngone produces single jersey, double interlock and rib fabrics with our circular knitting machines. Youngone offers a variety of insulations including Excelloft® and most recently VX®, the company’s synthetic performance insulation that is breathable, water resistant, quick drying, stretchable and hypo allergenic.

As part of its expanding platform, Youngone established Designer Textiles Vietnam. These vertical design and manufacturing capabilities enable its customers the swiftest design and development cycle as well as access to state of the art digital printing capabilities.

Youngone produced its first backpack in 1998. Since then the company has expanded to include technical packs, luggage, canvas totes and, most recently, luxury handbags. We also offer internal steel frame construction for lifestyle bags, which is an important outgrowth of the active outdoor lifestyle and growing business opportunity for our customers.

Footwear: Footwear became a significant part of Youngone’s business in 1996. Youngone’s operation includes production of safety footwear, winter boots, and outdoor and casual footwear styles. The duty-free access of its factory in Chittagong, Bangladesh has facilitated the world’s best brands to partner and strategize on this state-of-the-art facility.

“We look forward to eventually employing 30,000 associates and offering an even wider variety of style and development opportunities to our customers,” said Chairman Sung at the interview with Business Editor Kim Hyung-dae of The Korea Post.