Kim speaks for Lee Kun-hee

By Kim Yoo-chul

Kim Soon-taek, the head of the Samsung Group’s new “control tower” ― the Strategic Planning Office (SPO) ― said he was feeling a ``huge responsibility’’ to find the golden jackpot as to what will be the group’s new growth engines.

In a regular weekly Wednesday meeting with the presidents of the group’s key affiliates, Kim said he is being tasked with coordinating the different interests between affiliates and to reach a strong consensus regarding future sources of revenue.

``Amid tougher business conditions, I feel a huge responsibility,’’ Kim was quoted as saying in a press briefing by chief Samsung spokesman Rhee In-yong.

``So far, Samsung Group has seen drastic external growth, which is exceptional in the history of industrial fields across the globe,’’ the Samsung vice chairman added.

When asked about any signs given by Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Kun-hee, Kim said, ``Chairman Lee thinks that now is not the time to be complacent.’’

The remarks come for the first time since Kim was appointed to lead the group’s revived top-decision making division, which had formerly been dismantled two years ago after Lee was indicted for breach of trust.

The Samsung chairman was later pardoned by the current South Korean President Lee.

``A united front to overcome current business difficulties is strongly needed,’’ according to Kim, adding he is nearer to filling the necessary positions for the new division.

Samsung is the world’s top vendor of memory chips and flat-screens, however, the businesses are highly cyclical and volatile according to market situations.

Although it only trails the industry leader Nokia in handsets, Samsung’s presence in the rapidly-growing smartphone sector is still meager, as it needs more to develop its software-related prowess.