Adolescence: Hyundai's Journey Through Challenges and Growth
The Asian financial crisis of 1997 dealt a significant blow to Hyundai's position, causing the company to fare worse than its competitors LG and Samsung. Despite avoiding bankruptcy, the company faced challenges due to poor management decisions and unfavorable market conditions.
In 1999, Hyundai announced a major restructuring plan, dividing the conglomerate into five independent business groups. The company's core businesses were realigned towards shipbuilding, automotive, construction, retail, finance, and electronics.
Following the restructuring, Hyundai Chairman Jung Joo-young handed over the position to his son, Jung Mong-hun. However, in 2003, Jung Mong-hun committed suicide amidst a scandal involving illegal investments in North Korea. Consequently, the corporation was further divided into separate entities: Hyundai Group, Hyundai Motor Group, Hyundai Development Group, Hyundai Department Store Group, and Hyundai Electronics ("Hynix").
Today, Hyundai Motor Group, led by one of Jung Joo-young's sons, Jung Mong-gu, stands as one of South Korea's largest conglomerates. The group is involved in the production of cars, trains, parts for