At the first scene, Westin Chosun Hotel seems to be so big for me to enter. All those red carpets and ornaments hanging on the wall made me small in the world of 17th century - baroque style hall. I thought that hotels were for VIPs and someone like that. But now, I realized that great places are not for great people but for great events.

The event happens to be 8th by Financial News, one of renowned business newspaper in Korea. Starting from April 25th to 26th, The 8th Seoul International Financial Forum were a place for any learners who want to learn current issue in world finance. Theme of the event; "Investment Banking Business and New Financial Market Opportunities", It was a trial for me to understand things that I've never heard of. There were two translators in the back of the hall. I gave thanks to them because I happen to learn so much even by translations they’ve given. Disregarding all those gossips over my events, I learned in heart of the movements that people earning money in hectic atmosphere.

In the tsunami of risks and changes, many financial services and businesses are seeking survival strategies to adapt themselves to the new environment. If you are interested in business, you might be familiar with some words that I mention from now on. Major issues in the Korean financial sector this year are “Expansion of overseas investment opportunities,”, “Further expansion of financial markets,” and “Consolidated investment banking services.” In order to modernize and to expand Korean financial markets of the era, the role of major market players is critically important. Korea would need major investment banks as big as JP Morgan Chase, ABN AMRO, Deutsche Bank, and Citigroup Inc. Korean businesses should sail in this wind of change. It is also expected that Korean counterparts of global financial conglomerates, covering all financial sectors, such as Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs will emerge in the near future. In the forum, some speakers reflected past experiences of global financial markets in promoting financial conglomerates or financial holding companies in the Korea's late 90 IMF recession. It commemorated a precious lesson for domestic financial institutions in Korea. Also, investment opportunities in Vietnam, Kazakhstan, India and China were presented, which are new frontier markets where the Korean financial services industry can enjoy a competitive edge.

I always thought that I was energetic and bendable 4-inch action figure that will grow up sometime later in my life. But I happen to find out that I wasn't doing anything to be so, to be a grown-up.
To quote from Kazuhiko Kobayashi, Executive vice president of NEC Company; “The only permanent thing in the world is that everything changes.” Korean financial market is facing another challenge of change and they are preparing on their own. But are you preparing the changes? No. Without asking you, are you living your life?
Question yourself that you are following along your dream. If you are containing your 16 hours to be what you dream (let's make 8 to be sleeping hours), that's fine. But if you are not taking so, I think you should find it first. It is all that your life depends. When you don't know, do not hesitate to raise your hand in the middle of the crowd. Find the answer in any possible attempts that human can do. You are born to live your own life.

Summer's up, time is high. There is no reason that you don't have to live your own life. So ask in order to learn. Stay foolish, stay hungry. You are still young.