Handing a "Passport to the World" to the Next Generation of Global Talent
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, GTS Advisory Inc. is actively engaged in educational support for the youth who will shape the future of Japan and South Korea. On April 15, 2026, our CEO, Masahiro Kimura, visited Hwagok High School in Seoul to deliver a special lecture to 13 male students aspiring to enter universities in Japan.
This lecture was made possible by a strong request from a high school teacher and board member of the Korea Association of Japanese Language Education, who wanted to inspire students—who often lose sight of their future goals—with the true value of language learning and the vitality derived from real-world experiences.
The Value of "Language" and "Human Connection" in the AI Era
During the lecture, Mr. Kimura shared the trajectory of his 30-year career, expanding his business globally as an entrepreneur and through his roles at the Samsung Group and a general trading company. Highlighting that learning a second language (Korean) was the starting point for all his endeavors, he conveyed the message that "acquiring an additional language is a passport to the world that multiplies your life's choices by dozens of times."
Furthermore, he emphasized that in an era where automated translation via AI is becoming ubiquitous, taking the initiative to walk in a foreign land and share a laugh with locals in their native tongue—a genuine "human connection"—creates an intrinsic human value and competitiveness that AI can never replace.
Focusing on the 90% "Shared Heart" Rather Than the 10% Differences
At the climax of the lecture, Mr. Kimura presented the fact that "more than 90% of the emotions" experienced by youth in both Japan and Korea—such as the pressure of further education and anxiety about the future—are completely identical.
He urged the students to focus on the "90% shared heart" at their foundation and join hands, rather than fixing their gaze on the "mere 10% difference" of nationality and culture. Initially unsure of their future, the students listened with serious eyes, and a meaningful moment was shared as they began to realize their own potential.
GTS Advisory's Commitment to Educational Support
Currently, over 550,000 people are studying Japanese in South Korea, the vast majority of whom are teenagers. Now that they stand before the "door" of language out of pure interest rather than calculation, it is the duty of business leaders to help them open it.
Moving forward, GTS Advisory will not only act as a "Maestro" bridging businesses between Japan and Korea but will also continue its Educational CSR activities, returning "living knowledge and experience" to the youth who will carry the next generation.
Behind the Scenes (CEO's Blog)
For more detailed stories behind this lecture and Mr. Kimura's candid thoughts from his interactions with the students, please read the columns published on our official blogs (available in Korean and Japanese).
- Korean Version (NAVER Blog): 서울의 교실에서 13명의 남고생이 침묵한 날. 우리가 공유하는 '90%의 진실'
- Japanese Version (Note): ソウルの教室で、13人の男子高校生が沈黙した日。私たちが分かち合う「90%の真実」