On June 1, 2026, GTS Advisory Inc. (Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea; Representative Director & CEO: Masahiro Kimura) successfully conducted a special session for the top executives and core operational leaders of SK Gas Co., Ltd., a leading energy company in South Korea.
Going beyond mere cross-cultural understanding, this session catalyzed tangible organizational innovation: the voluntary launch of a Japan-business research group named "KAN-π" by core members of the SK Gas operational team. This achievement demonstrates the overwhelming effectiveness of GTS Advisory's "hands-on" consulting, which transcends traditional information-providing advisory by actively building internal ecosystems within client companies.
The "Ballpoint Pen and Pencil" Metaphor that Resonated with Top Management
The session, titled "Structural Differences and Solutions in Japan-Korea Business Cooperation: The Ballpoint Pen Decision (Korea) and the Pencil Draft (Japan)," was attended by SK Gas's top management, including CEO Byung-suk Yoon and Division Head Yong-bum Kim, along with frontline leaders.
CEO Kimura provided a unique analysis of the fundamental differences in the "Business OS" (decision-making processes and corporate cultures) of Japanese and Korean companies. He contrasted Korea's "Ballpoint Pen" culture—characterized by overwhelming top-down leadership and breakthrough execution where decisions are written in irreversible ink—with Japan's "Pencil" culture, which emphasizes bottom-up consensus and quality supremacy, where frontline managers rigorously verify risks and continuously use an eraser to refine the draft until perfect company-wide agreement is achieved.
This essential insight into structural differences garnered immense praise and deep empathy from the SK Gas executive team, who have long sought optimal ways to collaborate with Japanese enterprises.
Voluntary Transformation by the Frontline: The Birth of "KAN-π"
The most significant outcome of this session was the voluntary formation of an official internal organization by participating core members, including the SK Gas Origination team.
The newly launched research group, "KAN-π" (pronounced Kan-pai), is named after the Japanese word for "Cheers"—the moment business professionals open their hearts—and represents an ever-expanding "Pie (π) of Relationships." Moving forward, this group will serve as a platform to continuously and systematically study and practice Japanese corporate decision-making mechanisms (such as Ringi and Nemawashi) and mid-to-long-term relationship building.
As an external strategist, GTS Advisory will remain continuously involved with "KAN-π," providing robust hands-on support to help them generate true synergies in the Japanese market.
Our Value as a "Maestro" Driving Transformation from Within
In global business, the greatest barriers companies face are not "language" or "laws," but the "incompatibility of decision-making processes." As a "Maestro" who harmonizes diverse business elements, GTS Advisory plays the role of "Connecting the Dots" between Japan and Korea. Our true value lies not just in offering external advice, but in igniting a spark within our clients' internal organizations and establishing self-sustaining ecosystems.
Comment from Masahiro Kimura, Representative Director & CEO
"For companies in Japan and Korea to build genuine partnerships, it is essential to deeply understand and respect the differences in each other's 'Business OS.' I am deeply impressed that the members of SK Gas did not merely consume the contents of the session as knowledge, but sublimated it into concrete organizational action through the creation of 'KAN-π.' GTS Advisory will continue to provide unique insights based on frontline practical experience, serving as the ultimate partner in co-creating the future of Japan-Korea business."
About SK Gas Co., Ltd.
SK Gas is a leading energy company in South Korea and a core affiliate of the SK Group. Boasting the top market share in the domestic LPG market, the company is now strongly driving a business transition to become a "Net Zero Solution Provider" that encompasses LNG, hydrogen, and ammonia, moving beyond its traditional LPG operations. SK Gas is actively pursuing strategic partnerships with prominent domestic and international players to build a next-generation global energy ecosystem.
- Representative: Byung-suk Yoon, CEO
- Headquarters: SK Eco Hub, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
- Website: https://www.skgas.co.kr/en/