Chairman Lee Im-yong enjoyed singing "40 Steps" when he was in high spirits. The song conveyed the hope that, although times might be tough now, a better day would come by climbing step by step.

While studying in Japan, Chairman Lee Im-yong developed a strong commitment to national industrial development. In 1950, during the Korean War, he made his first foray into manufacturing by investing in Dongyang Industrial Corporation. Taekwang commemorates this event by designating October 25 as its foundation day.

Chairman Lee Im-yong prioritized on-site management, frequently visiting the factory to identify issues and propose solutions.

Chairman Lee Im-yong personally introduces the factory’s status to visitors on a tour.

The Ulsan Industrial Complex’s heavy and chemical industries served as a key driver of South Korea’s economic growth. Taekwang’s Dongyang Synthetic Fiber Ulsan plant, a symbol of the complex, held its historic completion ceremony on April 20, 1967.

President Park Chung-hee, who regretted missing the Dongyang Synthetic Fiber plant’s completion ceremony, visited the Ulsan facility in September 1967. Since then, the plant has become a key destination for VIP inspections and industrial tours.

While most textile factories relied solely on Japanese machinery, Chairman Lee Im-yong invested in high-quality but costly Italian machines. The photo shows him during a tour of Europe.

Manufacturing was Chairman Lee Im-yong’s lifelong passion. He consistently sought vision and hope in the workplace. The photo captures him visiting a factory in Taiwan.

Chairman Lee Im-yong acquired Heungkuk Life Insurance with the belief that it was time to establish a true welfare society.

Chairman Lee Im-yong implemented Taekwang’s management principles—speed, transparency in finance, and meticulous organization—into the financial sector. Within three years of acquisition, Heungkuk Life Insurance was back on track.

Chairman Lee Im-yong believed that developing and managing talent was crucial for the company’s future. The photo shows him inspecting the accommodations at Taekwang Group’s general training center.

After completing training at the YMCA campground, executives and employees of Heungkuk Life Insurance took a commemorative photo with Chairman Lee Im-yong. In 1984, he established a general training center in Yongin for the group’s employees.

Chairman Lee Im-yong acquired the Dongil Textile women’s volleyball team, which was on the brink of dissolution due to financial difficulties. The photo captures him presenting the championship flag to the Taekwang Industrial Women’s Volleyball Team after their victory in the 1974 national competition.

Chairman Lee Im-yong valued teamwork and collective effort over individual brilliance. The photo shows him climbing Hallasan Mountain with Heungkuk Life Insurance employees.

Believing that nations with limited natural resources must invest in human talent, Chairman Lee Im-yong founded ILJU Academy and Sehwa Girls’ Middle and High School. The photo captures the opening ceremony of the school gymnasium.

Within just three years of its founding, Sehwa Girls’ High School became a top-ranking school with the highest university acceptance rate among girls’ schools nationwide. The photo shows Chairman Lee addressing students gathered in the schoolyard.

Chairman Lee Im-yong personally funded the establishment of the ILJU Academy and Culture Foundation to support scholarships and educational, academic, and cultural initiatives.

Chairman Lee Im-yong ensured that every penny of the ILJU Academy and Culture Foundation was used solely for its intended purpose. The photo shows him posing with scholarship recipients at an award ceremony.

Even after stepping down from frontline management, Chairman Lee Im-yong continued to visit his office daily and toured business sites nationwide twice a month. The photo captures him inspecting the office with executives and employees.

At 12:50 AM on November 2, 1996, after his funeral ceremony at ILJU Academy, Chairman Lee Im-yong took his final journey around the Ulsan plant, bidding farewell to those he loved.