Jeonbuk Daily News CVO Week 8, 2024 

"Embracing Failure Opens the Path to Success"

Cho Hee-min, the CEO of Poonglim Pharmatech, who gained global attention for developing syringes for COVID-19 vaccines, visited the 9th CVO cohort of Jeonbuk Citizen's Daily on the 9th.

During a lecture held at the Gloucester Hotel in Jeonju, Cho shared openly about his growth process, what led him to enter the business, and his future plans.

Cho began by saying, "In reality, I am someone who tries to faithfully do the tasks at hand, not someone who is exceptionally talented or smart compared to others," and expressed his intention to continue working hard for his neighbors in Gunsan and Jeollabuk-do as a small business owner.

"I was born in Eupnae-ri, Gokseong, Jeollanam-do, and was known only as a student good at sports like Taekwondo and Judo, rather than academics," Cho recalled. "However, I realized that I needed a high school diploma for anything, so I started studying English and Math earnestly alongside a senior who was good at studying."

He also mentioned, "Starting from the second year of middle school, I began working as a delivery boy, carrying 200kg loads including six bags of sulfur from 5 AM. Despite the physical and mental toll, I persevered to avoid losing clients."

When Cho momentarily choked up recalling his childhood during the lecture, the audience responded with warm applause.

Having managed the company for over 40 years, Cho described himself as someone who pushes forward relentlessly.

This was evident when he expanded into the medical device sector in 1999, despite discouragement from those around him. Cho recounted, "At that time, the global syringe market was dominated by the US and Europe, with SCHOTT AG being a major player. So, I went to Mainz, Germany, where SCHOTT's headquarters is located, to bring their syringes to Korea."

He continued, "After meeting with the vice president of SCHOTT, I convinced him that I could capture half of the Korean market within three years. Despite significant opposition due to the high costs involved in clinical trials for syringes, my diligence and determination allowed me to keep my promise."

Cho then embarked on a challenge to localize medical devices for the advancement of the domestic medical industry and public health, eventually succeeding in domesticating all the machinery.

His strong confidence and conviction have shaped Poonglim Pharmatech as it is today.

In conclusion, Cho emphasized, "To prepare for the post-corona era, active investment and support in the biotech field from the government are necessary. Especially, more professionals capable of handling medical devices in medical settings need to be trained."

He added, "Anyone who sets goals and strives for them will eventually find their answers. As an entrepreneur operating within the region, I will lead Poonglim Pharmatech to always contribute to regional development."

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 vaccine syringe developed by Poonglim Pharmatech features the Low Dead Volume (LDV) technology, which minimizes the vaccine residue left in the syringe after administration. This allows for more doses to be administered from a single vial compared to standard syringes—over six doses per vial with Poonglim's LDV syringes.

Source: Jeonbuk Citizen's Daily (http://www.domin.co.kr)