CEO Insights Magazine

In the realm of business operations, the role of Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (VP COO) is pivotal in driving organizational efficiency and strategic execution. The VP COO oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless coordination between different departments to achieve company goals effectively. This role requires a blend of leadership, analytical prowess, and a deep understanding of business processes to optimize performance and foster growth.

Jungwon Park, VP & COO at Onuii, exemplifies this leadership role. Jungwon began his academic journey at Seoul National University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2012. Alongside his studies, he dedicated over 1,000 hours to educational volunteer work, teaching mathematics to underprivileged high school students—an experience that shaped his commitment to educational equality.

In 2018, Jungwon pursued a double major in Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship, marking a transformative period in his career. Inspired by innovative companies like Coupang and Tesla, he founded FlatGarden in 2019. FlatGarden aimed to democratize education through platforms like Studio Sha, a YouTube channel offering educational content, and Chatbot Hakhak, an AI-powered application for college admissions support.

After navigating challenges in monetizing these services, Jungwon sold FlatGarden to Onuii in February 2022. Onuii, renowned for its Seoltab service facilitating remote teaching via tablets, had achieved significant growth since its inception in 2018, reaching monthly sales of $2 million by 2024.

Joining Onuii, Jungwon assumed the role of VP & COO, tasked with optimizing operations amidst dynamic growth. Under his leadership, Onuii's sales grew from $21 million with a $9 million deficit in 2022 to a projected deficit of 0 / 26 million in sales by 2024. His strategic insights and operational acumen have been instrumental in navigating challenges within the evolving education sector.

Looking forward, Jungwon is pursuing a doctoral program at Seoul National University's Graduate School of Management Strategy, focusing on cultivating global innovation and leadership. His journey exemplifies a commitment to transformative education and operational excellence, positioning him as a leader driving impactful change within Onuii and beyond. Let’s read on.

Could you share the unique experiences Seoul National University offers and what you gained beyond academic learning?

One memorable experience was during my Business Administration in Entrepreneurship classes in 2018. The course challenged us with a $700 budget to generate income as a team over a semester. I conceptualized a service that enabled Seoul National University students to receive in-person tutoring in locations up to 300km from campus. This initiative aimed to optimize travel time for students by arranging multiple tutoring sessions in one trip. It also facilitated connections between Seoul National University students and those unable to meet college students due to distance barriers. Throughout this project, I engaged with local parents I met casually on the streets, building rapport through shared moments over coffee and beer.

Tell us about your leadership philosophy and methodologies.

Central to my leadership approach is the establishment of trust. I believe in cultivating trust among team members to foster passion and dedication. This begins with investing time in understanding each individual, their strengths, and building strong, positive relationships.

However, effective leadership also requires a balanced approach that incorporates objective analysis alongside trust. While I value emotional intelligence, I recognize that decisions must be grounded in clear, measurable data. I emphasize quantifying factors such as team size, performance metrics, and workload to ensure informed decision-making.

This dual approach enables me to provide the necessary support and resources for my team's success. By combining trust with data-driven insights, I create an environment where team members feel empowered, valued, and motivated to excel.

In your career thus far, what achievements have brought you the most satisfaction, both personally and professionally?

On a personal level, enrolling in Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship was deeply gratifying. It instilled in me the confidence to innovate and provided invaluable support in various aspects of my journey.

Professionally, I find great fulfillment in my experience with Onuii through M&A. Managing the challenges of a rapidly growing startup, with approximately 100 employees and $22 million in sales, presented significant hurdles that I successfully navigated and resolved.

What lies ahead for you in the future?

Looking forward, I recognize the ongoing presence of numerous global challenges demanding innovative solutions. My objective is to research and mentor individuals eager to confront these challenges, cultivating a succession of global innovations.

Currently, I am pursuing a doctoral program at Seoul National University's Graduate School of Management Strategy. Through this academic journey, I seek to deepen my expertise in strategic management and innovation, preparing myself to mentor and empower future leaders.

By emphasizing both academic rigor and practical application, I aim to create an environment conducive to fostering innovative ideas with substantial global impact. This vision drives me towards my future destination—developing a new generation of innovators capable of addressing and resolving the world's most pressing issues.

Jungwon Park, Vice President & COO, Onuii

Jungwon holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Business Administration in Entrepreneurship from Seoul National University. He also earned a Master's degree in Smart City Engineering from the same institution. Previously, Jungwon founded Flat Garden and served as its CEO for two years before its acquisition by Onuii Co., Ltd.