Leadership Through Cultural Empathy
17.10.2025
- Leadership Through Cultural Empathy
Context
During LG India’s historic IPO listing on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in October 2025, Managing Director Hong Ju Jeon — a South Korean executive — delivered his entire address in fluent Hindi, beginning with “Namaste.” This gesture of linguistic and cultural empathy captured national attention and redefined how leadership connects across cultures.
About the Event
Anecdote:
Jeon chose to speak in Hindi rather than English or Korean, symbolising respect for India’s culture and emotional connection with stakeholders. His address thanked NSE officials, the Government of India, and LG’s partners, evoking appreciation across social media.
Business Impact:
LG India’s ₹11,600 crore IPO became one of the most subscribed offerings since 2008, with shares surging over 50% post‑listing — valuing the company above its South Korean parent LG Electronics .
Reactions:
Business leaders and viewers welcomed Jeon’s act as a rare cultural sensitivity in corporate India, highlighting humility and personal effort. The moment was widely hailed as “wholesome” and an example of global leadership done the Indian way.
Significance and Ethical Insight
- Cultural Empathy: Jeon’s speech exemplified emotional intelligence and adaptability — values integral to ethical and inclusive leadership.
- Communication as Connection: By choosing Hindi, he transcended corporate formality to foster trust and belonging among Indian stakeholders.
- Leadership Beyond Authority: His gesture demonstrated that true leadership arises from understanding, not dominance; from respect, not rhetoric.
Broader Lessons in Leadership
- Intercultural Competence: Adapting to local contexts strengthens global partnerships and deepens human connection.
- Symbolic Acts, Real Impact: Simple gestures like speaking the audience’s language can inspire loyalty and admiration.
- Public Leadership Parallel: In governance or administration, empathetic communication helps leaders engage citizens effectively, reinforcing public trust.
Conclusion
Hong Ju Jeon’s Hindi address at LG India’s IPO listing was more than a marketing gesture — it embodied cultural humility and leadership grounded in empathy. By aligning professionalism with respect for local ethos, Jeon showcased that adaptive leadership, rooted in emotional intelligence, is the cornerstone of success in a globalised world.