Individuals who overcame difficult times and achieved success

Park Na-rae, who felt the sadness of obscurity in her early days

The broadcaster Park Na-rae can now be seen active in various media outlets. Even though she is doing well now, there was a time when she experienced the sadness of being unknown and financially struggling. She recalls waiting for her appearance fees from production companies. On the day the production company notified her of the payment, she had made plans to go out for a meal with friends, but when she checked her bank account, there was only 235 won (about 20 cents) in it, as the payment hadn't been deposited. Reflecting on those tough times, she expresses gratitude for being able to eat without checking the prices now. Let's take a look at individuals like her who endured difficult times in their youth and grew from them.

The Godfather of Hedge Funds, George Soros

George Soros, who lived in poverty during his immigration to the UK

George Soros is a legendary figure in the investment industry as a financial investor. He is a Hungarian-born Jew who immigrated to the UK with his parents when the German Nazis occupied Hungary. His life in London often involved days when he had to fill up boats with water at a teahouse, and it was a time of poverty, loneliness, and solitude. Struggling to make ends meet with only the allowance sent by his father, he worked at an apple orchard that paid him 3 pounds per week. Despite the hardships, Soros did not neglect his studies; during the day, he studied English, and at night, he read philosophy books. In 1949, he had the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge in finance at the London School of Economics. The studies he pursued there laid the groundwork for his later growth as a great investor. Armed with financial knowledge and excellent judgment, Soros grew into a figure managing assets worth 32 trillion won.

Chris Gardner

Chris Gardner, the protagonist of the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness

Chris Gardner is known as a financial professional and motivational speaker in the United States. The most tumultuous period of his life was depicted in a movie, with the world-renowned actor Will Smith taking on the lead role, which further elevated his fame. Born into poverty, he struggled to escape it even into adulthood. To avoid hunger, he enlisted in the Navy to learn medical technology, and after serving in the Navy, Gardner worked as a medical equipment salesman. Through this job, he met future brokers and developed an interest in the securities industry. Life as a medical equipment salesman was not easy; sales were tough, and while homeless, he raised his young son alone while interning to become a stockbroker. Gardner successfully completed the internship and built a career as a stockbroker. He quickly began climbing the ladder of success with remarkable achievements. Eventually, he founded his own firm, "Gardner Rich & Co.," through which he accumulated great wealth.

 

"Everyone experiences periods of poverty in life.
Poverty can persist throughout one's lifetime and be inherited by future generations.
There are those who, despite facing difficult times, strive to learn and grow to escape poverty.
To the young people struggling in poverty today, I hope they can find hope."