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| Source: Maeil Business Newspaper, Korea |
Kang Bang-cheon is a figure who has established himself as an icon of value investment in the Korean capital market. As the founder and former CIO (Chief Investment Officer) of Asset Plus Asset Management, he has left a legendary record in stock investment and the securities market with his unique perspective. Born in Amtaedo, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do in 1960, he grew up exploring the world through radio and maps. This curiosity later led to his insight into seizing opportunities in crises such as the IMF foreign exchange crisis in Korea. In particular, in 1997, he deeply inspired investors by making an incredible profit of 15.6 billion won in just 1 year and 10 months with just 100 million won. This article examines Kang Bang-cheon’s investment journey and analyzes the perspectives he values through overseas investment cases such as US and European stocks.
IMF Foreign Exchange Crisis, Kang Bang-cheon's Anecdote That Shined in the South Korean Stock Market
The 1997 South Korean IMF Foreign Exchange Crisis was a time of great shock to the national economy and stock market. The exchange rate skyrocketed, the stock market plummeted, and investors were terrified. However, Kang Bang-cheon displayed a unique perspective in this chaos. He noticed the gap between the exchange rate, which was around 800 won per dollar at the time, and domestic asset prices, and noted that the price of an apartment in Seoul (800 million to 900 million won) was worth one million dollars based on the exchange rate. Considering that South Korea's per capita national income was one-third that of the United States, this was a sign of an asset bubble. He bought dollars, and as the exchange rate soared to 1,400 won, his 34 million won turned into 60 million won.
What's even more surprising is his performance in stock investment. Immediately after the crisis, he invested in Hanjin, anticipating undervalued stocks and the distribution innovation of the Internet era. He bought more than 5% of Hanjin shares and the stock price soared along with the economic recovery, increasing his 100 million won to 15.6 billion won. This was not just luck, but the result of his perspective and execution ability that penetrated the Korean stock market.
Kang Bang-cheon's investment philosophy: The importance of perspective
Keywords: value investing, investment perspective, stock analysis, Korean investors
Kang Bang-cheon considers 'perspective' as the core of value investing. In his book *Perspective*, he emphasized that "a clear perspective is necessary to not be shaken in the complex stock market." This is a strategy that sees the intrinsic value of a company without being swayed by short-term stock price fluctuations or market noise. His philosophy is similar to Warren Buffett's, but it stands out for its originality in combining the Korean stock market with global trends.
His perspective can be summarized in three points:
1. Sustainability analysis: Checks for the possibility of fraudulent accounting beyond financial statements.
2. Future prediction: Reads industry changes and trends and emphasizes long-term value.
3. Focus on top companies: “Companies that demonstrate differentiation even in a recession are the target of investment,” he emphasizes market-leading companies.
Reflecting this philosophy, Asset Plus Asset Management adheres to the principle of a small number of funds and focuses on carefully selected stocks. This shows that Kang Bang-cheon is not a speculator chasing short-term profits, but a Korean investor pursuing long-term growth.
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Kang Bang-cheon’s Insight in 2025: Investment in US and European Stocks
Keywords: US stock investment, European stock market, overseas investment stocks, 2025 investment trends
Kang Bang-cheon stepped down from the front lines of management in 2022, but his philosophy is deeply embedded in Asset Plus Asset Management’s overseas investment strategy. With search terms such as “US stocks 2025” and “European investment trends” gaining attention on Google Trends, he selected semiconductors, electric vehicles, AI, and healthcare as future industries. Based on this, we will examine cases of investment in US and European stocks.
1. US stocks: Tesla, Inc. and NVIDIA Corporation
- Tesla: With "Tesla stock 2025" trending on Google Trends, Kang Bang-cheon evaluates Tesla as a leader in electric vehicle and autonomous driving innovation. Tesla, which was included as a major stock in Asset Plus's 'Global Rich Together' fund, is recognized for its long-term value despite short-term volatility. He emphasized, "Tesla is a top company that opens the future of mobility."
- NVIDIA: A key player in AI and data centers, "NVIDIA stock forecast" is a popular search term among US investors. Kang Bang-cheon uses it as a key stock in Asset Plus' AI-based ETF, saying, "NVIDIA is the center of computing power."
2. European stocks: ASML Holding N.V.
- ASML in the Netherlands is the exclusive supplier of semiconductor EUV equipment. With “European semiconductor stocks” gaining attention in Google Trends, Kang Bang-cheon praised its sustainability, saying, “ASML is the heart of the semiconductor supply chain.” It has established itself as a major stock in Asset Plus’s ‘Global Top Company Focus 10 Active ETF.’
3. US stocks: Microsoft Corporation
- With “Microsoft stock 2025” at the top of the US investment trends, Kang Bang-cheon focuses on Microsoft as a leader in cloud and AI. His assessment that it is a “platform company for digital transformation” supports the stability and growth potential of Asset Plus Global Fund.
4. European stocks: Novo Nordisk A/S
- Denmark’s Novo Nordisk is gaining attention as it is linked to the search term “European healthcare stocks.” It is the world’s No. 1 company in the field of diabetes and obesity treatments, and Kang Bang-cheon acknowledged its investment value, saying, “It is a company with sustainability in the aging society.”
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Kang Bang-cheon's Global Insight and 2025 South Korea Investment Strategy
Keywords: Global Stock Market, South Korea Securities Trends, Investment Forecast
Kang Bang-cheon predicted the volatility of the global stock market and the South Korea stock market in 2022, saying, "The bull market will end and the box market will come." As of March 2025, his prediction is becoming a reality amid the US interest rate hike and European economic uncertainty. He advises, "Buy great companies in the face of fear," and focuses on top companies as an investment strategy.
In line with his philosophy, Asset Plus Asset Management is strengthening ETFs centered on US and European stocks. In 2024, the 'Global Dynamic Senior Active ETF' recorded a return of 32.04%, and the AI-based 'S&P500 ETF' scheduled to be launched in 2025 is also attracting attention from South Korean investors.
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Conclusion: Kang Bang-cheon reorganizing the stock market with his perspective
Keywords: Kang Bang-cheon's philosophy, South Korea's investment legacy, global securities market
Kang Bang-cheon went beyond the legend of turning 100 million won into 15.6 billion won during the IMF foreign exchange crisis, and proved his perspective through investments in US and European stocks. Tesla, Nvidia, ASML, Microsoft, and Novo Nordisk are leading companies in their industries, and his philosophy shines in the global securities market. As a representative investor in South Korea, his legacy will provide deep insight into stock investment and securities strategies even in 2025.
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