'Aloe Queen' Choi Yeon-mae Donates Half of Operating Profit to Society, Inspiring with 'Sharing' Business Philosophy

Choi Yeon-mae, widely known as the 'Aloe Queen,' is deeply touching hearts by practicing her business philosophy of 'sharing' and donating half of her company's operating profit to society.

On the EBS broadcast of 'Baek Man Jang Ja Next Door with Seo Jang-hoon' aired on the 5th, Choi Yeon-mae, CEO of Kim Oon Moon Aloe, who led the popularization of aloe in Korea, shared her success story built with tears and perseverance.

Choi took the helm of the company in 2006, succeeding her late husband and founder, Chairman Kim Jeong-mun, who passed away in 2005. The company, established in 1975 and once a household name, faced a near-bankruptcy crisis due to the founder's illness.

Stepping out from behind her 'madam' title to lead the company, Choi faced cold stares and ridicule from within and outside the company. However, driven by a sense of mission to 'protect this company,' she confronted all criticism head-on. As a result, she repaid 40 billion won in debt within 10 years and has since re-established the company as a global brand with an annual revenue of 100 billion won.

Her relationship with the late Chairman Kim Jeong-mun, who was the head of the company while she managed a dealership, felt destined. She built a 'family-like bond' with the door-to-door saleswomen, who were crucial to dealership operations, achieving the number one sales rank nationwide in a short period. Later, as the first female general branch manager, she fell in love with Kim Jeong-mun when she was in charge of his reception during his visit as a lecturer to her region. Their relationship, initially forged through aloe, led to marriage after Kim's 'aloe proposal.' However, he passed away just 8 years into their marriage.

With her husband gone, an atmosphere of impending collapse, even receiving buyout offers, surrounded the company. To save the struggling business, Choi personally visited dealerships across the country, bowing deeply and conveying her sincerity. She even transparently disclosed the company's confidential documents to earn their trust. Ultimately, the company, freed from its 40 billion won debt, rose again and achieved a new era of prosperity through entering the home shopping market and expanding into the global arena.

Choi Yeon-mae continues to uphold the 'sharing' philosophy left by her husband. She offers free access to Korea's largest aloe farm, spanning 2,800 pyeong (approximately 9,200 sq meters) with annual maintenance costs of 2.4 billion won. As of 2024, she donates 50% of the operating profit to society, carrying on her husband's vision of donating 90% of profits during his lifetime. Through various social contribution activities, such as the 'Man Man Man Life Movement' supporting children in least developed countries and aloe sapling donation campaigns, she extends a helping hand across society.

Next week's episode will feature Yuk Gwang-sim, the 'school tycoon who collected buildings and ended up buying a hotel.' EBS 'Baek Man Jang Ja Next Door with Seo Jang-hoon' airs every Wednesday at 9:55 PM.

Netizens lauded CEO Choi Yeon-mae's dedication and inspiring business philosophy, commenting things like 'CEO Choi Yeon-mae is truly amazing,' 'This is a heartwarming story,' and 'Her commitment to philanthropy is truly respectable.'