photo exhibition-press conference
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| ▲ Park Yong-maan, former chairman of Doosan Group, speaks at a press conference for his upcoming photography exhibition, "Human Moment," in Seoul on Jan. 15, 2026. (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ Park Yong-maan, former chairman of Doosan Group, explains his photo at a press conference for his upcoming photography exhibition, "Human Moment," in Seoul on Jan. 15, 2026. (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ Park Yong-maan's photography exhibition, "Human Moment," on Jan. 15, 2026, at piknic, downtown Seoul. (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ A poster for Park Yong-maan's exhibition, "Human Moment," is seen in this image provided by piknic and the photographer on Jan. 15, 2026, at piknic, downtown Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
photo exhibition-press conference
Ex-Doosan Chairman Park Yong-maan makes photography debut after 50 years
By Woo Jae-yeon
SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Yonhap) -- Park Yong-maan, a prominent figure in South Korea's business community, is about to add one more title to his resume -- a belated, yet long-held dream: photographer.
Growing up in the chaebol family that founded Doosan Group, one of the country's largest conglomerates, he had to give up on his dream of studying photography in high school due to his father's strong opposition.
Another opportunity -- or rather, an urge to follow his heart -- came when he started a family. At that time, his wife supported the idea, but he shelved his dream once again, feeling "uncertain" about supporting his family as a professional photographer, Park said at a press conference for his upcoming exhibition in Seoul on Thursday.
Now retired from Doosan and aged 70, he has finally mustered the courage to share his photos from the past five decades.
"Thinking about how people would react to my photos makes me both excited and worried," he said.
The decision to open his collection to the public, he added, doesn't necessarily mean he's now confident in his work, but rather reflects his desire to have it examined by others.
"Up until now, I've only given out about four of my photos to others. I wasn't confident," he said.
His photographs document quiet moments from everyday life with an attentive gaze. He focuses on ordinary encounters and fleeting human presence, treating photography as a personal chronicle of seeing and engaging with the world around him.
Park often carries a camera with him, taking pictures spontaneously on the street -- of people and moments that catch his eye.
"I love photos with people in them. Even in pictures without people, there are traces of human life," he said. "For me, it is all about capturing how a moment feels. I want to hold onto that moment and relive it through my photos."
Preparing for his first-ever exhibition gave him a chance to "become very self-critical," he said, admitting he feels he hasn't made much progress in his photography all those years.
"Photos that I took in my 30s and 40s with a film camera were much better than those taken with digital," he said, noting the time and deliberate approach film cameras demand.
The exhibition spans the entire three-story space at piknic, downtown Seoul, presenting some 80 works. A photo book published to mark the exhibition brings together some 200 photographs.
Park served as chairman of Doosan Group from 2012-2016, and as chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a leading business lobby, from 2013-2021.
A devout Catholic, he has expanded his philanthropic activities, currently serving as chairman of The Path With You, an organization dedicated to supporting small businesses and the socially marginalized.
Most recently, he founded Bell Street Partners, a consulting firm aimed at offering management advisory services.
"I don't think there are clear criteria for distinguishing good photos from bad ones," he said. "What matters is whether they resonate with others."
The exhibition, "Human Moment," opens Friday and runs through Feb. 15.
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