From Failure to Fortune: Chairman's Generous Giving Inspired by His Own Struggles

The story of Oh Seok-song, the chairman of Meta Biomed, is a powerful testament to resilience, philanthropy, and the belief in paying forward the kindness received. Having faced significant business failures, Oh's journey from near ruin to becoming a successful entrepreneur and a prominent philanthropist is deeply rooted in his philosophy: 'Failure is an experience if you don't give up.' This conviction has not only guided his business endeavors but also fueled his extensive charitable activities across the Chungbuk region.

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I failed, but I was able to get back up with the help of those around me. Failure is an experience if you don't give up. So, I help too.

Oh's commitment to giving back is evident in his substantial donations, totaling over 900 million won. A significant portion of these contributions has been directed towards Chungbuk National University Hospital, where he has donated 191.5 million won across 11 instances since 2013. His recent pledge of 30 million won for the 'Golden Time Life Fund' aims to establish and operate an emergency medical ward, reflecting his personal understanding of the importance of timely medical care, especially for those with chronic health conditions like himself.

Beyond healthcare, Oh's philanthropy extends to a wide array of social causes. He consistently supports the Chungbuk Community Chest of Korea, the Korean Red Cross, and various regional universities. His generosity also reaches less visible but equally important recipients, including shelters, child welfare foundations, social welfare centers, victims of crime support centers, and even foreign exchange students at the Air Force Academy. His support for the Dongbeom Foundation, which honors civic activists, further underscores his belief in the vital role of dedicated individuals in strengthening society.

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I myself am a walking hospital, and I see many sick people around me. I hope a comprehensive severe emergency medical center can be established in the region so people don't have to go to Seoul for treatment.

Meta Biomed, Oh's company, is a globally recognized 'strong small company' specializing in dental root canal filling materials, biodegradable surgical sutures, and aesthetic/surgical materials. Notably, its root canal filling material holds the number one global market share, and its biodegradable sutures rank seventh worldwide. This success, however, was hard-won. Oh recounts his early failures, including a venture in Indonesia that collapsed due to various challenges, leading him to a point of despair. It was the support from his high school alumni and family that provided the crucial seed money to re-establish his business, ultimately leading to the founding of Meta Biomed.

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I believe that civic activists like Mr. Choi Byung-joon, who have dedicated their lives to the civic movement in the Chungbuk region, are essential for our society. They help our society remain healthy and well-supported.

Oh's personal philosophy is encapsulated in the 'Keep Going' sticker he often shares. He believes that setbacks are temporary and that perseverance can lead to renewed opportunities. His consistent message, delivered through his signature blue shirt and red tie attire, is one of hope, vitality, and trust. He encourages those facing difficulties to endure, drawing from his own life experiences where not giving up ultimately led to success and the ability to help others.

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I told myself, 'I failed, but I didn't give up, and when I stood up again, opportunities came. This life I'm living, after almost dying, is a bonus. I hope I can be of some help. No matter how hard it is, keep going.'