Han Jung-soo, 32, achieved what many office workers dream of: becoming part of the Fire – which stands for “financial independence, retire early” – movement.
After joining South Korean credit card company Shinhan Card in 2018, he capitalised on the global financial market turmoil caused by Covid-19, earning 3.5 billion won (US$2.6 million) through domestic and international stock and cryptocurrency investments. He resigned in March 2021.
His new book, Fired, co-written with another Fire member, Kang Ki-tae, is not a guide to making money quickly. Instead, it delves into the stories of Fire members who discovered that wealth alone does not guarantee happiness.
“Many people in Korean society believe that money can solve everything, but my experience showed otherwise,” Han said in a recent interview. “I wrote this book to discuss our attitudes towards money and the philosophy behind it.”
Initially, Han believed that wealth would bring him happiness. He began crossing off items from his wish list – things he could never afford on a regular salary.