We are pleased to introduce you to Yo Han, who has been with Hyosung for 12 years! Yo Han’s interest in fashion and eventual curiosity about the materials that go into producing garments drew him to Hyosung. He has a passion for figuring out how to turn trash into functional products and has been responsible for developing Hyosung’s extensive recycled nylon and polyester collection of functional yarns. Yo Han will join the Hyosung Team at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Denver, CO taking place this June 9-11. For those attending, please stop by our booth #49046 to say hi! Until then, you can get to know Yo Han a bit in the following Q & A.
How did you get your start in the textile industry? My major at University was Communication & Information and wanted to work at a PR agency. However, I decided to apply at Hyosung in order to gain experience with a large company. And so, that’s how I started to work in the textile field. I have been at Hyosung for 12 years now!
What led you to Hyosung? Hyosung is smaller than global Korean-based companies such as Samsung and Hyundai, but it is a solid global company. Rather than being buried in a very large organization, I wanted to work in a place where I would have a stronger presence. Hyosung was just right.
Have you always been interested in the textile industry and if so why? My interest in fashion naturally led me to become more interested in companies that produce the raw materials that go into producing those final fashion products.
How has sustainable fiber innovation influenced your position at Hyosung?Since I joined the company in 2011, my senior predecessor emphasized that an eco-friendly era will come in the next 10 years. He said he would like me to succeed him as an expert in the eco market. Now I'm in charge of Hyosung's recycling products on his behalf.
What do you like best about your role at Hyosung?
Of course, that would be my present role as the Recycled Product Manager! I am work with such pride, and I have a lot of responsibility as I am choosing recycled products that will be the future of Hyosung.
Can you share a memorable/proud moment you’ve experienced at Hyosung? Earlier this year, our Chairman approved the investment plan for post-consumer recycled nylon made from discarded fishing nets. In 2007, we were the first in the world to produce recycled nylon from discarded fishing nets, but it was a business that could not be expanded significantly due to immature market conditions. However, with recent developments around the issue of eco-friendly products, we believe post-consumer recycled nylon must be revived. So we conducted market research, secured raw material sourcing, and secured the right quality through a pilot test. So, we have finally decided to invest in depolymerization facilities and production will start at the end of this year.
How do you think the textile industry and Hyosung have changed over the last 2 to 3 years? The most relevant issue in the textile industry is the eco-friendly trend, so we are focusing on researching and developing related products. Currently, we are focusing on recycled yarn, but in the future, we will accelerate the development of garment recycling, which is the ultimate form of recycling along with bio-materials.
Do you have a favorite Hyosung fiber and if so, what is it?
Of course, it's a recycled product! It is so attractive to see garbage being recycled and made into a new product. Through hard work and difficulty, our predecessors began developing recycled products before the eco-friendly market became really active. I am happy that these recycled products seem to be seeing light now, and I'm going to develop them more so that they don't become someone else's job.
Who are a few idols that inspire you and why?
The trend these days is the soccer player Son Heung-min. What inspires me the most is his desire to win, his constant effort, and his humble personality.
What music are you listening to these days? I am so into children's songs, thanks to my 2-year-old child! Baby shark - It's not boring to sing it even 10 times with a child!
As we come out from under COVID, what are you most looking forward to doing when we more restrictions are lifted?
I want to go to Hawaii with my wife and my 2-year-old son, Zion, on my honeymoon.
Where is one place you’ve never been, but is high on your list to visit? My father is a pastor, and due to his influence, I am a faithful believer. Maybe that's why I want to go to places like Turkey or Israel for a pilgrimage someday. I believe visiting these places that I've only read about in the Bible, will be very inspirational and emotional.
