A Collection of Essays
Be the Key
Ten Korean Women on Careers, Culture, and Identity
Ten personal essays. Ten careers shaped across cultures, expectations, and moments of doubt. One book that asks what it truly means to lead.
A Collection of Essays
About the Book
“Be the Key” is a deeply human and refreshingly honest exploration of what it means to shape a career in South Korea, a sense of self, and a purpose—across cultures, expectations, and moments of doubt.
Written by ten Korean women, this collection of essays forms a layered portrait of modern womanhood, leadership, and quiet strength. From confronting patriarchal norms and navigating motherhood to negotiating promotions in rigid corporate environments, these stories reflect persistence, reinvention, and growth.
The authors first met through the British Embassy in Seoul and the British Chamber of Commerce's EMPOWER program, later expanding their reflections with support from the Australia-Korea Foundation in Melbourne.
The Writers
Meet the Authors
Ten Korean women. Ten extraordinary careers. One collective voice.
Deputy Managing Director — Intralink Korea
Narai specialises in helping tech companies enter new markets internationally. She holds an MSc in Strategic Innovation Management from the University of Sussex and spent 13 years as a Senior Researcher at the National Academy of Engineering of Korea.
Book edited by Josie Daw
What Readers Say
Praise for Be the Key
If you are invested in seeing South Korea thrive in the coming decades, then I suggest you read this book. The stories provide valuable insights into the role that women will need to play in moving the country forward, as well as the challenges that must be understood and addressed.
”Sam Richards
Professor of Sociology, Penn State University
This book is for anyone interested in really understanding contemporary Korea. If you work with, engage with or just wish to understand the realities of Korean society, this book can be your guide. It outlines the challenges faced by women but particularly highlights the enormous potential of a generation of highly educated, highly motivated, and powerful women. There is heartbreak, surprise, and many things to admire in this book. But ultimately, these stories are hopeful.
”Jeff Robinson
Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea
We tend to focus on a small number of global super-leaders and powerful Chaebol bosses, but understanding the experiences of these talented women feels more important now than ever. The contributors are important stakeholders in Korea's future, and their stories need to be heard. I am delighted that JLR could support this initiative and that I had the opportunity to meet the amazing women whose personal journeys make Be the Key such a powerful read.
”Robin Colgan
Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Korea
Be the Key is a moving collection of stories by women reshaping Korea's professional landscape with quiet strength and clarity. A powerful reminder of how personal journeys can drive collective change.
”Pinky Lilani CBE DL
Founder & Chair, Women of the Future
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Be the Key is available in English. Choose your preferred retailer below.
Be the Key
Ten Korean Women on Careers, Culture, and Identity
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Ten Korean Women on Careers, Culture, and Identity
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