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Lee Min-ki, the head of Seokgyo Trading Co., marked the company’s 40th anniversary this year. Each day after lunch, he takes a walk along the Tancheon stream. This is a time without distractions, perfect for making key business decisions. However, he doesn’t take it easy—he walks quickly and dislikes being passed by others. Occasionally, he just enjoys the walk without any specific thoughts, and his steps are always light. It takes him 40 minutes to get to his destination and another 40 minutes to return, totaling 80 minutes and 10,000 steps. During these walks, he naturally expresses thanks: “God, thank you for letting me walk energetically.” He said, “There are many people in the world who can’t walk freely. I feel deeply grateful just for being able to walk well.”

Lee, born in 1953, is a pioneer in South Korea’s golf equipment sector. He transformed Seokgyo Trading Co., which initially imported golf gear, into a strong business during the IMF crisis and the time of the Financial Services Commission. Although it was revealed a few years back that he has diabetes, his much thinner appearance and good skin condition caught people’s attention. His methods for maintaining health were just as important as his knowledge about golf.

Two years back, I experienced an event that transformed my way of living. My wife asked me to change a lightbulb, and as I climbed onto a chair, my legs trembled so intensely that I was scared of falling. I had always believed I was fairly healthy, but that instant made me realize there was a serious issue. I had come across the term sarcopenia—the reduction of muscle mass due to aging—but it wasn’t until then that I fully grasped its significance.

He then started a weight loss journey. At a height of 168 cm, he now weighs between 65–66 kg, having shed around 8 kg from his previous 74 kg. He follows intermittent fasting (14 hours) by only consuming water and herbal tea after 6 p.m. and having his first meal at 8 a.m. the following day. His diet emphasizes low carbohydrates, vegetables, and protein. For breakfast, he eats raw vegetables, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, boiled shiitake mushrooms, one boiled egg, and a small portion of carbohydrates like brown bread or a baguette. For lunch or dinner, he eats based on his work schedule but keeps carbohydrate intake to a minimum.

“Even when eating the same food, the sequence in which it’s consumed has a major impact on blood sugar levels,” he explained. “I start with vegetables, then eat protein (such as anchovies), and finally consume one-third the amount of carbohydrates compared to before. This helps keep blood sugar levels stable after meals.” Due to a family history of diabetes, his glycated hemoglobin was 6.7–6.8 and his fasting blood glucose was 122 two years ago, but both are now within normal ranges.

Although he lacked confidence in starting weight management in his 70s, he participated in the hospital-associated ‘Switch On Diet’ program, which required taking pictures of his meals and sharing them with his doctor. When needed, he kept his energy levels up with nutritional supplements. He has now made exercise a regular part of his routine. In addition to walking 10,000 steps along the Tancheon, he works out for 20–30 minutes each morning and evening in small areas like his bathroom. He begins with three sets of 50 squats, and uses two 5 kg dumbbells to work on his biceps, triceps, and forearm muscles. In the morning, he focuses on his forearms and biceps; in the evening, his triceps and shoulder muscles. He recently started doing planks, holding each for 1 minute and 30 seconds in three sets, which makes his body shake significantly.

When I catch a glimpse of myself in the bathroom mirror following a workout, I experience a boost in self-assurance. Observing my muscles developing over time leads me to think, ‘I’m still here.’” At a recent high school gathering, someone teased, “I can’t spend time with you anymore. You look way too young, and your clothing is overly fashionable.

Lee is a prominent figure in the golf industry, recognized for his passion for cycling and expertise in coffee roasting. In his free time, he enjoys music with friends and maintains golf as his primary career. “Having this job brings me a lot of happiness. Interacting with people helps me stay disciplined. If I had retired, I wouldn’t have taken care of my health so seriously,” he said. He also mentioned wanting to attend early morning Mass and participate in volunteer activities similar to Saint Vincent, the name he chose during his confirmation.

The most fulfilling event he arranges is the annual autumn “Love Sharing Golf Tournament.” During last year’s 17th iteration, he managed to gather around 240 million South Korean won in sponsorships, which were given to Sungga Welfare Hospital, Joseph Hospital, and Seondeokwon. The tournament has consistently come close to surpassing its fundraising record each year, with total donations surpassing 2.1 billion South Korean won over 23 years. When including personal contributions and medical equipment support, the overall amount exceeds 2.3 billion South Korean won.

I don’t think the fortune and good fortune I’ve experienced is solely due to me. That’s why I feel ashamed when I witness people who are struggling. I maintain the belief that I should give back and repay the blessings I have received from others.