Han Jung-soo, 32, achieved what many office workers dream of: becoming part of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. After joining Shinhan Card in 2018, he capitalized on the global financial market turmoil caused by COVID-19, earning 3.5 billion won ($2.6 million) through domestic and international stock and cryptocurrency investments. He resigned in March 2021, marking four years since leaving his job.
His new book, “Fired,” co-written with another FIRE member, Kang Ki-tae, is not a financial guide on 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 with the Hankook Ilbo. “I wrote this book to discuss our attitudes toward money and the philosophy behind it.”
Price of happiness keeps rising
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. As an avid photographer, he bought a Leica camera worth 20 million won, splurged on luxury shoes and dined at high-end omakase restaurants without checking price tags. However, the excitement was short-lived.
“It lasted only three days. I realized that happiness from material possessions is fleeting. Once you get used to it, you need to buy something new to feel that happiness again. But over time, the threshold for satisfaction rises, making it harder to feel fulfilled,” he said. Instead of viewing money as a means for acquiring goods, he started seeing it as a tool for securing intangible values like time. “I earned 30 years of my life through investments,” he explained. “I gained a few extra chances to fail and try again.”
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