Going Further Together, Not Alone - ID Hair General Manager Taesan

A place that values the process rather than the result, and the movement for long-term sustainability, based on the belief that we can support each other through the medium of ‘hair’ and go further within it. We met with Taesan, Head of ID Hair, to discuss his experiences as a leader at ID Hair, his leadership philosophy, and his thoughts on BMW.

PART 1. PROLOGUE: Self-Introduction and ID Hair

Q1. Please give a brief self-introduction for the magazine readers.

Hello. I am General Manager Taesan, in my 17th year at ID Hair. Based on the philosophy of "a salon where customers feel proud to be customers and want to recommend it to their loved ones," I have been leading the Dongtan Solbitnaru branch for the past 8 years. Currently, I oversee the operations of the Dongtan Mokdong and Yeoul Park branches, working closely with the field as an "executing leader" who turns vision into reality.

Q2. You have led the field at ID Hair for a long time, meeting countless customers and employees. What do you consider to be ID Hair's unique and irreplaceable strengths?

It can be summarized in three points. First is our core values of 'Honesty, Warmth, and Maturity'; second is our systematic 'Growth System'; and third is our 'Philosophy of Sharing.' Just like our slogan, "Our goal is to succeed together," ID Hair possesses a unique system that ensures the growth of its members. In particular, through our education system—the only one in Korea to have won the Minister of Education Award—over 1,800 colleagues across more than 110 stores are rapidly sharing success stories and growing together. We take pride in our warm corporate culture, which practices continuous social contribution, as ID Hair's true strength that cannot be imitated anywhere else.

Q3. If you were to compare your leadership style to BMW's driving modes (e.g., dynamic 'Sport Mode', smooth and flexible 'Comfort Mode', efficient 'Eco Pro Mode'), which one are you closest to?

That is a very interesting question. When I am actually behind the wheel, I tend to use 'Sport Mode' more than 80% of the time to fully enjoy the overwhelming performance. However, when leading an organization, I flexibly switch modes depending on the situation and environment. When I need to produce clear results or am given a task, I activate 'Sport Mode' to unleash my characteristic breakthrough power, but when flexibility and communication are required from a macroscopic perspective, I actively utilize 'Comfort Mode.' (Laughs) Of course, since my passion often gets the better of me, employees might feel that I am always driving in 'Sport Mode.' However, just as driving at high RPMs constantly puts a strain on the engine, I believe that adjusting the intensity is essential in organizational management as well.

PART 2. LIFESTYLE: General Manager Taesan and BMW

Q4. I understand that you have an extraordinary affection for BMW, to the point where you are referred to as a ‘BMW Brand Ambassador’ within the company. What is the biggest appeal of BMW that you have experienced firsthand?

It is the overwhelming 'driving pleasure' created by outstanding directness and immediate responsiveness. When I was considering switching to an imported car after my first vehicle, the Genesis Coupe, I test-drove all the leading brands, including Lexus, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. However, the moment I grabbed the steering wheel and pressed the accelerator, I did not hesitate for a moment to choose a BMW as my next car. The satisfaction derived from not only the driving performance but also the masculine and sophisticated design based on straight lines, as well as the driver-centric, meticulous interior and options, is immense.

PART 3. EPILOGUE: Future Vision

Q5. Finally, as autumn arrives, do you have any hair styling tips you would like to recommend to BMW Magazine readers, or any message you would like to share?

Autumn is a time when the scalp and hair, having been exposed to UV rays and sweat throughout the summer, become extremely dry and sensitive. Rather than using products with excessive cleansing power, you should choose a shampoo suited to your scalp type and restore the oil-moisture balance by gently massaging with your fingertips. After shampooing, provide ample hydration with a conditioner, and we strongly recommend using a heat protection product when using heat styling tools. In terms of styling, we recommend a layered cut or light waves that complement the autumn atmosphere while highlighting shine and natural movement. We hope you enjoy a beautiful autumn drive with healthy hair. Thank you.