Report an issue
Tell us what's wrong and we'll take a look.
Thanks – we got it. We'll review and follow up if needed.
"Chairman Chung believed that Hyundai Motors had to prioritise technological independence if they were to develop their automobile business. However, there were considerable objections within the company. There were many people who thought that it was impossible to build engines on our own. Engineers, too, balked at the idea."
Buckle Down recounts the full history of how Dr Hyun-Soon Lee, a young and inexperienced South Korean engineer, left an enviable job at General Motors in the United States and moved to Hyundai Motors in South Korea to take up the daunting challenge of inventing South Korea's very first automobile engine in the 1980s. Dr Lee's heartfelt stories of dejection and tenacity, which have remained untold until now, will help young adults seeking purpose in their lives to awaken to the value of an authentic life, and will inspire engineering students and professionals to embrace life's seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Hyun-Soon Lee
Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee is currently the vice chairman and chief technology officer of the Doosan Group. He began his professional career at the General Motors Research Institute, before leaving to join Hyundai in 1984. During his career with Hyundai, Dr. Lee was instrumental in developing the first engine produced by Hyundai, also known as the α-Engine, and the development of the β-Engine.
Hannah Pang
Translated by
Hannah Pang received her BA in geography from the National University of Singapore, and her MA in international studies from Korea University in Seoul, South Korea. She has received a translation grant from the Literature Translation Institute of Korea to translate South Korean poet Moon Tae-Jun's poetry collection titled A Faraway Place. Her translations have been published in The Guardian. She also translates non-fiction, including Grab and Go: A Food Business Millionaire's Secrets to Achieving What He Wants in Life (Harriett Press).
Why Readwise Books?
Readwise Books is an ebook & audiobook platform that automatically logs how much you and your friends read, making it fun and easy to read more. Learn more →