Leadership Transition at Allianz Trade
Allianz Trade has introduced Wongi Kim as the new country manager for South Korea, starting April 1. Kim is set to succeed Andy Ryoo, who is retiring after over two decades of dedicated service to the credit insurance giant.
Edmond Lee, the CEO overseeing Allianz Trade’s operations in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea, commended Ryoo’s significant contributions. “I wish to congratulate Andy on reaching another career milestone and to thank him wholeheartedly for his contributions and achievements over the past two decades. He has been a rock for our South Korean business; we would not be where we are today without his dedication and commitment,” Lee stated.
Wongi Kim’s Experience and Vision
Kim arrives with extensive experience both from within Allianz Trade and the larger South Korean insurance industry. Since joining the firm in 2015 as a business development manager, he has progressed through increasingly senior roles, most recently as commercial manager since 2023. In this capacity, Kim was tasked with leading sales and account management functions. Before his tenure at Allianz Trade, he spent over eight years at Seoul Guarantee Insurance Company. Kim holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Dongguk University.
Broader Economic Context
This leadership shift occurs amid a wider pattern of increasing business insolvencies in the Asia-Pacific region. According to Allianz Trade’s 2025 Global Insolvency Report, insolvency cases worldwide are anticipated to rise by 6% in 2025 and 3% in 2026. If these projections are realized, it will represent five continuous years of escalating corporate failures globally, driven partly by tighter financial conditions and economic uncertainty.
South Korea is among the Asia-Pacific countries experiencing a surge in insolvencies, with a 17% increase reported in 2024. The construction, wholesale, and services sectors are among those with the highest failure rates. Allianz Trade anticipates this trend to persist into 2025, albeit at a slower rate of 3%, as challenges like subdued export demand and financing hurdles continue to affect businesses.
Future Outlook
Lee expressed confidence in Kim’s capabilities, stating, “With Wongi’s wealth of product knowledge and proven track record, I have every confidence that he will further strengthen our presence not just in the local market but in the region, and to foster stronger and enduring relationships with our customers and business partners.”
Kim, expressing enthusiasm for his new role, remarked, “I am honoured to take on this new role and continue the legacy of excellence that Andy has built over the years. Having worked closely with the team as commercial manager, I look forward to further strengthening our position in the market, delivering value to our clients, and deepening our relationships with partners. Together, we will drive continued success and growth for Allianz Trade in South Korea.”
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