The Ultimate FIRE Guide: How I Earned $2.6 Million and Retired Before 30
At 32, Han Jung-soo achieved what many office workers aspire to: financial independence through the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. After joining Shinhan Card in 2018, Han leveraged the turbulence in global financial markets caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to generate significant returns. His investments in domestic and international stocks, as well as cryptocurrency, earned him 3.5 billion won (approximately $2.6 million). This success allowed him to resign from his job in March 2021, marking a milestone in his four-year journey to financial freedom.
Hankook Ilbo
Hankook Ilbo
Han Jung-soo: A new perspective on financial independence and happiness.
Hankook Ilbo
Han's new book, Fired: Financial Independence, Release Economic Dominion, co-written with fellow FIRE advocate Kang Ki-tae, takes a unique approach to the FIRE movement. Rather than offering a quick-money blueprint, the book delves into the deeper aspects of wealth and the pursuit of happiness. According to Han, while many in South Korea equate wealth with happiness, his experience revealed otherwise. “Money doesn’t solve everything. I wrote this book to explore our societal attitudes toward money and the philosophy behind it,” Han shared in a recent interview with the Hankook Ilbo.
The Elusive Pursuit of Happiness Through Wealth
Initially, Han believed wealth would lead him to fulfillment. He checked off items on his wish list, purchasing high-end luxury goods like a 20 million won Leica camera, indulging in expensive shoes, and dining at exclusive omakase restaurants. Yet, the happiness these material possessions brought was fleeting. “It only lasted three days. The joy from material goods quickly fades. After a while, the bar for satisfaction rises, and you need to buy more to feel that rush again,” he reflected.
Realizing the limitations of material wealth, Han shifted his perspective. He began to view money not as a means to acquire more possessions, but as a tool for securing intangible values, such as time. “Through investments, I gained 30 extra years of life. I now have more opportunities to fail and try again,” he explained.
Rediscovering the Meaning of Work
Han eventually returned to work, founding Yeondu Company, a drama production firm, in pursuit of his lifelong dream of directing films and dramas. This decision was not driven by financial need, but by a deeper understanding that work and happiness are not mutually exclusive. “Work is not just about earning money. Being part of the FIRE movement made me rethink the true meaning of work,” he said.
He observed that many young, wealthy individuals he met continued to work, despite having the financial freedom to retire. Han runs an investment community for high-net-worth individuals, predominantly born in the 1980s and 1990s, who maintain a net worth of at least 3 billion won. These individuals, despite their financial independence, choose to keep working.
“Having a lot of money doesn’t guarantee happiness. Life continues, and for some, the relentless pursuit of wealth harms their health and relationships. Once they reach financial freedom, they realize that it’s not the answer to all their problems. Some even fall into the trap of thinking they need to earn more, perpetuating a cycle of discontent,” he shared.
Redefining Financial Independence
In his book, Han offers a redefined view of financial independence. He emphasizes that it’s not just about accumulating enough wealth to stop working, but about pursuing wealth without becoming enslaved by it. The title of his book, Fired, reflects this philosophy: Financial Independence, Release Economic Dominion. “Money is merely a tool for happiness. One should not abandon personal goals in the pursuit of wealth,” Han said. His hope is that the book helps others avoid becoming controlled by money and encourages finding joy in the process of earning it.
Through his journey, Han Jung-soo underscores that true freedom is not just about financial independence, but about aligning one's values and priorities, discovering purpose beyond wealth, and fostering a balanced approach to work and life.
