What is the first thing you consider when starting a business?
It's not about items, technology, or funds, but the mentality of the founder.
Kim Ha-seop, CEO of Medipresso, reached this conclusion after three failed attempts. His business, which contained tea and herbal teas in Nespresso-compatible capsules, began with a minor inconvenience in everyday life, but its completion required mental discipline and persistent pivoting.
Having recently become widely known to the public through his appearance on the popular program 'I am SOLO', he is gaining attention as a startup entrepreneur and influencer, and in his lectures and seminars, he talks about the truth of the process rather than the glamour of starting a business.
His message, “If you look at problems with sincerity and treat people with sincerity, the way will open up,” is as gentle as a cup of tea, but has a lasting resonance.
"Why aren't cars available in capsules?"… A question becomes a business.
CEO Kim Ha-seop's founding of the company began not with grand ambitions, but from the inconveniences of daily life.
"I've always wanted to enjoy tea in my busy daily life, but the process of steeping tea leaves was always a challenge. Coffee capsules are a breeze with the push of a button, so why aren't the teas and herbal teas Koreans enjoy in capsule form?"
This simple question captivated him. The idea that tea could be consumed quickly and easily through high-pressure extraction became concretized as "Medipresso." The brand name embodies the company's value of helping busy modern people quickly and easily establish a habit of physical and mental well-being (Medi) like espresso.
Learning from three failed pivots… "Change direction while staying true to your core."
The initial market response was different from expectations. Manufacturing barriers, distribution difficulties, and financial constraints. CEO Kim Ha-seop experienced three failures in his early days as a startup, but instead of hiding them, he shared them with his team and found solutions.
“Failure is not a bad choice; it’s just a less-than-perfect choice.”
He cited the basketball term 'pivot' as an example.
"Pivoting is about maintaining the center of gravity of one foot while shifting your stance with the other foot to explore new positions. I've pivoted by constantly changing the platform and content while maintaining the core idea of 'car as a capsule.'"
What he learned along the way was clear: people matter more than numbers, and direction matters more than speed. Being a CEO means being the decision-maker. He emphasized the weight of responsibility, saying, "A CEO isn't someone who excels alone, but someone who makes things work together." Just as important as product quality was team trust, and this stemmed from transparent communication. He delegated authority, shared the results, and took responsibility first in times of crisis.
CEO Kim Ha-seop defined organizational culture as “a promise and atmosphere in which the CEO and members reach agreements one by one to move forward in a better direction.”
“The organizational culture we established early on became a major foundation for the company's growth.”
A trust-centered organizational culture has become a force that keeps the team unshaken even in times of crisis.
A Changed Landscape After Appearing on "I'm SOLO"… Influencers Sharing the Entrepreneurial Spirit
CEO Kim Ha-seop's life has changed dramatically since appearing on "I'm SOLO." His unique yet genuine approach and entrepreneurial spirit, showcased on the show, captivated viewers. Through this, he has gone beyond being a mere guest to become an influential influencer. In an era where brands and personal stories are shared, he feels a responsibility as an entrepreneur to embody his values in every word.
"I feel a huge responsibility. I just hope this can be an encouragement to some and a practical reference for others."
In the flood of lecture and seminar requests following the broadcast, CEO Kim Ha-seop shared the truth behind the process rather than flashy success stories. He particularly emphasized the "entrepreneurial spirit."
"It's not about simply living well and eating well for yourself. Entrepreneurship is about thinking about yourself, your organization, and our society as a whole, and working towards a better tomorrow. We need to look beyond immediate profits."
Philosophy in a cup of tea… "Providing the freedom of choice"
Medipresso's products aren't just simple beverages. CEO Kim Ha-seop says he wants to convey "the freedom of choice."
"Even in our busy lives, we can choose a tea with the push of a button, savor its aroma, and focus on ourselves. Technology creates convenience, brands create emotions, and people create meaning. That's the essence of business, I believe."
Ultimately, believing that health comes from habits, he hopes that modern people can easily take care of their health by making a cup of tea a habit every day.
CEO Kim Ha-seop delivered a clear message to those who dream of starting a business.
“If you look at a problem with sincerity and treat people with sincerity, the path will surely open.”
He emphasized that the most important thing in starting a business is not uncontrollable external factors such as items, technology, or money.
"Ultimately, the founder's mentality is crucial in starting a business. Having faith in yourself, never giving up, managing your mentality, and moving forward steadily, step by step. That's all there is to it."
His journey, which began with three failures, continues. Since his public debut with "I'm SOLO," he has been sharing the true story of entrepreneurship with more people.
A subtle yet lingering message, like a cup of tea. The core message conveyed by CEO Kim Ha-seop isn't flashy success, but the sincerity of an entrepreneur who maintains their mentality and moves forward with sincerity, step by step.
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