Today is the third class of our current four-class set. We will start class with a casual conversation. Our reading will focus on the companies of the 50 wealthiest people in Korea.

Forbes published a 2019 50 Wealthiest Koreans list. I want to look at the individuals and their companies. I think this will give you a better understanding of industry in Korea. Number 43 on the Forbes list is Lee Hwa-kyung.

• Lee Hwa-kyung is the vice chairwoman of Orion, one of the country's oldest and most popular confectionery groups.

• In 2017 she was indicted of embezzling $356,000 through moving company-owned artworks to her home; critics say the blame has shifted from her husband.

• Her husband, Dam Chul-gon, who chairs the group, was acquitted of charges of embezzlement and tax evasion in an ongoing case that started in 2011.

• The second daughter of Lee Yang-koo, founder of Dongyang (precursor to the group), Lee also runs Orion's entertainment business Showbox.

• Lee holds nearly a 33% stake in Orion Holdings, while her husband owns 29%.

For our listening material, we will go back to some NPR stories. Let’s try without transcripts. Listen carefully and ask your questions in class. We will continue with unit 4 in our grammar book.

Click HERE for the reading