During the early part of the 1960s, South Korea was experiencing a serious trade deficit. The domestic market of the country was not really that strong to support domestic businesses. Following WWII, when Korea was divided by the Allies, all the natural resources were in the territory north of the 38th parallel. With its stronger military, North Korea, wasted little time before invading the South following the withdrawal of the U.S. military. In the year 1953, the country was finally at peace, and South Korea began an intensive drive towards economic development, transforming quickly from an agrarian economy to an industrial, centrally planned economy. Determined to never again experience hostile invasions and lack of essential resources, South Korea became an economic miracle. Daewoo Group was founded by Kim Woo Choong in this period of economic emergence. Daewoo, that means "Great Universe," was founded during the year 1967.
The initial share capital of the company was just $18,000, but Kim along with his partners believed that the business will become a great success. This proved true, and Daewoo went on to become one of the country's largest chaebols, or businesses. The corporation had operations within a wide array of businesses, like building ships, motor vehicles, heavy industry, aerospace, telecommunications, consumer electronics, financial services and trading. Exports were promoted heavily and a network of offices was established abroad. Eventually, there were more than 100 branches throughout the world. The corporation at its peak sold thousands of various items in over 130 nations. By the late 1990s the corporation had become significantly overextended. The corporation was really in debt, and Kim faced charges of corporate wrong doing. The South Korean government ordered the company dismantled during 1999 and other corporations purchased most of Daewoo's holdings.