In the early 1960s, South Korea was experiencing a serious trade deficit. The country's domestic market was not strong enough to support domestic businesses. After World War II, when Korea was divided by the Allies, all the natural resources were in the territory north of the 38th parallel. North Korea, with its stronger military, wasted little time before invading the South after the withdrawal of the U.S. military. In 1953, the nation was at peace finally, and South Korea started an intensive drive towards economic development, transforming rapidly from an agrarian economy to an industrial, centrally planned economy. Determined to never again go through hostile invasions and lack of vital resources, South Korea became an economic miracle. Daewoo Group was established by Kim Woo Choong during this period of economic emergence. Daewoo, that translates as "Great Universe," was founded in 1967.
Even if the company's initial share capital was just $18,000, Kim as well as his partners believed that the company would be successful. This proved true, because Daewoo became amongst the largest chaebols, or businesses of the country. The business had operations in a wide array of businesses, including shipbuilding, motor vehicles, heavy industry, aerospace, consumer electronics, telecommunications, trading and financial services. Exports were greatly promoted and a network of offices was established abroad. Eventually, there were over 100 branches throughout the globe. The corporation at its peak sold thousands of various products in more than 130 countries. By the late 1990s the corporation had become considerably overextended. Daewoo was seriously in debt, and Kim was accused of corporate wrong doing. The South Korean government ordered the conglomerate dismantled during 1999 and other businesses bought most of Daewoo's holdings.