Shin Chang-jae's 'Marathon' Metaphor: Life Insurance Evolving into a Long-Term Investment Partner

Kyobo Life Insurance Chairman Shin Chang-jae has redefined the role of life insurance through the metaphor of a marathon, presenting a new vision of the industry as a 'pacemaker' accompanying customers on their long-term life journey, beyond simple risk coverage. This symbolic move reflects both the challenges and opportunities facing the life insurance industry in a rapidly changing financial landscape.

Shin Chang-jae's 'Marathon' Metaphor: Life Insurance Evolving into a Long-Term Investment Partner

Analyzing Chairman Shin's Marathon Analogy

Kyobo Life Insurance Chairman Shin Chang-jae’s use of the marathon to explain the role of life insurance is more than a simple analogy; it’s a significant message suggesting a paradigm shift in the life insurance industry. A marathon is a long-distance race, and successful completion requires consistent effort and strategic pacing. This is similar to a customer’s life journey, implying that life insurance should fulfill the role of a ‘pacemaker’ helping customers successfully complete the marathon of life.

Changing Financial Landscape and the Re-definition of Life Insurance’s Role

The low-interest-rate environment and the advancement of an aging society are significantly impacting the life insurance industry. The profitability of traditional insurance products is declining, and customer needs are becoming more diverse. In response to these changes, the life insurance industry is seeking new growth engines and focusing on developing customer-centric products and services. Chairman Shin Chang-jae’s marathon metaphor appears to emphasize the need for life insurance to strengthen its role as a long-term asset management partner in this changing flow.

Life Insurance as a ‘Pacemaker’: Specific Strategies?

For life insurance to fulfill the role of a ‘pacemaker,’ the following specific strategies are needed:

• Customized Product Development: Develop customized products that can meet the diverse needs of customers.


• Accelerated Digital Transformation: Utilize digital technology to provide customers with convenient and efficient services.


• Strengthened Asset Management Capabilities: Enhance capabilities to efficiently manage customer assets and generate long-term returns.


• Building Trust with Customers: Build trust with customers through transparent and fair management.

Conclusion: Life Insurance, an Investment Partner for the Future

Chairman Shin Chang-jae’s marathon metaphor emphasizes that the life insurance industry must evolve beyond simply providing risk coverage to become a long-term investment partner accompanying customers on their life journeys. This change is an essential condition for the sustainable growth of the life insurance industry and will provide opportunities to offer more valuable services to customers. FireMarkets provides real-time data across diverse asset classes and professional-grade market analysis content, supporting informed investment decisions.