What do batteries and weightlifting have in common? Pro Seong-been Kwon has discovered a common thread—technology—between these two seemingly different fields. Pro Kwon recently made headlines in local news by winning three gold medals at a weightlifting competition. Let’s learn more about him.

Please briefly introduce yourself.

I am Seong-been Kwon, and I enjoy weightlifting as a hobby after work. I am responsible for SAMSUNG SDI’s solid-state battery pilot line.

[An interview with Pro Seong-been Kwon]

How did you get into weightlifting?

#Turning Weakness into Strength_Finding Passion Through Practice

Originally, I was focused on CrossFit, but weightlifting was my weak point. To improve, I started dedicating extra time to weight training, and in the process, I became deeply interested in it. Competing in regional competitions and witnessing my own progress gave me a great sense of satisfaction. In July, I participated in the National Amateur Weightlifting Competition and won first place in the snatch, clean and jerk, and total score. The difference in my records between my first competition and my most recent results one is about 10kg. Seeing the direct results of my efforts and breaking my previous records gives me an indescribable thrill. That feeling is what keeps me going in this sport. 

[Pro Kwon won a gold medal and a certificate]

What are the changes in your life since you started weightlifting?

#Consistency and Patience_A Mindset That Also Helps at Work.

Through regular training, I’ve developed patience that helps me stay composed in various situations. In weightlifting, you only get about one minute to lift, which requires intense concentration and endurance. To successfully lift 100kg in a competition I need to have lifted it at least nine times in training. At the same time, technique is crucial. When I first started, I relied too much on raw strength, which led to poor form and a higher risk of injury. But as I refined my technique, I became much more efficient in lifting heavier weights while minimizing injuries. Mastering the right technique allows me to lift heavier loads with greater ease.

This mindset is incredibly useful in my work. Battery manufacturing also demands patience and meticulous attention to small technical details. When working with new technologies, things often don’t go as planned, but learning from past attempts and continuously refining the process is essential. This approach is the key to achieving perfection in both fields. 

[Pro Kwon works at the SAMSUNG SDI’s ASB pilot line]

What similarities do you see between your work at SAMSUNG SDI and weightlifting? 

#Battery and Weightlifting_More Similar Than You’d Think

The importance of technology is the biggest commonality. Developing next-generation batteries like solid-state batteries requires cutting-edge innovations. Similarly, in weightlifting, breaking new personal records requires mastering unique techniques. Another similarity is that one successful attempt sets a new standard. Just as a new battery technology emerges after countless trials, weightlifting also requires repeated practice and failure before successfully lifting a new weight. In both cases, I think consistent effort and technical refinement lead to greater achievements. 

Both weightlifting and battery development are essential pillars of my life. Though it may be ambitious, I want to keep growing in both areas—contributing significantly to solid-state battery development at SAMSUNG SDI while continuously improving my weight lifting records. 

[Pro Kwon practices weightlifting at the gym]

Pro Kwon has a strong belief in synergetic influence of patience and technology. SAMSUNG SDI supports Pro Seong-been Kwon in his pursuit of excellence in both batteries and weightlifting alike.