Seung Kon "SK" Lee,
Trader

Seung Kon “SK” Lee was given the trust and responsibility to open CM Biomass’ first office in South Korea, and the freedom to shape how it would develop. One year in, the team had traded over 100,000 tons of wood pellets, laying the foundation for growth in one of the world’s fastest-moving biomass markets. On starting at CM Biomass, SK says,

“I chose to join CM Biomass to open their first office in the Korean Market because it was an opportunity to grow. I saw the potential in the market and knew that we could only get bigger.” 

CM Biomass is part of the USTC Group, but operates with a high level of independence, something that appealed to SK from the beginning,

“It felt like the right next step. The setup gives you real ownership and trust. You get the chance to build something, not just follow a plan.” 

Curiosity and drive 

SK has always had an instinct for trading, something he discovered long before his professional career even began. As a kid, he was already making deals in the schoolyard trading Pokémon cards. 

The natural interest led him to study economics at Yonsei University. After graduating SK took a role at a large Korean trading and energy company. It was there he met the director of CM Biomass, which would later lead to the offer to open the Korean office. 

“Curiosity opens doors, but without the drive to push things forward, it won’t get you far,” reflects Seung Kon. 

Adapting to the challenge 

Today, SK handles both local operations and international coordination. The role has taught him to adapt quickly and take ownership, whether it is navigating time zones, overcoming language barriers, or building infrastructure from scratch. He elaborates,

“It is not easy and sometimes the workload seems impossible, but I have always believed that if you are determined, you can manage.” 

Working across borders has become a key part of his role. The support and shared knowledge across USTC companies have helped him build faster and smarter. 

“We work with colleagues in Denmark and elsewhere, and that collaboration makes a big difference. You feel the support, not just from my CM Biomass colleagues, but from the entire group. You are part of something bigger, but you keep the freedom to make your own decisions.”