Book on success stories of 50 SKorea returnees made public

Kathmandu, June 18: The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kathmandu has unveiled the second edition of its inspirational book titled ‘You Can Be the Boss’ (Tapai Pani Malik Banna Saknuhuncha), featuring 50 success stories of Nepali migrant workers who returned from South Korea and built successful businesses in Nepal.

Written in Nepali by Shiva Prasad Pokharel, the book celebrates the achievements of former migrant workers who transformed their lives by utilising the skills, knowledge, and financial resources acquired from South Korea through the various programmes such as Employment Permit System (EPS).

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and Park Taeyoung, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal launched the book amidst a function in Kathmandu.

The book highlights success stories after the introduction of Employment Permit System (EPS). The book features stories of Nepali returnees from South Korea, focusing on various sectors like 20 manufacturing, 16 agriculture, nine service and five education sector business.  

The book aims to inspire and encourage more Nepali youth, encompassing both economic opportunities and cultural impact. 

The Embassy had already published a book incorporating the success stories of 20 Korean migrant workers.

Deputy Prime Minister Paudel said that this book will send a positive message to Nepali youth, including workers abroad, to become entrepreneurs in Nepal by using the skills, technology and capital gained in South Korea and other countries.  

He said that it is a matter of pride for Nepal to enter the Korean labour market and use the knowledge and capital gained from there upon returning home to make a positive contribution to the country's economy.

"It is necessary to intensify the campaign to find a future within the country. However, in the current context, it is natural to go abroad for work, study and other activities. However, after a limited period, one should return to Nepal and contribute to the country by utilising the skills acquired abroad," he said.

On the occasion, Ambassador Park expressed his happiness to make public the second edition of the book that tells the inspiring stories of returnee migrant workers

"This edition now features 50 success stories—nearly twice as last year’s collection of 26, written by Shiva Prasad Pokharel. Those returnee migrant workers have become drivers of progress in Nepal through their hard work, determination and dreams," he said.

He said that this book is not merely a compilation of individual experience; it is a living record of the transformative power of bilateral employment cooperation between Korea and Nepal under the Employment Permit System (EPS).

Each individual featured in this book began their journey with courage—leaving home to work in Korea, where they gained not only income but skills, discipline, and a vision for their future. 

Upon returning to Nepal, they invested what they had earned—both financially and experientially—into creating businesses, generating local jobs, and contributing to their communities. 

"These 50 entrepreneurs exemplify what is possible when opportunity is met with ambition. They are more than success stories—they are role models, and their journeys are proof that temporary labour migration, when well-managed and mutually respectful, can bring sustainable benefits to both countries," said Park.

Over the last two decades, Korea and Nepal have cooperated closely under the EPS framework. Since 2007, over 100,000 Nepali migrant workers have worked in Korea on equal terms with Koreans through the EPS programme. 

It has created meaningful pathways for Nepali youth to gain employment, return with dignity, and uplift their home communities. 

To further strengthen this partnership, the Korean government, through KOICA, has been implementing the “K-Hami” project, offering stage-wise reintegration support from pre-departure to post-return.

He said that the EPS is not just a labour programme, it is a human development partnership.

On behalf of the success stories of Korean returnees incorporated in the book, Dharma Raj Joshi of Malikarjurn Hardware Private Limited and Suresh Bahadur Kshetri of Integrated Wild Life Agro shared their inspiration while working in Korea and operating business in Nepal.

On the occasion, Ambassador Park honoured them with the letter of appreciation.