Beloved by so many, Kyung Tae (“KT”) Jung, age 55, passed away on Sunday April 14th in Houston, Texas. KT was born in Seoul, South Korea and he spent his childhood and teenage years in Busan, South Korea. Upon high-school graduation, he attended Korea University, majoring in geology. Post graduation, he had the opportunity to study abroad in the United States at Texas A&M University.
KT began working at Samsung C&T in Seoul, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious career focused on the oil and gas sector. His key role was to seek new venture opportunities for Samsung, which led him to numerous international locations spanning the globe. He played a pivotal role in evaluating and overseeing projects in Vietnam, China, and North America. In 2008, KT moved with Samsung to Houston, Texas, as they ventured into an unfamiliar territory of the Gulf of Mexico. KT and his team at Samsung, along with their partner Korea National Oil Corporation, acquired a major offshore oil producer. Samsung expanded its footprint in the US with another significant acquisition of a private oil company in West Texas. KT relocated to Midland, Texas where he served as COO and eventually became the President of the acquired oil company. He stewarded the eventual sale of the company in 2023 and moved back to Houston.
KT was a wonderful companion to his wife Eun Joo (“Salene”) Baik and an amazing friend to so many. KT was a leader in his professional life and a compassionate and caring individual. His calmness and strength were reassuring, especially during turbulent times. And a lifelong career in oil & gas had many turbulent times! His quiet yet witty humor will truly be missed. Aside from his many accomplishments in his professional life, KT cherished spending time with Salene. They were grateful for the small, but priceless everyday happiness that they shared.They enjoyed playing golf, trying new restaurants, traveling and spending quality time with their friends. KT also admired his son, Kevin Jung, who resides in San Francisco and spoke highly of him.
In addition to his wife and son, he is survived by his brother In Soo Jung, who resides in Seoul, Korea.
A memorial service will be held in honor of KT at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home on Sunday April 21st at 2pm.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5