From humble beginnings to becoming the Chairperson of BYN Black Group, Kang Tae Sun has been at the forefront of supporting Nepal's mountaineering community-championing clean-up campaigns, preserving the mountain ecosystem, and most recently,signing the 'Himalayan Climate Charter Declaration 2025'after more than 50 visits to Nepal over several decades. A native of Jeju Island in South Korea, Kang Tae Sun began to grasp the gravity of climate change after witnessing turtles rendered motionless, trapped in plastic waste. It was then he realized that safeguarding the planet requires protecting the upstream-beginning with the mountains. In this exclusive interview withMausam Shah 'Nepali'ofThe Himalayan Times, Kang Tae Sun discusses the far-reaching impacts of climate change, BLACKYAK's commitment to preserving the mountain ecosystem, ongoing clean-up campaigns, waste management the vital role of Icefall Doctors, collaboration withSagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC),Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the unwavering support of Nepal's mountaineering community. How Ukraine can cope with the US pause on crucial battlefield weapons Nepali, Indian journalists collaborate to strengthen transboundary climate and disaster reporting Prepare for an insightful journey into the opportunities and challenges climate change presents in Nepal-a sector that holds both promise and peril for the nation's future.Excerpt: THT: Could you tell us about BLACKYAK-what it is and how it all began? Kang Tae Sun:BLACKYAK is a South Korea-based company that specializes in the production of high-quality mountaineering gear. Today, we operate manufacturing plants in four other countries, including the United States, Germany, China, and Vietnam. Reflecting on the early days, I moved from Jeju Island to Seoul as a boy in the early 1970s. While hiking in the nearby highlands, I began collecting surplus U.S. Army bags. I would take them to local shops, show the design, and ask if they could help me replicate a few so I could sell them as a street vendor. (He shared this memory with a somber smile, recalling his humble beginnings-with the help of a translator.) I've always had a deep affection for the mountains. Whenever I had the chance, I would go hiking around Seoul. Over time, through word of mouth, my bags gained popularity. Initially, the brand was called "Giant"-not BLACKYAK. In my view, the turning point came in 1988 when Um Hong-gil, the first South Korean to summit Mt. Everest, returned to a hero's welcome. A red carpet was rolled out for him from the airport all the way into the city-about 24 kilometers. That moment sparked public awareness about mountaineering, and even university committees began recommending Giant bags and gear as essential equipment for expeditions. THT: Do you remember when you first traveled to Nepal? Kang Tae Sun:Of course I do-how could anyone forget their first experience in such a remarkable place? It was in 1992 when I first visited Nepal. I spent around 72 days here, exploring the Kanchenjunga Himal and its surrounding region with my team. Let me share something special: it was during this trip that I saw yaks for the very first time. I was so fascinated by these majestic animals that I decided to rename my company from "Giant" to "BLACKYAK" in their honor. We don't see yaks in South Korea. For me, it was love at first sight with this magnificent creature," Sun shared. "I was so captivated that I even established a Yak Museum. I've visited Nepal more than 50 times-it truly feels like a second home to me." In my opinion, Nepalis seem happier these days than they were in the past. THT: Can you share something about the recently declared 'Himalayan Climate Charter 2025'? Kang Tae Sun:TheHimalayan Climate Charter 2025is a joint declaration focused on securing the environmental future of the Himalayas. It serves as a global call for immediate climate action, continued clean-up campaigns, technological and community-based collaboration, transparent disclosure of environmental data, amplification of frontline climate voices, and the strengthening of global partnerships and solidarity. The declaration emphasizes not only global efforts-such as carbon reduction-but also the importance of indigenous knowledge and local wisdom from communities that have lived in harmony with the Himalayas for generations. THT: What exactly is BlackYak doing in Nepal? Kang Tae Sun:Let me tell you-I first noticed the impact of climate change in the early 2000s during an expedition to one of Nepal's 8,000-meter peaks. The snow in the mid-section of the mountain was melting at an alarming rate, and I saw waste scattered across the once-pristine landscape. That moment was a turning point for me. I brought a Korean team to the mountains, and we did everything we could to clean up the area. I've always believed that while we may not be able to restore the mountain's past glory, we can at least prevent further degradation. It's never too late-which is why we recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) to help keep the mountains clean and preserve them for future generations. You may also know that BlackYak rebuilt a local school in Nuwakot district that was destroyed in the devastating 2015 earthquake and handed it back to the community. THT: How is BlackYak supporting SPCC, and the Icefall Doctors? Kang Tae Sun:For me, the Icefall Doctors are the unsung heroes of mountaineering, especially on Mt Everest. They risk their lives-leaving their loved ones behind-to forge a safe path so that others can achieve glory. We've signed a five-year agreement to provide them with high-quality mountaineering gear. Just last year, we invited the Icefall Doctors and SPCC representatives to Korea for hands-on training. The programme included advanced waste management practices and circular economy strategies, helping SPCC officials enhance their mountain clean-up operations. THT: How do you see climate change impacting the world? Kang Tae Sun:Climate change is having a devastating impact on people's lives across the globe. We're witnessing rising temperatures, intense heatwaves, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, glacial lake outbursts, and widespread biodiversity loss. Let us treat this crisis as an opportunity to collaborate and act swiftly-before the situation worsens. Nepal's glaciers are melting faster than ever, and coastal regions around the world face the threat of submersion. The loss of biodiversity is putting human life at risk, as we continue to chase luxury at the cost of the planet's health-an irony we can no longer afford to ignore. THT: As you mentioned, you have five manufacturing outlets around the world. Is there an official outlet in Nepal? Kang Tae Sun:At the moment, we have no plans to establish new manufacturing outlets elsewhere. However, we do collaborate with existing manufacturers in areas such as technical support, design, and other aspects. In Nepal, we do have an official BlackYak outlet, which is operated by Bhim Gurung. Given that Nepal is home to eight of the world's highest peaks above 8,000 meters, our aim is to provide high-end mountaineering gear through this outlet to support adventurers and climbers. Strolling down memory lane, Kang Tae Sun grew nostalgic and agreed to share some of his photographs with the media.