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Q. What inspired you to take on a new challenge by transitioning from professor to entrepreneur?

A. I always felt that it was a shame for the findings from my lab to remain confined to academic papers. I wanted to see my technology put to use in the real world and hoped that my research findings could be turned into products that deliver tangible value to consumers. That desire naturally led me to take on the new challenge of starting a business. Soonchunhyang University's Business Incubation Center offered more than just workspace. It was a place where I could explore both research and business development with the support of others. The biggest reason I chose the center was the opportunity to pursue new challenges freely while receiving various forms of support within the secure environment of the university.

Q. Which forms of support from Soonchunhyang University were most helpful in growing your business during its early stages?

A. The greatest source of strength was knowing that I was not alone. The workspace and business consulting provided by the Business Incubation Center significantly eased the burden during the early stages, while the university's research facilities and startup support infrastructure helped lay a solid foundation for our products and business. Above all, the guidance and support of the professors and center staff, who helped me find the right direction whenever I felt uncertain, laid the groundwork for what Bangkeejung Corp. is today. I believe the university has been a reliable partner at every stage of our company’s growth.

Q. How did Soonchunhyang University's global support programs and collaboration with GTEP students help your company expand into overseas markets?

A. Exporting was uncharted territory for us as well. The university's global support programs helped us find a way into overseas markets, and our collaboration with GTEP students marked our first steps into various e-commerce marketplaces, including Shopee and Qoo10 Japan. We then gradually expanded our international presence by preparing to sell on Amazon and developing overseas marketing strategies. The students' fresh perspectives gave us opportunities to learn from them, and their enthusiasm accelerated our company's growth. I am truly grateful for this partnership, which allowed both the students and our company to learn from each other and grow together.

Q. What inspired your company to donate products worth KRW 50 million to the university after achieving such successful growth?

A. We have received tremendous support from the university. I believe Bangkeejung Corp. is where it is today because the university believed in our potential and supported us. When our company reached a point where we had some resources to spare, Soonchunhyang University was the first place that came to mind. Rather than viewing this donation as a way of repaying the university, I hope it will be seen as our desire to share the support we received from the university and its students and contribute in a small way to this virtuous cycle of giving back. We also hope that our products will serve as a small gesture of support and encouragement to the students.

Q. What do you think gives Soonchunhyang University its unique competitive edge in supporting startups?

A. I believe Soonchunhyang University’s greatest competitive advantage in supporting startups is the power of connections. The university's close-knit network and collaborative system, which allow entrepreneurs to quickly connect with professors, students, and relevant departments whenever they need help, are what make Soonchunhyang University unique. To aspiring entrepreneurs, I would say: Don’t wait until everything is perfectly in place. I believe starting a business is not something you do after completing all your preparations, but a process of building things step by step through challenges and hands-on experience. Even if you start with limited resources, there are people here who will help you fill in the gaps. Having the courage to trust those connections and take on the challenge is the first step. 

Q. What kind of future would you like Bangkeejung Corp. and Soonchunhyang University to build together?

A. I want Bangkeejung Corp. to be remembered as a company that grew alongside the university. We will continue to pursue joint R&D, internship programs, and collaborations with GTEP students, sharing our experience in overseas market expansion and exports so that it can serve as a valuable real-world example for students and emerging businesses. The future I envision with Soonchunhyang University is one in which the university's research and talent come together with businesses to enter global markets, and successful companies, in turn, give back to the university and its students. I hope to sustain this virtuous cycle of mutual growth for years to come.