Tell us about your career journey.
I studied Economics at Yeungnam University and while in my third year of college, I hoped to become a government official by taking the first round of the civil service exam. However, it was difficult to pass both the first and second rounds at once, so I decided to go to graduate school after college, and finally passed the civil service exam in 1987.
Since 1988, I have been working as a government official at the Ministry of Labor. During my tenure at the Ministry of Labor, I also served as Secretary-General of the Central Labor Relations Commission (2016), Director of Employment Policy (2013-2015), and worked at the OECD in charge of labor market policies, among others. I also served as the director of the Korea Employment Information Service (2017-2019). Since 2020 I am a professor at the Tech University of Korea.
What was the highlight of your Mason experience?
I entered GMU for my Master’s degree in Economics in 1997. Back then living in the US wasn’t common for many Koreans, so the idea of living and studying in the US with my family, including my two little children, was thrilling. The two years I spent in the US were a time of recharging being away from work and a period when my family’s bond grew tighter. My two children went to Shrevewood Elementary School in the Falls Church neighborhood, and I was able to focus on my study and explore my intellectual curiosity.
One of the most memorable times at GMU was attending Nobel-prize-winning Professor James Buchanan’s lecture. Just by looking at size of the audience, I could tell the professor’s stature and achievement and I was proud to be in the audience. The experience and the degree from GMU opened up many doors for me. My Mason experience not only gave me skills and deeper knowledge in Economics, but also the courage to apply for a position that would have been otherwise unthinkable. I applied for the Regional Director position for the International Labour Organization’s Asia and the Pacific Office and went through a grueling process of interviews over several days. Even though I didn’t make it, it was the experience at GMU that got me that far!
What is your career advice for Mason students or alumni who may consider working in Korea?
When you have a specific goal in your mind, act decisively and sometimes very boldly to achieve that goal. So, my advice is to experience and explore as many different activities or ideas as possible while in college and develop new skills and knowledge to set your goal early on and act decisively!
When I think back to the time when I was getting ready to go to George Mason in 1997, it reminds me of how badly I wanted that study abroad experience, which led me to to start my study at GMU in 1997.
Set your goals early and be persistent on reaching your goals. The study abroad experience and the degree from GMU enabled me to set my sights on higher goals, and widen my knowledge and perspective at work and life.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m currently working at Tech University of Korea and also serving on the Labor Relations Commission. At my age, I’m taking a more laid-back approach to life, so I’m open to see what kind of adventures and opportunities are in store for me!
March 19, 2023