For over a year, the JBNU Language Education Center hosted two English competitions through the TOEIC(Test of English for International Communication) Practice Test. It was funded by none other than Kim Byoung-hoon, who donated fifteen million won to his alma mater. Kim graduated from JBNU's Department of Metallurgical System Engineering more than forty years ago. The JBNU Globe had the privilege of listening to his journey from being a flight attendant to running a successful business in New York.

● End and New Beginning

Kim was accepted at POSCO, a Korean steelmaking company, and Korean Air after graduation. That time was before the liberalization of overseas travel, so he was curious about traveling abroad; that is why he initially chose Korean Air and worked as a flight attendant. Yet the work had an irregular schedule filled with jet lag. “I couldn’t do anything steadily for my personal growth,” Kim recalled. Finally, he left Korean Air and started his own business. At first, he secured a job at a small New York branch that dealt with fiber. He sold goods diligently and discovered new materials. This accumulated know-how led to his own business venture.

His brand had many challenges initially because it was difficult to promote the excellence of his brand, and it had seen its fair share of a slump in sales. Despite the hardships, there were upsides. The brand’s products were produced in China and Bangladesh. Co-workers in both the United States and abroad helped each other to grow using the advantage of language and cultural diversity by being a team. Kim believes that in running a business, much credit should be given to cooperation.

● Businessman in New York

Kim started life in the United States in his early forties and has lived there for almost twenty years. New York City is the epicenter of politics, economy, culture, and art due to the immigration of people from all over the world. New York City has more opportunities for people starting businesses than in other cities in the United States. Kim said it was also possible to challenge enterprise because he is in the center of commerce. In New York City, businesses are also highly interactive with other cities in the United States.

Kim mentioned three aspects of the differences between Korea and the United States relating to business. First, the systems are transparent in the United States and honesty is a great strength in doing business. The second is safety. If an accident happens, whether it is a country or an individual, the compensation is not small, and people have a strong consciousness of safety. Lastly, the United States is a country of immigrants. An effort to understand people’s cultures and treat people equally is needed. While living in the United States, Kim struggled with the language and cultural differences. That experience forced him to mature and be more tolerant of others. He studied English intensely, and eventually was able to understand people from many other countries.

“Looking back, it was difficult and eventful, but the United States is a land of opportunity. Anyone can feel rewarded if they try their best”, Kim stated. He also thought taking on a challenge is the best way to achieve goals. “With many challenges, you can fail at one point. Judging from my experience, however, you will get the desired outcome eventually.” Many students want to be employed with major companies, but in his experience, small and medium-sized enterprises are attractive as well. Kim believes people can learn greatly by developing a sense of ownership in a small company.

● Find Your Passion and Confidence

Kim realized the importance of finding one's passion after having experienced various fields in his career. "I recommend the youth to develop their skills and think about thirty years down the line rather than settle for the stability of civil service workers or major company employees," stated Kim.

Kim donated specifically to JBNU's English scholarship program because he considers English an important tool to venture into the world. He wants students to study hard and train themselves in order to achieve their dreams. "I love JBNU as much as I love myself. As an alumnus, I want my juniors to feel confident that they can do anything. I hope they will take on the world even if JBNU is located in the province," Kim said encouragingly.

Kim is currently running RICHCOTTON, which is a clothing company in New York City. He dreams of developing it into an American national brand, and further into a global brand. "Anything can be achieved if you love yourself and keep on trying without giving up," Kim told JBNU students. "I hope you will endlessly challenge yourself.”

| Chin Da-youn Editor, Jo Soo-jin Reporter