SXSK Vol. 8 — May 31, 2026
Editor’s Note
Sports, taste, and style We hope you are enjoying a happy holiday weekend. In this issue, we bring you stories that connect Texas and Korea through the themes of sports, taste, and style. In UTAKA News, where we share that our alumni association's LinkedIn page has surpassed 1,000 followers and continues to grow as an active platform for our community. In Alumni News, we cover world No. 1 golfer and fellow Longhorn Scottie Scheffler (FIN '18) competing in the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Texas, while also highlighting how Korean cuisine is being introduced to a wider audience through the same event. Our UT Member Interview features Part 1 of an interview with Chaewon "Joanne" Kim (ILA '17), focusing on her personal story and experiences. In UT Stories, we examine the removal threat facing the street art landmark known as the "TEXAS" mural and spotlight the 2026 commencement address delivered by football legend and fellow alumnus Colt McCoy (Spt Mgmt '09). Turning to Texas News, we look at Houston as a host city for the global sporting stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as how Texas and Mexican flavors are becoming more accessible to consumers in Korea. Finally, in Lifestyle, we introduce a simple way to use ChatGPT to elevate your own personal style.
—Ji Hyun Ahn / Editor-in-Chief / GER ’21
UTAKA News
🗞️ UTAKA LinkedIn Page Surpasses 1,000 Followers
UTAKA's official LinkedIn page has crossed the 1,000-follower mark, driven by a concerted effort this year to build the channel's presence. Chaewon "Joanne" Kim (ILA '17) and Soojin Park (GOV '21) have been behind the push, consistently putting out content to grow the community online. Please follow our LinkedIn page to stay updated.
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Alumni News
🗞️ Golfer Scottie Scheffler (FIN '18) Headlines CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Texas
UT alum and world No. 1 golfer, Scottie Scheffler (FIN '18) entered the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas on May 21 as the reigning champion, looking to repeat his record-setting 31-under performance from a year ago. The Korean-sponsored tournament also features a strong contingent of Korean players — Si-woo Kim, Sung-jae Im, and Joo-hyung Kim— each with their own goals for the week, making it a particularly compelling event for fans on both sides of the Pacific. The CJ Cup also showcases Korean cuisine in Texas.
→ Read more
UT Member Interview
🗞️🎤Chaewon "Joanne" Kim (ILA '17) Part 1 of 2
Soon to be based near The Hague in the Netherlands following her marriage, Chaewon "Joanne" Kim (ILA '17) shares how living abroad has brought her a clearer boundary between work and life. She also discusses how alumni connection has offered something she didn't expect: a shared nostalgia for her university years that she only came to appreciate after returning to Korea.
→ Read more
UT Stories
🗞️ UT's "TEXAS" Mural on the Drag Faces Removal Under State Order
The burnt-orange "TEXAS" mural on Guadalupe Street, installed in 2024 to celebrate UT's move to the SEC, faces removal after Texas Governor Greg Abbott's directive to clear roadway art statewide. The city of Austin's request for an exemption was denied by TxDOT in May, leaving Austin until June 22 to submit a compliance plan or risk losing state and federal funding.
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🗞️ Keynote Address at the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2026 by Colt McCoy (Spt Mgmt '09)
More than 17,000 graduates were honored at UT's 143rd spring commencement at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, with fellow Longhorn and football legend Colt McCoy (Spt Mgmt '09) delivering the keynote. McCoy drew on his experience as a two-time Heisman finalist and NFL veteran to remind graduates that character and the choices they make — not talent alone — will determine how far they go.
→ Read more
Texas News
🗞️ Houston Set to Co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Houston, TX joins the roster of 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities, with matches kicking off June 11. NRG Stadium in Houston is a 72,220-seat venue that has previously welcomed Super Bowls, the world's largest rodeo, and sold-out international soccer matches. With its deep multicultural roots and long history of staging major events, Houston is widely seen as a natural home for the world's biggest sporting stage.
→ Read more
🗞️ Texas Flavors Come to Korea: Burger King's El Paso Chipotle Burger and Chipotle's First Asian Location
Burger King Korea launched its El Paso Chipotle burger on May 21 — a Texas-inspired creation drawing on the flavors of the U.S.–Mexico border city — available through November 25 as the newest entry in its premium Originals lineup. Meanwhile, Chipotle Mexican Grill is preparing to open its first-ever Asian location at The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido, through a joint venture with SPC Group affiliate Big Bite Company, marking the brand's first international expansion via a partnership structure.
→ Read more
Lifestyle
🗞️ Using ChatGPT for Color Analysis and Styling Tips
Personal color — the seasonal palette of hues that best complement your natural coloring — can make a meaningful difference in how polished and confident you look, particularly for clothing worn close to the face. While the most accurate method is an in-person draping session with a trained professional, this guide walks you through a DIY approach using ChatGPT: take a natural-light selfie, note your photo's white balance data, and use the provided prompts to receive a seasonal color type analysis and a personalized styling strategy covering outfit fabrics, accessories, and more.
→ Read more
📢 We'd love to hear from you.
Please send your submittals to editorinchief@sxsk.news
-For our [Alumni News] section, please e-mail us recent alumni updates you would like to share.
-To be featured in the [UT Member Interview] section, please e-mail us your responses to the questions from here and a photo of yourself.
-Under our [Lifestyle] section, we’re welcoming contributions on the topics below or any other theme you’d like:
💄 What’s in My Makeup Bag 👝
🪞 Skincare Routine 🫙
🥝 Your Signature Recipe 🍎
🍴Your Go-to Restaurant🥢
🏌🏻 Living an Active Life 👟
🧳 Travel Experiences 📷
📖 Book Reviews & Recommendations 🔖
⌚ Watches & Jewelry Reviews 💎
🚗 All Things Cars 🚜
📱 Techs & Software Reviews 💻
🧠 AI & Technology 🤖
💵 Investing & Personal Finances🪙
-If you are seeking to work with alumni, please send us your job postings for inclusion in the [Careers] section.
We look forward to featuring our community’s voices.