Vol. 3 [UT Member Interview] 🎤Haesung "David" Chung (MBA ’17) Part 1 of 2

This is Part 1 of the alumni interview with Haesung "David" Chung (MBA ’17), composed of questions designed to help us get to know him better on a personal level. Below is the English translation of the original Korean text.

🎤 How do you usually like to start your day?
I usually begin my day with reading. In the past, I often listened to the news to keep up with current events, but these days I prefer reading that helps me manage my state of mind, reflect on the direction of my life, and bring my thoughts into balance. Religious writings, for example, are particularly meaningful to me because they remind me of life’s philosophy and help me return to my original intentions. While some ideas can be consciously applied to planning and decision-making, reading also helps align my subconscious thoughts and judgments with the values and direction I hope to pursue in life.

🎤What is one small habit or routine from your university days that you still keep?
If there is one habit that has stayed with me since my university years, it would be asking questions and expressing my thoughts. I was quite shy as a student, but the environment at Texas, the education I received, and the caliber of my peers challenged me greatly. In order to adapt, I had to speak up and express myself. I had many curiosities and questions, and I realized that without asking and communicating openly, I could not resolve them. In Korean society, many activities tend to revolve around the collective—communities and organizations. Even when individual perspectives are not emphasized, collective goals are often still achieved. However, I came to realize that when the blind spots created by this tendency are complemented by a more Western style of open dialogue, it can lead to tremendous growth. Individual expression not only supports one’s own learning, but also contributes to the learning of the group and the broader public good. After recognizing the value of that balance, I have continued the habit of asking questions and sharing my perspectives in every organization, seminar, and networking environment I participate in.

🎤 Is there a place on campus that you remember especially clearly?
Almost every building on campus still comes to mind vividly, and I miss them all. Even places I simply passed through remain in my memory. While no single location stands out above the rest, I often think of the Chick-fil-A in the College of Liberal Arts, where I would stop by for lunch after my morning classes. Campus life was not always easy or carefree. Although it was full of learning and growth, the challenges did not always feel enjoyable at the time. Sometimes lectures were difficult to follow because of the language barrier, and there were moments when keeping up with group projects felt overwhelming. I also remember struggling to answer questions in class when I had not fully grasped the lecture. During those moments, a warm chicken sandwich and waffle fries offered a small but comforting break. This is not an advertisement, of course. ^^

🎤When you were a student, what did you imagine your life and work would look like at this stage?
In my case, there is quite a large gap between what I imagined as a student and the reality of my life today. After graduating, I spent a short but intense period in Texas gaining business experience before returning to take on a leadership role in our family business. In practical terms—managing tools, conducting strategic reviews of the business, or applying principles of personnel management—there are many areas that overlap with what I learned in school. However, the reality of leadership has been quite different from the vague blueprint I had in mind as a student. The qualities required of a leader in the real world are far more demanding than I once imagined. A deep understanding of the industry, communication skills to manage relationships, persuasion and negotiation to coordinate positions, and a sense of responsibility that encompasses the entire organization are all essential. It often feels as though the pieces of knowledge I learned in school are now being applied all at once in practice. Sometimes what I learned proves immediately useful; other times, new lessons must be learned through experience—and occasionally through failure.

🎤What is something you learned through your work experience that changed how you see people or life?
There was a moment after experiencing failure that fundamentally changed the way I view organizations and business. At one point, the company I was operating faced serious organizational challenges, which eventually led to financial losses and the decision to shut the business down. At the time, I had taken on the family business without fully understanding the responsibility I was assuming, and I lacked the experience and knowledge needed to run it confidently. Communication with team members was often difficult. Because I did not fully understand the work, I frequently listened to employees’ perspectives but struggled to make firm decisions. In the end, the most significant decision I made was to close the business and arrange retirement packages for the team. Even that process did not go smoothly, and I still remember how painful it was for colleagues who were leaving. When I moved on to the next chapter of my career, I realized that this failure had given me something invaluable: a clearer standard for what good leadership and sound management should look like. In hindsight, those moments of failure became one of the most valuable assets I gained.

🎤What does a good day look like for you now?
My role today focuses primarily on strategic planning, personnel management, and the communication that supports these efforts. A good day is one in which I am able to pursue the direction I set out for the day. If the team works together to achieve our goals and produces the results we hoped for, that would certainly be a day worth celebrating. However, even when goals are not fully met, a day that brings new insights and lessons from failure is still a good day. Likewise, when disagreements arise but we are able to find areas for adjustment and build a foundation for mutual understanding, I would still consider that a meaningful and productive day.

🎤If you had a completely free day with no schedule at all, what would you like to do?
I would like to spend a day on an untouched island. That island would be somewhere completely removed from my everyday environment, work responsibilities, and the routines of the city. It would be a place without tourist attractions or modern conveniences, simply nature in its raw state. I believe that such an experience would allow me to view my life from a different perspective and gain new insights about the environment and circumstances I live in.

🎤 What kind of work gives you the strongest sense of meaning or purpose?
I feel the greatest sense of fulfillment when the work our company does benefits others. Seeing the growth of our organization and team members, the success of our customers, and the social contributions made possible through our business brings me a deep sense of purpose. In those moments, I feel that the work we do truly moves the world in a positive direction. Those are the moments when UT’s motto, “What starts here changes the world,” feels especially real to me.

🎤What inspired you to become involved in the alumni association?
It began somewhat by chance when I registered for an alumni event organized by the university. The event, “Take the World by the Horns,” was a special opportunity where alumni and students beginning their first semester at UT could meet in Korea. The brief but powerful sense of nostalgia for my time in Texas—and the warmth and strong bond within the Longhorn community—left a lasting impression on me and inspired me to become involved in alumni activities.

🎤What do you enjoy most about being connected with fellow alumni in Korea?
For me, simply pursuing meaningful values together with fellow alumni is deeply motivating. UT is a university with a philosophy and community that we can proudly represent anywhere in the world. Being able to participate in this community—and having a platform where I can bring my ideas and talents to life—is a tremendous privilege. It is also a great joy to meet both new and familiar alumni and continue meaningful conversations together.

🎤What is one thing you appreciate about your current city or daily routine?
My workplace is located in Bupyeong, Incheon. It is a city where industry and residential life coexist and continue to develop together. I appreciate the sense that a hardworking environment and a living community are growing side by side. After all, work and life are always intertwined.

🎤What is something about you that fellow alumni might not know yet but would enjoy learning?
Those who are already active in the alumni association may know this, but I would say that I tend to be somewhat idealistic, sincere, and perhaps a little naïve. Not all of these qualities may not necessarily be strengths, but I hope to contribute meaningfully to the alumni community and help create meaningful results together. ^^