Introduction

I am DooHyun (Richard) Sung, a KAIST student of Class 2014. Although I have not signed up for a major yet, it is quite certain that physics will be my choice as I love the intensity and challenges of the discipline. Apart from the details previously mentioned, I am one of the many working hard to pave their ways in the world.

I have lived abroad for a long time, even longer than the time I spent in South Korea. As a son of a diplomat, I was fortunate enough to set foot on, explore, and live in more than 5 countries in continents such as Asia, Africa, North America, and Europe. Quite naturally, I have also come to grow up with both English and Korean, adopting both as my native tongues. After completing my high school education, deciding that growing some roots in my native grounds might be a good idea, I have come to Korea for my undergraduate studies.

Apart from studies, I enjoy a variety of hobbies. As a literature enthusiast, I often delve into classics, mostly those of 19th to 20th century, to read about different insights and portrayals of human life. I am also a film enthusiast who collects and watches movies mostly produced prior to the 21st century although I have intensely enjoyed a handful of recent works such as No Country for Old Men. Listening to music is another huge part of my leisure and I generally listen to just about any genres as long as the artists have something inspiring to offer. Apart from just enjoying, I also participate in the school manga production club and the judo club. Overall, I try to expand my areas of interest, not just as a cultural consumer, but as someone looking for his own cultural identity.

To establish my status as a student in the course, here are my motivations behind signing up for the English Advanced Writing course. Firstly, from my experiences from high school involving essays and presentations, I have come to grasp the importance of writing. Just as many others, I have many things to say about the world and know that a well-written thought can make life-changing differences. Thus, I decided that polishing my writing once more might help. Finally, I have enjoyed playing with my thoughts by writing them down and revising them repeatedly as a form of self-analysis. As far as I know, writing is not just about accuracy and precision of expression: the word completes the thought and vice versa.

There is a saying that amateurs do it till they get it right and professionals do it till they get it wrong. Obviously, I have not the foggiest idea as to where I stand between the two poles of expertise, but the uncertainty will push me harder toward the domain of perfection. I hope words won’t fail me as much as I won’t fail them.