“The Future of Education Lies in a ‘Virtuous Circle.’”

Back in 2019, Kim JongHun worked with the Korean government to establish 42 Seoul, the first campus in our network to reach Asia. Passionate about computer science and education, he has dedicated himself to the school. Engaging in meaningful conversation with his staff and students, Kim JongHun upholds the core values of 42. As we move further into the digital age, he looks forward to building a community of professionals who carry the spirit of 42 with them as they advance in their careers.

Can you please talk to us about your background? What is your education and what were you doing before 42?

Unfortunately (or fortunately), I hold two master’s degrees — one in Computer Science and the other in Computer Education. With this background, I worked in a software education company before joining 42. Even then, I was aware of 42 and thought that if such an educational institution came to Korea, I would definitely want to work there. Luckily, in 2019, the opportunity arose to establish this educational institution in Korea. I remember preparing diligently to apply because I really wanted to be a part of it.

What do you like about your position at your campus?

Meeting 2,500 cadets has allowed me to encounter a diverse range of individuals, which has been very rewarding. I have met a wide variety of cadets, and when they successfully transition to careers as developers and express their gratitude, it brings me great satisfaction.

What’s your vision for the future of education?

I believe the future of education lies in a “virtuous cycle.” As the era of generative AI continues to unfold, I think we will come to appreciate the value of human interaction even more. Those who were once my learning peers could become my supervisors, colleagues at a competing company, or teammates. When we help our peers, they can, in turn, help others. A former student could become a successful entrepreneur and give back to support future talents, creating a cycle where those who benefited from such generosity later become successful and support others. This is the value of human interaction.

What is your management style, how do you help your team work together?

Due to past experiences, where I was confronted with strict managers whose tough managerial style created tension, I value communication with my colleagues a lot. I enjoy coffee time, engaging in conversations that range from casual chats to deep discussions. Although my team has grown to nine members, making it harder to have coffee time, I make the most of any spare moments. The key to these conversations is listening. By hearing and respecting the team’s thoughts, misunderstandings are resolved and trust is built. Within this trust, I manage the team, allowing us to work as a cohesive unit.

42 has 4 pillars: openness, excellence, tech, and ethics. Which one is the most important to you and why?

The most important to me is ethics. At 42, our learning is based on peer learning. Peer learning starts with fundamental ethics. If ethics are compromised, the learning process can also collapse. As an administrator, I place a significant emphasis on ethics and continuously send messages through Slack to reinforce this value.