Category: Life

Act Three, Slightly Slower

By IJ | 2026-09-25 22:46

The Samsung project wrapped up. My school coursework was more or less wrapped up too. I needed a change of scenery, badly. So I finally did the thing I'd been "thinking about" for ages: go to Gyeongju Worl...The Samsung project wrapped up. My school coursework was more or less wrapped up too. I needed a change o...

I Don't Like Self-Help Books

By IJ | 2026-07-19 14:03

I don't like self-help books. I used to read a ton of them when I was younger. Probably because reading one made my heart race, made me feel like I could do anything. Like I should go challenge something r...I don't like self-help books. I used to read a ton of them when I was younger. Probably because reading o...

Living With AI

By IJ | 2026-06-16 14:01

I've been kicking around the IT world long enough that, in an era like this one, I spend a fair amount of time bouncing between anxiety and relief. OpenAI's ChatGPT and Codex, updating what feels like dail...I've been kicking around the IT world long enough that, in an era like this one, I spend a fair amount of...

After the Interview

By IJ | 2026-01-31 19:42

I wrapped up my UIUC interview on Thursday, January 29, 2026 (US time) from Korea. The 6am slot (Korea time) was a bit intimidating, but honestly? It turned out to be a pretty casual meeting. Preparing for...I wrapped up my UIUC interview on Thursday, January 29, 2026 (US time) from Korea. The 6am slot (Korea ti...

Got Sick...!

By IJ | 2026-01-29 05:55

I always thought managing my health was important, but... here we are. I got sick anyway. WTF Korea's weather is way more dramatic than I expected. In the middle of summer, even people from Thailand and Vi...I always thought managing my health was important, but... here we are. I got sick anyway. WTF Korea's wea...

How to Survive as a Driver in Korea

By IJ | 2026-01-23 21:13

I live in a satellite city near Seoul and commute to Gangnam, Gwanghwamun, and sometimes as far as Pangyo. The distance means waking up at 5 AM is just part of the deal. I usually arrive between 8 and 9. I...I live in a satellite city near Seoul and commute to Gangnam, Gwanghwamun, and sometimes as far as Pangyo...

UIUC Interview Is Scheduled

By IJ | 2026-01-20 04:29

After deciding to pursue an MBA (a decision that only took me 10+ years), I moved fast and completed my application to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign iMBA program. As I mentioned in my prev...After deciding to pursue an MBA (a decision that only took me 10+ years), I moved fast and completed my a...

On Love

By IJ | 2026-01-17 03:13

My friends have started getting married. omg— Which makes total sense — I'm turning 30 soon, and this is supposedly the age when marriage starts occupying more mental real estate. Marriage... Until about t...My friends have started getting married. omg— Which makes total sense — I'm turning 30 soon, and this is ...

Preparing for an Ireland Working Holiday

By IJ | 2026-01-14 17:55

Lucky Ireland You've probably heard of "Working Holiday" at some point. The official definition goes something like this: a program that allows you to live in another country for a year (or a limited perio...Lucky Ireland You've probably heard of "Working Holiday" at some point. The official definition goes some...

Thoughts While Drowning in the Pool

By IJ | 2026-01-13 08:47

While swimming, a thought crossed my mind: "Please save me." It's been almost a year since I started swimming for health and fitness purposes. I actually swam as a kid, back in elementary school. I even ma...While swimming, a thought crossed my mind: "Please save me." It's been almost a year since I started swim...

Temperature of Words

By IJ | 2026-01-10 15:42

I had a peculiar experience today. Sure, I've been through similar situations before, but this time I sat down in a quiet space and really chewed on it. Here's how it unfolded. The Setup I was shopping for...I had a peculiar experience today. Sure, I've been through similar situations before, but this time I sat...

FAFO

By IJ | 2026-01-03 20:32

January 3rd, 2026, 3:00 PM KST — Venezuelan President Maduro has been captured and is being transported to the United States. America basically said "FAFO" I mean... fair point, but WHAT??? What just happe...January 3rd, 2026, 3:00 PM KST — Venezuelan President Maduro has been captured and is being transported t...

There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch

By IJ | 2025-12-29 09:14

I've been using my iPhone 13 mini for about 4 years now. With its limited storage and RAM, I'm starting to feel like it's finally time for an upgrade. Here's the history of my phone evolution: I was actual...I've been using my iPhone 13 mini for about 4 years now. With its limited storage and RAM, I'm starting t...

Starting My Posts

By IJ | 2025-12-02 15:07

Having my own blog is honestly pretty exciting. Writing and putting thoughts together is tough work—but hey, I'm giving it a shot. Oopssss.... The Three Great Challenges of Life Fitness. Vocabulary. Bloggi...Having my own blog is honestly pretty exciting. Writing and putting thoughts together is tough work—but h...