Brief Summary
Jeong Se-ju, founder of Snow in New York and co-founder of UKF, shares his journey from growing up in a small town in Korea to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the US. He discusses the challenges of fitting into traditional Korean success formulas, his early struggles in New York, and the importance of community and networking for Korean entrepreneurs in the global market. He highlights the mission of UKF to support and grow the Korean entrepreneurial ecosystem and invites participation in the upcoming UKF Fespa event.
- Overcoming cultural and professional challenges as a Korean entrepreneur in the US.
- The significance of community and networking in fostering entrepreneurial success.
- UKF's mission to support the Korean entrepreneurial ecosystem and promote global collaboration.
Introduction and Background
Jeong Se-ju introduces himself as the founder of Snow in New York and co-founder with UKF CEO Lee Ki-ah. He grew up in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, where he felt limited by the small-town environment. The presence of two theaters was a point of pride for the city. He recalls being excited about meeting a native English teacher in high school, which was a significant event at a time when access to the outside world was limited.
The American Dream and Korean Success Formulas
Jeong Se-ju discusses his early aspirations for the American dream, driven by a desire to escape the rigid success formulas prevalent in Korea, such as tech trees, connections, and specs. He felt like an outsider and wanted to challenge himself in a larger market. At 25, he moved to New York, living in a basement room and working various part-time jobs, including selling mobile phone programs and interior decoration items, while dealing with visa issues and attending community college. He started a business almost impulsively, without much initial planning.
Challenges and Small Successes
As he approached 30, Jeong Se-ju felt conflicted, questioning his progress despite the challenges he had taken on. He started a business and often questioned his qualifications as a CEO. However, in his 30s, he experienced small successes, attracting investment and finding a product-market fit in the fitness industry. His company's cardio trainer application became the world's number one.
Building Psychological Muscle
Jeong Se-ju emphasizes the importance of using alone time for reflection and problem-solving. He would walk for hours, organizing his thoughts, listening to casts, and writing down ideas. This process helped him build psychological resilience. He also highlights the need to thoroughly consider all aspects of the business to gain the trust of clients and investors.
The Importance of Community and Networking
Jeong Se-ju discusses the limited resources and time in the startup world, emphasizing the need for quick progress. He believes that global entrepreneurship among Koreans is still in its early stages. He stresses the importance of networking and seeking advice to avoid unnecessary errors. Reflecting on his early struggles, he wishes he had access to a supportive community in 2008. This led him to co-found UKF with CEO Lee Ki-ah, aiming to create a thriving ecosystem for Korean entrepreneurs.
UKF's Mission and Initiatives
The mission of United Korean Founders (UKF) is to foster the growth of the Korean entrepreneurial ecosystem. UKF supports Korean entrepreneurs through community building and provides resources that are often unavailable online. They are developing a track to assist Korean restaurants and food diners in expanding to the United States, addressing the challenges of sourcing ingredients. Jeong Se-ju notes that a well-established ecosystem reduces trial and error and accelerates business growth.
Expanding Horizons and Giving Back
Jeong Se-ju observed that students from countries with broader horizons in the US job market find it easier to secure employment. He believes that expanding the Korean voice and presence in the US is crucial for the success of Koreans. The greatest gift he received through UKF was the connections with other people. He is inspired by seniors who started their businesses 5-10 years earlier. UKF is a volunteer-driven organization, with prominent speakers and contributors who share their experiences and expertise without compensation.
The Impact of UKF and Future Events
Jeong Se-ju shares a story of an individual who, after three failed business attempts, felt inspired to try again after attending a UKF event. This highlighted the significance of UKF in providing hope and opportunities. He emphasizes the power of community and announces the upcoming UKF Fespa event from October 16th to 18th, 2025, inviting attendees to network, gain inspiration, and advance their careers. The event will integrate K-pop genres to provide an enjoyable experience.
