"Be Challengeable Youths!"

Challenge in University Life
    Jung Yung-Jin started his undergrad in 94 at Chungnam National University. He majored in the Department of Mass Communication. "When I was a senior in high school, a soap drama named <Our Heaven> (1990~1994) motivated me to become interested in Mass Communication. The main characters in <Our Heaven> were university students, members of a Mass Communication Club. Longing to be like them, I entered Chungnam National University."
    Jung Yung-Jin said he was not a good student for roughly two years. He was put under academic probation two times. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends, and he didn't make time for studying. After being discharged from the army, he felt moment of a crisis. Then he started to focus on studying and doing fruitful activities. "I decided to be a journalist. To achieve my dream, I became passionate about activities in my department. For example, I was a member of CULT, a club of photo reportage, and UNBY, a media critic club of Department of Mass Communication." Jung Yung-Jin continued, "Also, I was ofter involved in demonstrations and experienced reality first-hand. My dream to he a journalist became more hardened."

My First challenge

 
    "After I graduated from CNU in 2001, I prepared for the press examination. I passed many radio broadcasting tests, but not public television broadcasting stations.' O failed the rests a dozen times, which made me miserable." Then Jung Yung-Jin earned money by running an internet shopping mall from 2003 to 2004. He lived and studied by himself, but lie felt that he was prone to idleness as time went by. In 2005, he took public television broadcasting exams again, but he failed. He was 31 years old. He became very restless. "At that very time, in 2006, my acquaintance who was a reporter allowed me to cover the current news. That year was really a special period for me.
    "As it so happened, Jung Yung-Jin did remarkable work on some quiz shows. In 2006, he received 20,000,000 won in prize money for <Quiz Korea>, a KBS 1 TV quiz program. Also in 2007, he earned 50,000,000 won in prize money for <1 vs. 100>, a KBS 2TV quiz program. He wanted to check his ability in the public space. Besides, he was making good money as a reporter for morning TV shows like <Live Broadcast This Morning>, <A Very Special Morning>, <Start! Morning Wide>, and some radio programs. "I earned enough money and wanted to be a more professional journalist. So, I decided to study abroad in U.S."
    However, Jung Yung-Jin's studying period in The United States did not last long. It lasted about a year. "During my stay in the U.S., as a Law School student in Michigan, I realized that studying law did not suit me. Also, I had no more money. So, I went back to Korea. I went to the U.S. one more time and returned to Korea in January of last year. I'm now a student on a leave of absence for that law school, actually."

Challenge in WIKIPRESS
    WIKIPRESS is an internet news site (htrp://www.wikipress.co.kr/). This online magazine was published in June, 2011. After he came hack to Korea, he met Han Sang-Chun, the president of WIKIPRESS, and they prepared to build the press together. They wanted to innovate news media. "WIKI is Democracy' is WIKIPRESS's slogan. But actually, our site doesn't have a clear difference from other internet news yet. We are trying to create our own niche," he explained, "I'm planning to design our site based on public opinion. For example, we will display comments of an article first, then the title of the article and then the body. 'Public Opinion Comes First.' In addition, WIKIPRESS will have its own characteristic colors like <OhmyNews>, <Pressian>, or <Redian>. The public will look forward to WIKIPRESS's articles because of distinct characteristics. Then someday we will be able to surpass other internet online news companies."
    WIKIPRESS is focusing on cultivating journalists. "we are seeking journalists with great self-

 
confidence. I think a journalist must be stubborn about gathering news. A journalist has to be full of curiosity, too." Jung Yung-Jin added, "It still matters in our society which university you graduated from and the ties you have with other alumni. But, WIKIPRESS doesn't over emphasize your academic transcripts and TOEIC scores. So, if you are interested in being a journalist, just knock on WIKIPRESS's door and present yourself. Our atmosphere si very conducive for journalists."

Challenging Himself
    Jung Yung-Jin's schedule is terribly tight. Because he is so busy, he lacks sleep. These days he is reporting news on TV and radio morning programs like <Lee Suk-Young's Power FM> of SBS, and a corner <Expedition of Common Sense> in <Kim So-won's SBS Observatory>. Also, he is writing an E-book. As you know, he is also the editor-in-chief of WIKIPRESS.
    He is always full of energy. For him, the important decision is this: When I am 70 years old, won't I regret for the way I passed? "To me, a challenge is not difficult. If I don't do what I want, maybe I'll deeply regret it for a long time." Then he spoke about his life's plan. "I'll host a radio program in my youth, and I'll progress to a TV discussion program in my late forties. When I'm fifty, I'll host a TV talk program. In the future, I'll build a library in my hometown. For my dream, I'm trying harder than ever before." And he emphasized that many Chungnam National University students must have self-confidence. My final words are this : "Meet challenges with great confidence! This is the first step to improve your way. Nothing is impossible!"

 

By Kwon Da-sol CP Reporter
dasol422@cnu.ac.kr

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