KRAFTON Jungle is a software program run by KRAFTON to foster talented software developers based on self-directed learning and immersion. Now, the second cohort has embarked upon its journey following the success of the first one. The KRAFTON team met with Jaehyeong Park, a graduate from the first cohort who declined a job at KRAFTON in favor of joining a start-up. He recalls that immersion felt like an elusive mission throughout the program, but the sense of achievement at the end was just incredible. In this interview, he shares with us why he chose a start-up over KRAFTON and what KRAFTON Jungle means to him.
Nice to meet you. Can you please introduce yourself?
Hello. Nice to meet you. I am Jaehyeong Park. I am from the first cohort for KRAFTON Jungle and currently working as a software engineer at Inedit Corp.
Prior to Jungle, I studied mathematical science and industrial engineering at KAIST. After I graduated from KAIST, I worked at a venture capital firm for two years, where I was in charge of investing in start-ups. Then, I joined KRAFTON Jungle and changed my career path to software engineering.
How do you feel about completing the program?
Most of all, I feel very proud and grateful. Sitting here and doing this interview as a developer takes me down memory lane. It seems just like yesterday when I gave the presentation for my last project. I can’t be more grateful for the career-changing opportunity KRAFTON gave me.
What made you apply for KRAFTON Jungle?
I was keen on expanding my career. It was more than just a desire to switch jobs. I had aspirations to start a business as well. I was tasked with start-up investment at my previous job, which made me dream about creating my own product some day. Then, I came across a recruitment post for KRAFTON Jungle, and I applied.
What have you been doing since completing the course?
I currently work at Inedit Corp., a start-up in fashion and distribution. It provides a fashion platform called Brandzine. It is a small start-up with around 30 employees. I decided to join because a person I knew, and who I really look up to, was already working here. Also, I got a good impression of its growth potential and work culture during the job interview, which seemed like a good learning opportunity for me.
What was your biggest expectation for Jungle? Did you have any goals?
My primary goal was to enhance my product development capabilities. I wanted to build the skills to implement a feature in my head and know what would work and what wouldn’t. On top of that, I wanted to deepen my understanding of computer science. I thought I had to build a solid foundation to further any necessary skills down the road. And KRAFTON Jungle seemed like the perfect place to achieve all of these goals. That’s why I decided to participate.
Any particular part of the curriculum that was exceptionally demanding or memorable?
PintOS was the hardest. It is a simple instructional operating system, but the code pool was vast and written in C language, and required understanding in hardware. So it was a big challenge for all trainees.
When was the most fulfilling moment?
When I gave a presentation for the last project “One-Minute Memory”. At first, I received a lot of negative feedback from coaches. And I deserved it. Then, I started to receive good feedback with three days left to the finish line. I felt proud when they said, “You’ve come a long way,” and “Now you seem to get the hang of it.” Also, I remember finding a solution to an unstable server connection one day before the final presentation. I also remember being over the moon after finishing the final presentation without any mishaps.
Could you tell us about the “One-Minute Memory” project?
It is a video-making service using shared pictures. A maximum of five people can gather in the same group chat and upload pictures, with which they can create a more sophisticated slide show. They can also make a video call and watch others edit the clip in real-time.
What was your role in this project?
We all played a similar role. All of us were immersed in coding. But as a team leader, I had to focus more on coordinating scheduling and decision-making and preparing the presentation as well.
What does this project mean to you?
It was such a wonderful opportunity to gather and direct people you’d never met towards a single goal within a short period of time, be immersed in the process and finally implement the service in the end.
Is there anything you wished to be better? Well, I had to lead the team, so I couldn’t spend as much time on development, which was a shame. But it is still a valuable experience for me, and what I learned during the process turned out very useful in doing my job.
What is the most valuable thing you learned through Jungle?
As long as I have a “can-do attitude,” I can implement anything I want. Having that mindset is really important. Before Jungle, I used to stop at wondering how certain features were made. But now I can draw a rather clear picture of what to do and how to do it. I feel more confident and certain.
Did Jungle help you in the job-seeking process?
My experience with PintOS seemed to make a good impression on most interviewers. Stacks keep changing, but the fundamental makeup of a computer remains the same. There are not many places to learn this kind of basics, which was probably why my experiences were received well. Also, all the cooperative work I did during the program helped me answer relevant questions in depth.
I heard that you passed the final interview for a few companies including KRAFTON. What made you decide to work for the current company?
I really wanted to have more dramatic and dynamic experiences. And I always wanted to work at a start-up. The job interview with this company was the most enjoyable of all the other start-ups, and they had the most to offer. That’s why I made my decision. That being said, I was really torn between that one and KRAFTON. (Laughs)
KRAFTON Jungle is all about “immersive experience”. What does “immersion” mean to you?
Well, honestly? I think it is a tough and thorny path. I wouldn’t call it immersion if it came easy. While you are immersed, you never know what awaits you at the end of the tunnel. But I can assure you that a rewarding sense of fulfillment and personal growth are there for you in the end. Well, it was really hard, though, if I think about it even now. (Laughs)
What do you think constitutes a good developer?
For me, a good developer is someone who finds the optimal solution to a given problem.
Do you have any comments for those who think about applying for Jungle?
Well, you never know what the future holds, but don’t get too intimidated by AI. Humans are the ultimate problem solvers, so it would be better to develop your skills rather than worrying about being replaced.
Do you have any last comments for this interview?
Thank you KRAFTON for creating Jungle. It really took my career and even my life to new heights. To put it in fancier terms, the program really expanded my horizons. So, I am eternally grateful. For those who haven’t made up their mind, I do recommend the program.
