Place of Residence: Seoul, South Korea

Position: CEO of HouseBuddy

Allow us to understand more about your company HouseBuddy.

HouseBuddy operates Checkmate Korea, a comprehensive residential platform designed for foreigners planning long-term stays in South Korea. One of our key offerings is “Check For You”, a service that enables foreigners to explore local accommodations before their arrival, ensuring they enter the country with confirmed housing. This service alleviates the anxiety often associated with finding a home while also helping landlords minimise vacancies. In addition to our housing assistance, we are currently developing a comprehensive package that supports foreigners throughout their settlement process until the conclusion of their contracts.

What motivated you to start such a company?

Before launching this service, I worked on a project aimed at helping young Koreans find housing. Throughout this experience, I became acutely aware of the complexities involved in the house-hunting process. Recognising the significant demand from exchange students facing similar challenges, I made a deliberate pivot towards providing a comprehensive service for foreigners. While building and running a company presents its challenges, the satisfaction of knowing that my hard work is genuinely addressing someone’s needs, along with the positive feedback from our customers, serves as a powerful motivation for me.

Please describe a day in your life.

As an early-stage team, we collaborate in the office from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M. on weekdays. However, I’m typically in the office all day only one or two days a week, as I often step out to conduct customer interviews, network with relevant organisations, or gain field experience. We strive to solicit customer feedback regularly, allowing us to gain valuable insights and continually enhance our services to be more customer-centric.

How many projects are you currently working on? Please describe them.

As a team, we are currently engaged in two key projects, while I am also pursuing a separate initiative as CEO. First, our team is focused on enhancing our accommodation booking assistance service system and expanding our customer base to include a broader range of foreigners beyond just exchange students. Second, we are exploring new business opportunities that can provide ongoing support beyond simply finding residences. Personally, I am studying to obtain a real estate agent licence to bolster my professionalism as a CEO, ensuring that our business remains stable and trustworthy.

What is the most challenging thing you had to deal during your business?

I believe that maintaining a fresh perspective on familiar concepts is essential for our growth. Since our primary customers are foreigners arriving in Korea for the first time, we recognise that the country’s unique housing system and cultural nuances can present challenges. For instance, individuals from arid climates may be surprised by issues such as summer mould, and many newcomers often have questions about paying rent or maintenance fees. We continually remind ourselves that what is second nature to our long-term team members may not be intuitive for those new to South Korea. Our goal is to offer a supportive, guide-like service that minimises any inconvenience for foreigners navigating life in South Korea.

What is your greatest achievement up until today?

A few days ago, I received a message from a customer on the day he was returning home after over six months in Korea. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much! I had a really comfortable stay in Korea with your assistance. I will definitely recommend Checkmate to others, so please keep up the great work!”

My team and I often say, “While our service may not change the whole world, we can certainly transform the experience of one individual or at least enhance the Korea that person encounters.” Seeing this sentiment realised, even through a single case, was incredibly rewarding.

In fact, we frequently receive messages from satisfied customers, and our metrics reflect this satisfaction: 16% of new customers come from recommendations, and our Net Promoter Score (NPS) stands at 83. Additionally, sales during this summer season were 2.4 times higher than last year.

What did you dream of creating/inventing/doing as a child?

My childhood dreams evolved multiple times, encompassing a broad spectrum of aspirations. In high school, I aimed to direct a musical, while in college, my focus shifted towards pursuing graduate studies in religious studies. However, the “sparkle of ambition” I observed in the eyes of actors during musical curtain calls, along with my “obsession to solve questions” that inspired my scholarly ambitions, ultimately guided me towards the path of entrepreneurship that I am on today.

If you could say something to your younger self, what would it be?

“The criteria for happiness and success are different, so don’t compare yourself to others! Each person has their own pace.” In particular, I remember my high school years being in a highly competitive environment, but reflecting on it now, I realise that no experience was meaningless. What seemed like failures and frustrations at the time can later become valuable assets, aiding us when we try new things. So, stay true to yourself and fully embrace your daily life!

Do you have a person who influences or motivates you?

My grandfather was a professional soldier, and I admire how he fulfilled his responsibilities as the head of our family and as a leader within his organisation while upholding his moral beliefs, even in challenging circumstances. I aspire to emulate his integrity and dedication.

Which famous person would you like to have dinner with and why?

I must admit, this is a question I’ve never really considered before! If I had to choose from the top of my head, I’d say Taylor Swift. It would be wonderful to share a meal with her and attend one of her concerts. On a more business-oriented note, I would love the opportunity to speak with Saurabh Goel, the CEO of AmberStudent. As a leading platform for student accommodation in the UK and the US, I believe a conversation with him could provide invaluable insights, even in a brief exchange.

Where would you like to travel next?

I’m considering Vietnam or Uzbekistan. Since COVID-19, there has been a notable increase in the number of international students and migrants entering Korea from these two countries, both of which have historical ties to Korea. I would love to visit and immerse myself in the local culture and, if possible, connect with individuals planning to live in Korea to hear their stories and the challenges they face.

In your opinion, who is the most influential person/company in the world of technology these days?

I would say OpenAI. ChatGPT is transforming daily life for many people. It’s remarkable how quickly it learns and adapts, significantly reducing the time previously required in various industries, which allows for more efficient resource allocation.

If you could pick one app/product/project existing now that you wish you were involved in, what would it be?

I would choose SpaceX. Although I know very little about engineering, I greatly admire the ambition to change humanity’s future and the courage to forge a new path. Being part of such a visionary project would be incredibly inspiring.

What is your next goal?

Our next goal is to offer continuous support for foreigners living in Korea beyond just helping them find accommodation. My team believes we are not simply selling a service but providing a fresh start. Our vision is to create a welcoming environment for foreigners in Korea. In the short term, we plan to implement online housing-related services to make it easier for users to access the assistance they need.

What are your tips for people wanting to start in the tech world?

While technology is crucial, it’s even more important to understand what services customers truly want and to plan strategically in line with their needs. Always prioritise your customers’ voices.

Additionally, challenge yourself without hesitation! Often, the right path isn’t clear at the outset. If you find something that resonates with you, don’t be overly cautious—embrace the challenge. You may encounter failures, but I assure you that the learning experiences gained will far outweigh the setbacks. Believe in yourself!