Alumni of the Month - Seokhee Han

As he prepares to begin college this fall, Seokhee Han (‘24), a proud graduate of Cheongshim International Academy’s 14th middle school and 17th high school class, reflects on a journey defined by passion, resilience, and vision. With acceptances to top universities including Northwestern, Duke, Dartmouth, and Johns Hopkins, he switches his sights to a future where science and technology can drive real-world change.

Throughout high school, two key realizations defined Seokhee’s path: the power of broadening one’s perspective and the value of diving deeply into personal passions. From participating in scientific research competitions like ISEF to joining startup accelerator programs designed for adults, he exposed himself to diverse fields and people. Seokhee notes he gained incomparable mentorship by connecting with Cheongshim alumni working in the U.S. “Meeting people outside my comfort zone helped me dream bigger,” he says. “I learned to think beyond immediate goals. These kinds of experiences have led me to set a goal to contribute back to society based on what I have learned in CSIA.”

The graduate’s inquisitive spirit fueled his entrepreneurial ambitions. A family incident involving a black ice accident near the school sparked his interest in transportation safety technologies. A simple concern evolved into research initiatives and startup projects that would later feature as a central topic in his college applications. “There’s real joy in creating solutions for everyday problems,” Seokhee reflects. 

Rather than focusing solely on academics, he decided to build a diverse portfolio. Seokhee’s school activities ranged from scientific research and startup competitions to film production, volunteer work, and various leadership roles. He emphasized the importance of passion over sheer numbers.

At CSIA, Seokhee found more than just academic rigor—he found a sense of belonging. Through six years in the Cheongshim Broadcasting Network (CBN) and serving as department head during both middle and high school, CBN became an emotional anchor for him. “School life felt like a battlefield,” Seokhee recalls. “But under CBN—whether backstage at festivals or editing in the studio—I finally felt stable.” These experiences would later shape his college decision-making, as he prioritized finding communities that offer comfort and connection.

Music also played a major role in his school life. An avid drummer for six years and a leader within the band community, Seokhee cherishes the memories of live performances at the Rock Festival and Thursday Music Concerts. “The cheers of the crowd made the stress worth it,” he says. 

Looking ahead, the aspiring engineer plans to study civil or industrial engineering while continuing his creative passions in broadcasting, filmmaking, and music. After gaining experience at a major firm, startup, or tech giant, he hopes to launch his own company to address pressing social challenges. “I want to build something that has real impact,” Seokhee shares. Later, he dreams of giving back by supporting future innovators through venture capital and scholarships.

Reflecting on his journey, Seokhee admits that if he could do one thing differently, he would have prioritized his physical health. Maintaining better condition, he believes, could have made his final year less taxing. To current CSIA students, he offers a simple but powerful message: “Don’t get shaken. Your peers only expose their highs, not lows. Trust your own pace, dive into something you love, and don’t forget to treasure the memories you’re making along the way.”