About me

This vision, rooted in the classic ideal of daily self-renewal (日日新)
and self-mastery (克己), drives every project and piece of analysis you will find here. 

My online handle, 總體的蘭菊, is based on a Korean pun that reflects my philosophy.

It is pronounced 'Chong-che-jeok-nan-guk,' which sounds identical to a common phrase, 총체적 난국 (總體的 難局). This phrase translates to "a total crisis" or "a hopeless situation."

However, I've replaced the Hanja characters for "difficult situation" (難局) with those for "orchids and chrysanthemums" (蘭菊). 

In East Asian culture, orchids and chrysanthemums are symbols of integrity, elegance, and resilience.

The name is a personal reminder: even in moments that seem like a total mess, if you look closer, you might find a beautiful garden of orchids and chrysanthemums waiting to bloom. It represents my worldview—a commitment to finding order in chaos, and beauty in adversity.

A look into my digital toolkit—the hardware, software, and productivity methods I use to turn ideas into reality.

REPUBLIC OF KOREA ARMY | First Lieutenant

(July 2022 – June 2025)

Serving as an officer was a foundational period for applying my principles of leadership and continuous improvement, often under demanding circumstances. 

My goal was to build both expertise and trust through quiet competence and tangible results. 

Personnel Officer (S1) | Battalion HQ 

(April 2024 – June 2025)

• Oversaw all human resources (HR) and administrative functions for a battalion, over 300 personnel.

• Managed personnel records, handled official correspondence, and developed educational training plans to enhance unit capabilities.

• Played a key role in the battalion being recognized as an 'Excellent Unit' in the personnel management sector by the brigade (2024).

• Received a Commendation from the Division Commander (Major General) for excellence in safety control during the Tactical Training Evaluation (Oct. 2024).

Fire Direction Officer | 2nd Battery 

(June 2023 – March 2024)

• Led a company-sized unit of approximately 52 soldiers, taking full responsibility for their training, welfare, and operational readiness.

• Awarded two Commendations from the Battalion Commander for meritorious conduct during live-fire trainings (Mar. 2024, Dec. 2023).

• Developed and executed tactical plans and supervised the management of all unit personnel and equipment.

Forward Observer | Battalion HQ 

(November 2022 – June 2023)

• Specialized in forward observation, collecting and analyzing real-time battlefield data to direct artillery fire with exceptional precision.

• Achieved 1st place in the brigade and 2nd place in the corps in the elite '300 Warrior' competition (2023).

• Earned the Brigade Commander's (Brigadier General) Commendation for Top Excellence in the '300 Warrior' Evaluation (June 2023).

• Awarded the Brigade Commander's (Brigadier General) Commendation as an Excellent Instructor for Mental Strength Training (May 2023).

• Received the Battalion Commander's Commendation for meritorious conduct during the winter live-fire training (Mar. 2023).

Student Teacher(Geography)

Kangwon National University High School | Chuncheon, South Korea

(March 2021- May 2021)

• Designed and delivered over 12 hours of engaging geography lessons to 10th and 11th-grade students.

• Covered key topics in both World Geography (e.g., Köppen Climate Classification, Distribution and Movement of Global Resources & Population) and Korean Geography (e.g., Monsoon Systems, Climatology).

• Developed and implemented effective classroom management strategies to foster a positive and interactive learning environment for classes of approximately 27 students.

• Created a variety of supplementary educational materials, including presentations, worksheets, and visual aids, to enhance student comprehension and interest.

• Assisted the mentor teacher with student assessment, providing constructive feedback on assignments and participating in the grading process.

Convenience Store Associate 

Seoul, South Korea

(March 2018 - March 2021)

• Managed daily store operations including point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, and customer service.

• Developed effective communication and problem-solving skills through daily interaction with a diverse range of customers.

• This role was instrumental in forming the foundation of my early financial planning and asset management strategies during my 20s, providing valuable lessons in diligence and financial independence.