Siri Ongarjsiri

BAE HYOMIN’S bond with China dates back to his childhood. In his fifth grade, he went to Dalian, Liaoning Province, with his father, who had been transferred to China for work, and studied in a local international school. The vibrant Chinese living environment in Dalian opened the door to a new world for him. From then on, learning Chinese and exploring local cultures gradually became an indispensable part of the fun in his life.

After graduating from junior high school, Hyomin returned to South Korea to complete his high school studies, but the international learning experience had planted a seed in his heart. When it came to choosing a university, CUHK-Shenzhen, with its mission to “combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West,” captured his attention.

He soon returned, beginning a new chapter in his China story.

Despite years of living  in China, the cultural differences in this vast land have constantly brought Hyomin new surprises and reflections.

Upon his first arrival in Guangdong Province, he was struck by the custom of washing utensils with tea, a stark contrast to the customs to which he was accustomed to in Northeast China. It made him realize the richness of Chinese culture, colorful and diverse even within the same country, which is shaped by local conditions and customs.

Discoveries like these multiplied quickly, from daily habits to social etiquette, which reinforced his belief in “choosing understanding over judgment” when facing culture shocks. He relished the journey of exploration across regions and cultures, which not only broadened his horizons but also taught him to understand the richness of the world from multiple perspectives.

“My perspective was not limited to Korean society; instead, it broadened to include a global outlook.”

Academic growth & new horizons

Hyomin chose to major in global business studies and minor in marketing and communication out of a passion for interpersonal interaction. During his school years, he met students from diverse countries and regions. He was captivated by casual daily interactions, in-depth intellectual exchanges, and sparks of wisdom from teamwork. His passion for the art of interpersonal communication and cross-cultural exchange ultimately led him to choose a major related to management and marketing.

Upon graduation, driven by a relentless thirst for intellectual exploration, Hyomin decided to pursue a master’s degree in management at the National University of Singapore.

Forget the past, fear not the future, and live in the moment

Recalling his learning experience, Hyomin shared a unique interlude in his academic journey on the eve of his senior year. As a South Korean citizen, he was required to return to South Korea for two years for mandatory military service. He was assigned to a nursing home as a social worker.

Despite the two-year absence from school for military service, Hyomin considers the experience one of his most valuable lessons. While working at the nursing home, he assisted caregivers in taking care of many elderly residents with Alzheimer’s disease. The daily companionship with these elderly residents nearing the end of life deepened his understanding of life. He still vividly remembers the heart-warming conversation with an elderly woman the day before her sudden death. The unexpected eternal parting and loss, along with the daily witnessing  of life’s end, left a lasting impact on him.

Facing the reality of uncertain life and death, the young man had a profound understanding beyond his years: “Every life has an end. Only by savoring each moment and pursuing what’s truly meaningful can one live life to its fullest.” He realizes that students and newcomers in the workplace are often burdened by too much academic and life stress, making it hard for them to recognize that the most precious possession is the present moment.

Now, Hyomin hopes to share an attitude towards life through his story: there’s no need to dwell on the past or worry too much about the future; life can be found only in the present moment.

Recalling his regrets in his college years, Hyomin mused, “If I could travel back in time and return to undergraduate studies, I would take more initiative to participate in more campus activities.”

At the 2025 “CUHK-Shenzhen Student Club Festival & International Day,” Hyomin, who had never experienced such activities before, truly appreciated the vibrant charm of campus life. He savored international cuisine, chatted with students from diverse backgrounds, and enjoyed the unique atmosphere of cultural exchange amidst laughter and joy. He couldn’t help but think, “If only I came aboard earlier!”

But then, it occurred to him that rather than dwelling on regrets from the past, it’s better to cherish every possible moment in the present, a lesson he learned during his military service. Realizing this, he cherishes every day at CUHK-Shenzhen even more, enjoying every beautiful moment of campus life.

Looking back on his college years, Hyomin said, “CUHK-Shenzhen is not only a place where I pursued my academic ideals, nurtured friendships with my teachers and fellows, and witnessed every moment of personal growth, but also a ‘second home’ that I will always be proud of.”

(Source: Public Relations and Communications, School of Management and Economics, CUHK-Shenzhen)