Seeing It Through

Chairman Kim Woo-jung of Daewoo Group neglected his studies during his final semester of university.

Preoccupied with job hunting and internships, he let his coursework slide. At the time, this was common. But his professor, educated abroad, would not tolerate such complacency. Chairman Kim had to visit the professor, explain his situation, and submit a special report just to earn his credits and graduate.

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I had a similar experience.

During my final semester, my study abroad was confirmed, and I had been hired by Daewoo Corporation. I was to start working in April. Everything seemed to be falling into place. So I slacked off on my major courses that last semester.

Quantum mechanics, in particular, I completely neglected. On exam day, I simply wrote my name and left. The professor was firm: "At this rate, I have no choice but to give you an F."

I was in complete panic.

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At the time, I thought I should have asked the professor for understanding.

Looking back now, that was not the answer. Instead of asking for forgiveness, I should have done everything I could and then explained my situation. The professor gave me a severe scolding, and I ran the final stretch. I aced the final exam and barely managed to graduate.

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What was the problem?

It was my attitude of neglecting the finish. In any game or endeavor, it is not over until it is over, yet I treated the ending lightly. Taking that final step is hard, even when it hurts—but that is what it means to see it through.

Starting is easy. The middle is hard. And finishing is even harder.

The effort to finish properly is something I desperately need, every single day.

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Written by Kay | March 29, 2026