Coding is a valuable tool in today’s world, yet it requires much time and effort to learn how to do it correctly. Jo Dong Keun (’11, Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering), a non-information-technology (IT) graduate, created the YouTube channel JoCoding in November 2018 and currently has over 484,000 subscribers. JoCoding mostly creates IT-related educational content, which involves coding, app programming, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). His videos are viewed by a wide range of demographics from elementary school students to adults as old as 60 years old. JoCoding is a Youtuber people should keep their eyes on, especially today when many job positions require basic knowledge of coding.

About Jo Dong Keun

After entering Korea University (KU), Jo had always dreamt of starting his own business. To do so, he joined several clubs where he met many KU students and alumni with whom he was able to share and discuss his dream of founding a startup company. His most memorable clubs are KU’s Weightlifting Club, Like Lion, and Insiders. In Like Lion, a programming club, Jo was able to make websites and app services through coding and to conduct several hackathon events. In Insiders, a start-up club, he was able to meet many people with unique ideas and successful people who are passionate with their work. During these club activities, he realized that programming was an important skill to know to accomplish his dreams, which is how he began his journey as a developer.

Yet surprisingly, Jo’s first job was not related to coding. During the summer break of his senior year, Jo did an internship at CJ Cheil Jedang (CJ) as an office worker and was given an opportunity for a full-time position. However, he gave up the opportunity and returned to KU to continue his studies for coding. Eventually, Jo launched several apps and websites and worked with major corporations such as LINE and LG CNS; in the process, he was able to further develop his coding skills. Currently, he runs his YouTube channel JoCoding and aims to share his skills and personal story to motivate and teach hesitant people about the basics of programming.

To gain more insight into the life and ideals of Jo’s life, The Granite Tower (GT) conducted an interview with him.

GT: In one of your videos, you mention that you gave up your full-time position in CJ. Is there any special reason for that?

Jo: While participating in an internship with CJ, I was not satisfied with the office work I had to do in the company. Not only was there a lot of work to do, but I did not like the rigid working atmosphere formed within the company, as there was a strong hierarchy within the office. Furthermore, I felt very limited since I was doing the same task every day. Ultimately, when I looked into my own future in CJ, I thought that my ideals would not be fulfilled if I continued working there. So I gave up my regular job in CJ and challenged myself to start a start-up business.

GT: Why did you decide to start a YouTube Channel?

Jo: When I first started my channel, YouTube had many videos on learning how to program with Python or C Language. But videos on making and launching applications were hard to find. So I wanted to make informational videos on how to make websites and applications. Also, I thought that my background as a non-coding-related graduate who became a successful developer launching several applications and getting hired in LG CNS, would give hope and motivation to those who wish to learn coding but are hesitant and overwhelmed by how difficult it looks.

For example, my most viral project was the “Animal-Face AI Test.” This test matches your face with the most similar animal when you upload a picture of your face. At first this website was only launched in Korean, but as it gained fame, I translated it to many other languages including English and Spanish. In fact, it gained over 40 million views and even ranked first on Naver’s real-time search list. I thought that sharing this kind of accomplishment would inspire many people to start coding, which contributes to why I do YouTube. Frankly, I get proud of myself whenever my friends or my viewers compliment my videos, which is why I persist as a creator.

GT: What are some difficulties you faced since starting your YouTube Channel?

Jo: I would say that reading rude comments is the biggest difficulty as a YouTuber. As I became more famous and my channel grew, there was an increase in hate comments. Many of them were out of pure jealousy, and although I knew that I should not pay them too much mind, they do occasionally mentally affect me. What is worse is that those hateful comments are not only directed toward me, but they also target guests in my videos or those who invite me to their channel. It is really embarrassing when this happens. Yet, all I could do is ban those users and delete their comments. This probably is a dilemma for all YouTubers and celebrities.

GT: What inspires you to continue coding and developing, and what is your advice to anyone who wants to learn to code?

Jo: I feel proud and rewarded when I see many people using my products. Especially when my “Animal-Face AI Test” went viral and was used by many international users, I noticed that I could affect not only Korea, but even the whole world through coding. Also, I like the fact that I can create products that did not exist before. For those who want to learn coding, it is getting easier these days. You can make your own application even if you do not major in Computer Science. So, for those who want to try coding but are intimidated by how hard it looks, please take courage, and give it a try.