Chung Kyo Hwa (‘91, College of Law) is a distinguished legal advisor currently serving at Netflix Korea. Her career has been a remarkable journey, combining her roles as a judge, lawyer, and legal advisor for some of the most influential tech and entertainment companies. Her extensive experience working with notable multinational corporations underscores her expertise in the field and uniquely positions her to contribute to Netflix’s endeavors in the Korean market. Beyond her professional achievements, Chung’s international upbringing adds an extra layer of distinction to her background, making her a prominent figure in both the legal and entertainment sectors.

Chung’s life is a tapestry of diverse experiences that have shaped her into the multifaceted individual she is today. Her decision to specialize in law, focusing on international conflicts and negotiations, was influenced by her upbringing in the 1980s in the United Kingdom (UK), where Korea had limited global recognition. This unique background spurred her journey of self-discovery and understanding her Korean identity in a foreign context. Being a woman fluent in English in a predominantly male and Korean-centric community presented constant challenges. These hurdles fueled her determination to succeed in a male-dominated legal field. Chung’s resilience is evident in her career, and her artistic pursuits, creating artworks and curating exhibitions, enrich her diverse portfolio. Her multicultural background and expertise continue to make her an inspiring figure in both the legal and artistic worlds. Hence, The Granite Tower (GT) conducted an in-depth interview with Chung to uncover insights into her life and vision.

GT: Can you provide a brief introduction about yourself and describe your current professional role?

Chung: I graduated from KU’s College of Law in 1996, took the judicial exam, and worked as a judge for approximately four years. Following that, I transitioned to Kim & Chang, where I practiced law for nearly 16 years. Later on, I dedicated the next two and a half years to overseeing legal and policy matters at Microsoft Korea. I have been with Netflix for approximately two and a half years, and I am currently serving as the head of the Legal and Policy at Netflix Korea.

GT: What motivated you to pursue a career in law, and how has your journey been in specializing in cross-national conflicts and negotiations?

Chung: I pursued a career in law because I wanted a stable and meaningful profession as a woman. This was when it was difficult for women to meaningfully proceed in their career. My interest in international matters began early during my time in the UK when my father needed legal assistance in setting up a UK subsidiary of a Korean bank. At the time, he mentioned that it would be great if he could obtain such advice from Korean lawyers. This idea stuck with me, and I decided to become a lawyer. My journey has been fulfilling, especially in specializing in cross-national conflicts and negotiations. I enjoyed working in this field for more than 15 years, particularly in international arbitration. It was a dynamic and evolving area, especially as Korean economy grew and both Korean and multinational companies faced disputes with one another. However, after two decades in law, I sought new challenges related to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), privacy, and data. This led me to work at Microsoft, and eventually at Netflix, where I continue to explore the legal and regulatory aspects of technology and entertainment and witness the success of K-content.

GT: You mentioned that your early experiences of growing up abroad had a profound impact on your perspective. Can you elaborate on some of those significant experiences and offer advice to students who might find themselves on a similar path three decades later?

Chung: When I first started my legal career, there were not many people who had experience living abroad. My experience in a different culture helped me become more open-minded. Rather than insisting that there is only one correct path, I believe there are diverse options. International arbitration, for example, entails discussions in English regarding Korean law while addressing business issues in Korea within diverse legal systems and cultures. I found these aspects intriguing. Growing up with exposure to diverse cultures made me interested in international affairs, and working for multinational companies further broadened my perspective. However, while cultural exchange has increased significantly, there is also an increased risk of becoming biased. Open-mindedness might be diminishing in a world where it is easy to stick to what you want to see and hear. However, it is essential to have diverse interactions and not just engage with like-minded individuals. Reflecting on my experiences, I think this influenced my decision to pursue a career in diverse environments.

GT: Is there any advice or message you would like to convey to your fellow KU colleagues and students?

Chung: These days, I often see young people worrying about their future careers, grades, internships, and whether they're doing well enough. Sometimes, it's essential not to stress too much about these concerns that have not yet materialized. When you face challenges head-on with courage, you often find ways to resolve them. Preemptive worry can be more daunting than the actual situation.

It is crucial to remember that life has a way of working out and facing difficulties can be less challenging than anticipated. I encourage you not to be overly anxious and to maintain a positive perspective. While it is important to study diligently, it is also valuable to consider your long-term goals and strive to broaden your horizons. I believe there are plenty of opportunities to do so.

Even though others may seem more successful than you, remember that everyone has their own pace and journey. Do not be discouraged by others’ perceived success. It is natural to think about pursuing your dreams, even if they seem distant and difficult to attain. While it's easy to contemplate such aspirations, taking action might be challenging. With your feet firmly standing on the ground, please don’t lose sight of higher goals and aspirations.