A Conversation with Minerva Graduate Student Jinhyeok Bang

This is part of a series of profiles introducing students from Minerva’s incoming Fall 2024 graduate class. If you would like to learn more about our programs, please visit our website.

"Many assume they possess extensive knowledge, yet the reality might reveal a lack of depth in their understanding. Decisions of significant impact should not rest on unverified assumptions but rather be grounded in empirical evidence and informed insights."

Originally from South Korea, Jinhyeok (Jin) Bang started his career journey by studying mechanical engineering at one of the leading South Korean universities. Devoting two years to work as an engineer in the liquified natural gas (LNG) shipping industry, Jin decided to pivot his career to journalism in the hopes of contributing to a better society. This decision was largely influenced by the political landscape in South Korea at the time, seeing journalism as a powerful tool for change.

Despite his commendable success in journalism, marked by three awards, Jin encountered the inherent limitations and rigidities of the field. The necessity of nurturing close ties with power players, combined with the industry's aversion to change, highlighted a discord between his aspirations and the realities of the profession. This realization propelled him towards entrepreneurship, with a vision to revolutionize journalism through technology.

Embarking on a new quest, Jin dedicated two years to mastering programming at Ecole 42, a school renowned for its innovative and unconventional learning methods. Having gained practical skills needed for creating a start-up, Jin started bringing his ambitious project into life: developing an AI-driven real-time fact-checking service targeting political discourse, aiming to bring factual integrity back to the forefront of journalism.

Jin is excited to join Minerva’s Master in Decision Analysis program as a means to learning the skills to make informed decisions, leveraging the program's innovative educational approach and Forum’s active learning aspect. With a firm belief in the power of data-driven decisions, he is eager to apply these insights to his start-up, aiming to dismantle biases and restore objectivity in journalism. His journey reflects a deep-seated commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit, embodying the essence of leadership that is not only informed but transformative.

By embracing the rigorous analytical framework offered by Minerva's Master in Decision Analysis program, Jin is poised to further refine his vision for a more transparent and truthful media landscape. His efforts to integrate AI into journalism not only aim to enhance the accuracy and reliability of information but also to rekindle public trust in the media. His journey underscores a profound commitment to social impact, one informed decision at a time.

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