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Have you ever seen the Korean version of columns written by President Laughlin? If so, you may have wondered where President Laughlin learned Korean. In fact, the columns are translated by Harrison Lee (’89, Korean Language and Literature). Lee is the Executive Assistant of President Laughlin, helping him to perform his duties well without language difficulties. GT interviewed this close associate of President Laughlin.
How did you become the Executive Assistant of President Laughlin?
I think that reporting on Mr. Laughlin in 2004 served as a momentum. I was a reporter belonging to Science Times in the summer of that year. At that time, many people were interested in whether Robert B. Laughlin would be chosen as the President of KAIST or not. Therefore, I covered Laughlin as an assignment. I sent him an E-mail. After I received his answer, I interviewed him by telephone. Through that, I secured a definite answer that he would like to be the president of KAIST. The article based on that interview became exclusive news. After that, KAIST asked me whether I was inclined to take the position of Executive Assistant to President Laughlin. I wanted to, so I applied for an interview and the English test. Luckily, I was singled out as the Executive Assistant and here I am.
It is said that you are so good at English that you have translated English columns written by President Laughlin into Korean. What is the secret of your good English skill?
After I was discharged from military service, I was absorbed in learning English to prepare for graduation. When studying English, I spent much time making my pronunciation precise and correct. However, the real key to acquire better English skill is in intonation, not articulation. While I was in America, I couldn’t understand the reason why the Indians were able to communicate with most Americans more smoothly than I could, although my enunciation is much better than theirs. It took me a while to notice that I spoke in level tones. After that, I paid attention to the highs and lows of my speech.
GT was told that you and President Laughlin lived in the same house. Do you have any inconvenience in accompanying a foreign superior closely?
No problem. President Laughlin does not interfere in my private concerns. Also, he is less authoritarian than most Korean bosses. That’s an advantage accompanying a foreign boss. So, to sum it up, I have absolutely no problem with it.