Kim Daesu, from South Korea, came to study in Beihang University in 2016, driven by his passion and ambition for aerospace. Majoring in Aircraft Design and Engineering, he dedicated himself to his studies during his four years at Beihang, while actively engaging in various campus activities to expand his social network. After graduation, Kim explored multiple fields and is now fully committed to his career as a social media creator. His account, "Korean Brother DAZHU" has attracted hundreds of thousands of followers on platforms like Douyin and Bilibili, with total views reaching millions. Here is his story.
Beihang Aspirations
From a young age, I was deeply fascinated by aircraft. When I moved to Beijing with my father due to his job transfer, I had the opportunity to gain a closer understanding of China's education system. Beihang University, a top institution in China, captivated me with its prestigious reputation in the aerospace field. The university has advanced teaching facilities, a distinguished faculty, and abundant academic resources, providing vast opportunities for students. Therefore, when the time came to apply for university, I resolutely chose Beihang to embrace the unknown and pursue my dream of flight.
When I first arrived in China, my Chinese level was limited to only basic greetings like "hello" and "thank you." I knew that language was key to adapting into a new environment, so I was determined to master it. I enrolled in systematic Chinese language courses at Beijing Normal University and also practiced with Chinese friends, participating in activities to deepen my understanding and application of the language in real-life situations. Gradually, my Chinese skills improved and I was able to communicate fluently. However, once I entered Beihang University, the all-Chinese teaching environment was still a significant challenge to me. To overcome this, I devoted immense effort. After each class, I would carefully go through the textbooks, looking up words one by one, marking pronunciations and reviewing repeatedly. Thanks to this persistence, by my sophomore year, I could finally fully understand the lectures. The sense of accomplishment remains unforgettable till today.
During my studies, my favorite course was Aircraft Structural Design. In this course, I delved into the principles of aircraft structures and design methodologies. Through practical cases and project-based learning, I developed innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. Using the knowledge from this course, I collaborated with my Chinese classmates to participate in an aircraft model design competition, where we achieved impressive results. It felt as if my childhood dream had finally come true.
Kim Daesu and his Chinese classmates
In high school, I excelled academically and entered university with high confidence. However, during my freshman year, I didn't fully commit to my studies. My year-end grades served as a wake-up call, also highlighting the missed opportunities to improve my Chinese. Rather than giving up, I worked hard to catch up, gaining not only knowledge and professional skills but also forming lasting friendships. My time at Beihang University was richly rewarding. To this day, I keep in touch with my thesis supervisor, Associate Professor Wang Jidong from the School of Aeronautical Science and Engineering. During the challenging times of writing my thesis with remote guidance and preparing for my online defense, Professor Wang gave me invaluable guidance and support. I am deeply grateful for his mentorship, which has been a significant influence on my personal and professional growth. My Chinese friends at Beihang offered unwavering support in both my studies and daily life, becoming invaluable treasures of my study abroad experience. I gained far more than just academic knowledge; I learned how to build relationships and collaborate within a team, making me more mature and confident. I also participated in the campus singing competition. Although I didn't make it into the semifinals, this experience allowed me to meet many Chinese friends. Through this activity, we rehearsed and performed together, sharing joyful moments. Immersing myself in Beihang's vibrant campus culture made my life as an international student fulfilling and meaningful.
Participating in the campus singing competition
Pleasant Surprise
I had always dreamed of starting my own business after graduation, but the pandemic impacted this plan. When I returned to China post-pandemic, a classmate from Beihang University, who was interning at Douyin, suggested me to explore opportunities in the internet space and try creating content on social media. Initially, I didn't have many ideas or a concrete plan—I just thought I'd give it a try. In 2021, I filmed my first video about food in Guangzhou. At that time, I knew very little about filming and editing, so I just learned as I went along. I didn't have high expectations, but the video's views exceeded my imagination. Gradually, I began sharing my life, stories, and perspectives on social media, and my follower count started to grow. I realized that social media allowed me to express my thoughts and opinions while connecting with a broader audience. This realization allowed me to pursue social media as a career and embarked on my entrepreneurial journey. This path has been filled with challenges, but I am confident that as long as I keep moving forward, I can create something valuable.
In the beginning, when filming videos in public, people would often approach me out of curiosity. I felt awkward and unsure of what to say to the camera. Sometimes, staff members would question or even stopped me while I was filming. There were also instances when I traveled far to visit a restaurant, only to find it closed, forcing me to find alternative content abruptly. Now, I'm much more comfortable; even if fans greet me on camera, I can respond naturally. I've also become more skilled in editing and managing my social media channels.
Forge Ahead with Nostalgia
It was in 2006 that I came to China, just before the Beijing Olympics. From that time onward, I was deeply impressed by China's rapid development: cities seemed to change overnight, technological advances were amazing, and people's living standard keeps steadily rising. I witnessed China's remarkable achievements across various fields, which filled me with respect and admiration for the country.
I have clear plans and goals for the future. I understand that China is full of endless possibilities and opportunities, which is why I am determined to continue developing my career here. I aspire to be a bridge for cultural exchange between China and South Korea, helping more Chinese people learn about South Korea through my efforts, and vice versa. I hope that my social media account, "Korean Brother DAZHU" can be linked with the friendship between our two countries. Through my actions and influence, I aim to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the bonds of friendship between the people of China and South Korea.
In the future, I will continue to enhance my influence in the social media realm by creating more high-quality content to attract more followers. I also plan to collaborate with more brands and organizations to initiate meaningful activities that promote cultural exchange between China and South Korea. Additionally, I hope to have the opportunities to participate in various philanthropic projects, making my own contribution to society.
Embrace Your Youth
To the junior students who are currently in or about to enter Beihang University, I have a few words: Cherish every moment at Beihang University. It is an outstanding institution and you should fully utilize its abundant academic resources and excellent faculty to study hard and continuously improve your skills. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—engage and interact more with your Chinese classmates. They possess not only solid academic knowledge but also kindness and enthusiasm. Every small step forward in my career has been supported by my Chinese friends, who provide creative ideas and suggestions, assist me in filming videos, and offer encouragement and support when I face challenges. I am truly grateful for their help.