Now I'm a Master's student in CSE at Sogang University,
and a
research assistant in DISCOS Laboratory
Developing next-generation NAND flash drives with file and storage systems
Exploring multi-tiered memory systems with CXL for modern big data processing
Towards a heterogeneous computing era with accelerators like SmartNICs
Research on in-process SQL databases and NoSQL key-value/object stores
From the album Band on the Run (1973)
I’ve said this before, but I always insist that Paul McCartney’s true golden age wasn’t just during The Beatles (though that era was of course brilliant) but rather during his Wings years. The Wings era produced so many incredible songs, even if they’re not as well known in Korea. If anyone happens to read this, please, just give it a try. Listen to some of them. Beyond the big hits like Silly Love Songs, With a Little Luck, Jet, and Band on the Run, nearly every track on the regular albums is a hidden gem. Lately, I’ve been hooked on one song in particular. What makes it especially fascinating is the story behind it. One day, at dinner with Dustin Hoffman, McCartney claimed he could write a song about anything. Hoffman, who knew Picasso had just passed away, challenged him by pointing to Picasso’s last words (“Drink to me!”). Almost like a bet, McCartney sat down and composed a song on the spot. Even though it started from a somewhat playful challenge, the song turned out to be deeply emotional, carrying a sense of respect for Picasso. And the best part is how McCartney weaves in his signature mid-song shifts in mood and style—a hallmark of his songwriting throughout his career. To me, this is the essence of creativity: being able to draw inspiration from anything and turn it into something meaningful. McCartney is exactly that kind of artist. But did you know? When he first started making music, he mostly just covered or mimicked the American rock-and-roll songs that were popular in the UK at the time. Of course, his natural gift for melody is undeniable, but I believe it was years of hard work and accumulated experience that elevated his creativity to the point where he could write a song from something as random as Picasso’s last words. written in October 2025.
One of the most meaningless questions might be: “Which Beatles song is the most innovative?” Because honestly, their entire musical journey was innovation itself. When they debuted, the world of popular music was mostly confined to jazz, blues, and early rock and roll. But within just eight years, The Beatles had pushed those boundaries so far that by the time they disbanded, nearly every kind of modern rock and pop music was blooming, and they were at the very front of that revolution. So picking a single “most innovative” song almost feels pointless. Still, we humans love ranking stuff, and I’m no exception, lol. If you ask Beatles fans, you’ll likely hear names like Tomorrow Never Knows, A Day in the Life, Helter Skelter, Happiness is a Warm Gun, or I Am the Walrus. All of them are legendary for a reason, and I’ve got no argument with any of those picks. But lately, I keep coming back to a lesser-known track: Hey Bulldog from the Yellow Submarine album. It’s not one of their most talked-about songs. Not even close. But man, it grooves. It’s got this raw, punchy energy, an infectious chorus, and a kind of stylish cool that honestly wouldn’t feel out of place if it dropped on Spotify today. To me, Hey Bulldog is a perfect summer track, the kind you want in your ears while wandering around a bustling city like New York under a cloudless blue sky. It feels free, playful, and just the right amount of chaotic. So this summer, I’ll be blasting this nearly 60-year-old gem that still sounds fresh as ever. And just like the song, I hope to live a little more boldly, chase some new ideas, travel around, and maybe make something cool of my own. Let’s go. written in June 2025.
If you ask me who my favorite artist has been over the past few years, it’s Paul McCartney. While many people, both in Korea and abroad, tend to associate Paul primarily with his Beatles days, I believe his musical genius truly shone brightest during his Wings era. The songs he released during that time span a wide variety of genres, featuring melodies and instrumentals that still feel fresh and innovative even today. They can be deeply soothing and beautiful, sometimes chaotic, and other times overwhelmingly emotional. One of my absolute favorites from that period is the 1976 hit "Silly Love Songs". It’s such a warm, comforting, and beautiful track, it feels like a sunny summer evening when you’re about to meet someone you love. It’s the kind of song that makes you imagine packing a bagel and coffee, strolling through Central Park, and savoring the excitement of the evening ahead (i know it sounds oddly specific, LOL). It’s just one of those songs that makes you feel good, no matter what. For me, in Korea, a song that evokes a similar feeling is Yoo Jae-ha’s "Our Love". It’s equally soothing and beautiful, capturing the essence of a sunny summer evening when you’re heading to the Han River for a date with someone special. It’s the kind of song you listen to on your way to the date, gazing out the subway window at the sunset. It’s the romance of everyday life, you know? On days when I’m drained from research or work, this song has a way of warming my heart and giving me a little boost of energy. Let’s all remember not to get so caught up in our studies or work that we forget to appreciate the beauty of life around us. written in February 2025.
Mick Jagger’s presence during the Rolling Stones’ live performances in the late 1960s is so stylish and captivating that it’s hard to believe it was over half a century ago. And this song? Pure perfection. Is this what they mean when they say ‘classics are timeless’? Or does it challenge our quiet assumption that the present is always more refined than the past? Whatever the case, one thing is clear: I want to create or be part of something that, like them, will be remembered for generations—not just remembered, but still seen as effortlessly cool and impressive decades from now. This winter, as I soak in the warmth and grandeur of this song, I’ll gather my energy and focus for the year ahead. written in December 2024.
