Page Myeongdong, where we met Mr. Yang, who is known as a social developer, is an urban community center created by Deoham through the remodeling of the historic Korea YWCA building in Myeongdong. In Page Myeongdong, which offers a view of the beautiful Myeongdong Cathedral, Mr. Yang shared stories about the dreams he has long held.

A Law Student in His 20s Who Veered between Solitude and Contemplation

He was a youth who was always skeptical of norms based on the fundamental question “Why?”, and set the direction of his life at his own pace from an early age. “I vaguely wanted to change the world. When I was a senior in high school, I received the practical advice that becoming a lawyer was the way to change Korean society. That advice resonated with me, so I chose to study law. I applied to Korea University because of its image. Back then, there were more students from various regions other than Seoul. Because I had moved around a lot following my father who was in the military, I felt an affinity for Korea University’s slightly rugged charm and warmth and was excited about mingling with friends from different regions.”

Despite entering law school, he spent much of his time convincing himself why he needed to become a lawyer rather than preparing for the bar exam. “I spent a lot of time alone. I liked sitting on the edge of the main stadium or reading books in the Main Library. I came to university wanting to change the world, but the energy, time, and space I had seemed small, so I kept thinking and contemplating alone. Maybe I didn’t like studying either (laughs).”

Rooftop of Page Myeongdong

From a Law Firm Lawyer to a Public Interest Lawyer to a Social Developer

After passing the bar exam and completing the legal training program at the Judicial Research and Training Institute, Mr. Yang began his career in corporate law. “In my second year at the firm, I received an offer to become a public interest lawyer. I was not at the usual career stage for such a position, nor did I have experience in public interest work. However, I saw it as an opportunity to represent real people and more vibrant clients and thought it was best to start doing this before I became too settled.”

As he pondered ways to create synergy between the for-profit and non-profit sectors, Mr. Yang developed an interest in the idea of community building and founded Deoham as a social economy law center, and developed it into a social innovation company. "Meeting the socially underprivileged and social minorities made me keenly aware of the need for a community safety net. While discussing my dream of creating a community with others, I was advised to try real estate development myself. After looking into it carefully, I realized that real estate development was essentially a legal issue. I was convinced that building the community I had dreamed of was feasible if the structure of development, operation, and ownership was different.”

With the success of projects like Page Myeongdong, Westay Byeolnae, and Westay Jichuk, he currently holds various titles including lawyer, housing developer, space planner, and CEO of a social innovation company. He attributes his achievements to people. "I have learned the value of working with people who I admire and have a positive influence. Also, being able to have a positive impact on others is both a significant responsibility and a great joy.”

Building the Foundation of the Inner Self within a True Community

Mr. Yang offered warm encouragement to Korea University students who are experiencing difficulties and challenges that are different from those of his time at university.
“You will experience successes and failures, love someone passionately, and be hurt and hurt someone while being in love. All these experiences are incredibly valuable. I hope you will not skip over them. And I sincerely hope you find a community to walk with you through them together.”

The wave of social change that Mr. Yang has envisioned is burgeoning silently yet powerfully from the small communities on the margins of society where he stands.