Lee Min-sang, a POSCO Vision Scholarship recipient selected in 2018 and a History major at Yonsei University, has successfully passed the final round of the 2025 Korean Civil Service Examination (Grade 5). Throughout his college years, he says he never forgot the gratitude he felt for the support he received. “My success is not due to my own ability, but thanks to the people who helped me along the way,” he shared. Holding onto the encouragement he received through the POSCO Vision Scholarship, he now hopes to give back to society—not as a scholarship recipient, but as a public servant. Here is his story!

 



Q. Please introduce yourself.

Hello, I’m Lee Min-sang, a 2018 POSCO Vision Scholarship recipient for regional university students and an 18th-class History major at Yonsei University. In October this year, I passed the final round of the 2025 Korean Civil Service Examination (Grade 5). I am currently in my final semester at university.

 

Q. Compared to when you were selected as a scholarship recipient, what has changed the most about yourself?

Looking back, I think I’ve become much more humble. After entering university, I was admitted to the school I wanted and was selected as a Vision Scholar. Because things worked out as I hoped, I unknowingly developed confidence—but also a slight sense of arrogance.

 

Over the past seven years, through my studies, military service, and exam preparation, I went through many challenges that naturally taught me humility. I firmly believe that my success this year was not due to exceptional ability, but thanks to the support and encouragement of many people around me.

 

Q. Congratulations on passing the Grade 5 Civil Service Examination, commonly known as the Administrative Examination. What made you decide to pursue this path?

When I first entered university, I wanted to become a high school history teacher. But once I began my studies, I became more interested in working at a government ministry developing public policy. That led me to take on the challenge of the Grade 5 Civil Service Exam.

 

Just like when I hoped to become a teacher, the desire to contribute to the country and society that supported me as I grew up became the foundation of my decision.

 

Like many first-time candidates, I initially dreamed of passing the exam quickly. But naturally, it wasn’t that easy. Including the Legislative Examination (for Grade 5 positions in the National Assembly), I failed four times. With every failed attempt, my confidence dropped, and I often compared myself to others, feeling small. What weighed on me the most was relying financially on my parents as an adult who had not yet become fully independent.

 

The most rewarding moment came on the day the results of the second round were announced. I will never forget sharing the news with my family and friends, who had waited anxiously—and seeing their sincere joy made me feel deeply grateful for having treated the people around me well.

 

Q. Did you have any personal study routines or methods for managing your mindset?

From January 2, 2023, to June 29, 2025, I consistently followed the same routine: waking up at 6:30 a.m. every day except Sundays and spending my study days at the library or a study café. Although I couldn’t keep it perfectly every day, I tried my best not to compromise.

 

For mental management, I learned that it’s important not to push myself too harshly. Even if I didn’t finish everything I planned for the day or fell short of others’ weekly study hours, I tried not to blame myself too much. If I can’t finish today, I can finish tomorrow; if not next week—that sense of flexibility is vital. The Grade 5 exam, like many other major exams, is a long marathon spanning at least one year, sometimes more than three.

 

Q. How did you feel after passing the exam? Did anything differ from what you expected?

My biggest feeling was relief—relief that I could finally close this chapter. I was also proud that I proved something to myself. I think the emotions of that day will stay with me for a long time.

 

I used to think that passing the exam would make all my worries disappear and everything in life would fall into place. But life isn’t that simple. I know I will continue to face challenges and setbacks, so I try to approach every day with a mindset of enjoying the present moment.

 

Q. Who was the first person you told after receiving your results?

I first called my mother and grandmother. Even though they always told me not to worry—saying everything would work out—they both burst into tears the moment they heard the news. I will never forget that moment.





Q. Among the programs you participated in as a Vision Scholar, which experience left the strongest impression?

I received so much support as a Vision Scholar, yet I regret that I wasn’t able to participate in as many programs as I wished due to personal circumstances.

 

Still, the 2019 summer camp at Palgongsan remains a memorable experience. The program was well-curated and enjoyable, and it gave me the opportunity to slowly get to know senior and junior scholars despite the initial awkwardness.

 

Q. What kind of public servant do you hope to become?

I believe that chasing things like honor or money can easily lead one astray. That’s why I want to focus on doing my best in every task I’m given. Even if I’m just an ordinary public official and cannot make grand contributions, I hope to leave at least small footsteps that help society move in a better direction. That alone would bring me great joy.

 

Q. As a graduate of the POSCO Vision Scholarship, do you have any advice for fellow scholars?

I’m not someone worthy of giving advice, so I say this humbly. But one mindset that helped me greatly is this: “Turn every situation into something positive.”

Even if things do not go as planned—your direction shifts, your career path changes, or you face hardship—approach it with the mindset of “this might actually be a good thing.” Looking back, the failures and frustrations I experienced helped me discover new paths and renew my determination.





Q. Lastly, what does the POSCO TJ Park Foundation mean to you?

If I hadn’t been a POSCO Vision Scholar, I don’t think I would have been able to study with peace of mind during college, nor would I have been able to achieve this result. The Foundation supported not only financially, but also through genuine care and encouragement for scholars’ daily lives.

 

After graduation, if there is any way I can contribute to supporting future scholars or the Foundation, I will gladly step forward. Thank you.