Heo Seong-beom to share lessons from failure and ambition on EBS1

AI researcher and science communicator Heo Seong-beom will share how he has navigated failure, pursued opportunities and found his own way in life in an EBS1 lecture airing Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 11:55 a.m.

The episode of the EBS special lecture program “To Young People” is aimed at teenagers and young adults seeking their own paths beyond school. EBS presents Heo Seong-beom’s story as a journey through setbacks to first place at his gifted school, under the theme “Heo Seong-beom’s strategy for turning even failure into opportunity.”

The first part, themed “Do not fear failure; challenge yourself to seize opportunities,” follows his persistent efforts to pursue openings despite disappointment. Heo Seong-beom describes himself as an “underdog” familiar with failure and frustration.

He recounts deciding in Gyeongju to seek admission to a gifted school and traveling back and forth to Daegu to prepare for the entrance process. After entering Korea Science Academy of KAIST, he faced academic pressure and discouragement among exceptionally talented classmates.

He also recalls spending an entire summer vacation immersed in research for the Hanwha Science Challenge and the process that led to winning first place in the competition. EBS says the account invites viewers to reconsider the meaning of effort and taking on challenges.

Drawing on those experiences, Heo Seong-beom introduces three principles he learned along the way. His account acknowledges that anyone can fail and that no one can perform well all the time. Speaking as a young person still finding his own direction, he offers what EBS describes as encouragement and comfort to those who hesitate to try because they fear failure.

The second part, themed “Enjoy life’s waves in your own way,” presents five personal tips for finding a suitable path, managing negative feelings and enjoying life.

Among them are keeping an ideal dream that sustains one’s passion alongside realistic goals, and treating moments of being an underdog as opportunities to grow. Heo Seong-beom shares these lessons through his own experiences.

He also stresses the importance of gaining varied experiences while young to better understand oneself. To help recover from emotional exhaustion, he advises developing a personal “happiness button.”

EBS says his perspective as a young person facing similar concerns and an uncertain future is intended to help his peers reflect on their lives and find the strength to move forward.

The EBS program was produced with the participation of FKI, Hana Financial Group and Korea Youth Counseling & Welfare Institute. It airs every Sunday at 11:55 a.m. on EBS1, and on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:40 p.m. on EBS 2TV.

Read the original (Korean)