Hoon Kim

Who are you? Tell us about yourself!

My name is Hoon Kim and I am a rising 3L Technology Law and Policy Scholar at Georgetown Law. Before law school, I worked as a data analytics lead at Tripadvisor and as a consultant for Applied Predictive Technologies (now part of Mastercard). I went to Penn for my undergrad degrees in international studies and business and have a master’s in computer science from Boston University. I also served in the South Korean military for two years as an Army interpreter for the Korean Defense Intelligence Command.

What drew you to Georgetown’s Tech Law Scholars Program?

With my technical background as well as my work experience in the e-commerce tech sector, I knew I wanted to continue in technology (or tech-adjacent) law. Georgetown’s Technology Law and Policy Scholars program, with its strong policy and tech programming and location in DC, was the ideal setting to synergize my background with my passion for governance, decision-making, and policy.

You were enrolled in the Technology Impact Lab last spring. What has been your favorite part of your work with the Lab?

The close and candid interactions with the Colorado AG’s on issues where modern, in-market technology meets new developing law such as the Colorado Privacy Act Regulations. It was fascinating to directly hear from the Attorney General’s office their opinions on policy priorities, public harms they are attempting to prevent or remedy, and the ways they deliberated on real world issues.

How has your prior work experience in data analytics connected to your work at the Technology Impact Lab?

My familiarity with e-commerce and database technology as well as my background in coding helped understand and adapt to web tracking and measurement technologies our Lab team used. It was fulfilling to use skills that I had developed elsewhere for studies aiming to benefit and inform the public. Our team specifically analyzed healthcare-adjacent e-commerce companies not covered by HIPAA (e.g., CVS) from a CPA lens, which was very relevant to our team’s personal lives.

What advice do you have for new students at Georgetown Law or students who want to get involved with the Technology Impact Lab?

For Georgetown Law in general, keep an open mind on what areas of the law you are interested in studying as well as practicing. Georgetown’s a big school with a correspondingly rich breadth of learning opportunity. Take advantage of it and take classes you feel curious about as well as those you feel you “need.” For the Lab, don’t let your lack of technical experience deter you. Most of the tech can be learned during the course, while any unique life experiences and perspective you have can make valuable contributions.

What interests do you have outside of law?

I am obsessed with my cat and dog (respectively called Reykjavik and Kona, in Iceland and Hawai’i). I also enjoy various video games, mostly in the strategy and simulation genres. Outside the house, I enjoy skiing and am aiming to train for a half-marathon.