Rino Hur 허리노
IB Korean/K-Pop Music Tech Teacher, C.E. Faculty, Korea Trip Coordinator
khur@sejongacademy.org

Rino Hur is in his fourth year at Sejong Academy. He launched the K-POP Music Technology class and currently supervises the K-POP Production Club. Since then, he has also been teaching Korean, finding great fulfillment in introducing students to the Korean language and culture. This year, he will continue teaching as a Concurrent Enrollment (C.E.) faculty through Hennepin Technical College, after being officially approved under Minnesota State Board Policy 3.32, which recognizes him as a faculty-qualified educator authorized to teach college-level courses at the high school and further expand opportunities for students to earn college credit.

Born and raised in South Korea and having spent part of his childhood in Australia, he developed a deep passion for music at a young age. He received professional training from Yoon Sang, one of South Korea’s top music producers, and worked as a Publishing Writer at one of South Korea’s biggest entertainment companies. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a Master’s degree in Music Technology – Film and Digital Music, and he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Music Education. He is also certified as an Acoustic Specialist by the Acoustical Society of Korea and as a Music Psychological Counselor.

Over the years, he has taught music production to a diverse range of learners, including K-POP idols, Master’s and Ph.D. students, and a Netflix TV show composer. His work includes producing music for various artists and creating background music for the well-known cosmetics brand Innisfree. Outside of school, he continues to teach private music production lessons and write songs for artists. Most recently in 2025, through his portfolio mentorship, one of his students secured an offer from Georgia Tech's Music Technology program. He also served as a judge for the U.S. Midwest regional qualifiers for the 2024 and 2025 Changwon K-POP World Festival, and most recently worked as the music composer for an upcoming film.

Hyewon Lim 임혜원
IB Korean Language Arts Teacher
hlim@sejongacademy.org

Ms. Hyewon Lim holds a bachelor’s degree in History from University of London and a master’s degree in Marketing Communications from University of Westminster. She worked as a Marketing Manager at LG Electronics for ten years before transitioning into the field of education.

After beginning her teaching career, Hyewon earned a Master’s degree in TESOL from St. Cloud State University and worked as an ESL teacher for eight years.

Hyewon enjoys learning languages and exploring different cultures through education and travel. She has visited more than twenty countries and values the opportunities that travel provides to connect with people and gain new perspectives from around the world.

MJ Bakken
IB ELA Teacher
mbakken@sejongacademy.org

Ms. Bakken is entering her third year as a classroom teacher after previously working in the nonprofit sector. She earned her Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Language Arts from Bethel University, where she completed her thesis, Social Isolation and Its Effects on Adolescents.

Originally from Indiana, Ms. Bakken moved to Minnesota to attend college, where she met her spouse. She is passionate about helping students develop strong literacy skills and a love of learning.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Ms. Bakken serves as the lead of Sejong Academy’s Sunshine Committee, helping foster a positive and supportive school culture not only for students, but for her colleagues as well. She enjoys bringing joy and encouragement to those around her and is known for her warm and caring presence within the school community.

Outside of school, Ms. Bakken enjoys reading and spending time with her cats and turtle.

Cheryl Gavic
IB ELA Teacher

bio coming soon!

Han Joon Kim 김한준
IB Math and Business Teacher
hkim@sejongacademy.org

Mr. Kim was born and raised in Seoul, Korea. He had more than ten years of education in the United States, including elementary, secondary, undergraduate, and graduate schools. He received his Bachelor’s in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from Indiana University, and a Master’s in Secondary Education and Teaching from the University of St. Thomas. His ongoing interest is in effective global math education in the 21st century. He is a lifelong learner with a belief in each student’s continuous improvement through meaningful connections. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he moved from Seoul to Minnesota. He lives in Eden Prairie with his wife, two daughters, relatives, and friends. He enjoys spending time at church, home, and school.

Hyunsook Hong 홍현숙
IB Math Teacher
hhong@sejongacademy.org

Hello, my name is Hyunsook Hong. I was born on the beautiful island of Jeju in Korea, and now I live in Minnesota with my two lovely daughters.

I developed a love for math in 5th grade, thanks to a teacher who showed me that math is not just about numbers, but also a way to understand the world. This inspired me to study mathematics in college and eventually earn my Ph.D. in Korea. For me, math is like a form of art. It reveals hidden patterns in nature and shows the beauty of the world around us. At Sejong, I hope my students will discover that math is not only practical in everyday life, but also enjoyable and inspiring.

Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, eating delicious Korean food, and watching and listening to K-pop with my daughters. These activities remind me of the joy and curiosity I hope to inspire in my students, because I believe every student can succeed in math when they are encouraged to learn with curiosity and confidence.

Eunyoung Emily Choi 최은영
IB Science/Math Teacher
eychoi@sejongacademy.org

Ms. Emily became a teacher because of her passion for sharing knowledge and helping others learn and grow. Born and raised in South Korea, she began her studies in Radiological Science before moving to the United States and pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science at St. Cloud State University.

Through her experiences in a variety of leadership and campus involvement roles, including serving as Vice President of the Korean Student Association, Ms. Emily developed a strong appreciation for community, collaboration, and lifelong learning. She brings that same energy and enthusiasm into her classroom.

Ms. Emily hopes to inspire students to become curious about the world around them and to develop a scientific way of thinking through the skills and concepts they learn in her classes. Outside of school, she enjoys crafting, dancing, listening to music, and working on puzzles.

Kyle Mohs
IB Social Studies Teacher
kmohs@sejongacademy.org

Mr. Mohs was born and raised in the Fargo–Moorhead area and has been a lifelong enthusiast of social studies, with interests spanning a wide variety of subjects. He earned his degree in Teaching Social Studies, with an emphasis in Political Science, from University of Minnesota Duluth.

After graduating, Mr. Mohs returned to Moorhead, where he worked as a substitute teacher for the local school district. He later accepted a long-term position at the area's new Alternative Learning Center before joining Sejong Academy in 2022 and relocating to St. Paul. Mr. Mohs enjoys helping students better understand the world around them and encouraging thoughtful discussion about history, geography, economics, and civic engagement.

Sa Jin Kwok 곽사진
IB Science/Social Studies Teacher, Ethnic Studies coordinator
sjkwok@sejongacademy.org

Kwok Sa Jin is an Amerasian educator, activist, and martial artist.  He teaches science and social studies while also serving as the Ethnic Studies / Race Equity Coordinator.  Mr. Kwok enjoys cooking, forest runs, and spooky stories.  He lives near Bde Mka Ska with his wife, two children, and cat.  

Mr. Kwok is proud to be one of the original founding members of Sejong Academy.