Break away from stereotypes
I enjoy exploring many different
interests running, playing the piano,
writing, and trying new experiences in general.
I also publish essays online from time to time.
Even when I’m at the clinic,
I’m not someone who can
simply stay still for long.
I’m always listening to music,
looking for something new to learn,
or finding something meaningful to do.
People often assume I’m very quiet
and reserved based on first impressions.
But I actually have a much more energetic
side than people expect.
I was even a cheerleader once. Laughs.
Dentist | Jae Won Seo
Q. You recently opened your own dental clinic
and also began working as a YouTuber.
You seem incredibly energetic
what drives you to keep going?
This space is the realization of a dream
I’ve had since I was young.
It’s a place where I’ve been able to bring
to life ideas I’ve long believed in,
especially ideas that challenge
conventional expectations.
When people think of doctors especially dentists
they often associate them with fear, rigid environments,
and cold, standardized clinic interiors.
I wanted to break away from those stereotypes.
I wanted to create something different
something that reflects my own vision.
In many ways, this clinic represents
that dream becoming reality.
YouTube is part of that same journey.
Through it, separate from the clinic itself,
I want to share genuinely useful dental knowledge
as dentist Jae Won Seo in a way that feels
approachable and easy to understand.
You could say the hardware of that
childhood dream is now complete.
What remains is the software—the values,
communication, and experiences that
will continue to evolve and grow over time.
Q. The hardware aspects
of the clinic are impressive,
but I was also struck by the
thoughtful details spaces for staff,
communication boxes,
and the care taken to make both patients
and staff feel comfortable here.
Where do you usually draw
inspiration for these ideas?
Every detail in this space comes
from my own experiences.
They are all shaped by
what I have felt as a customer,
as a team member, and as someone
pursuing a very specific vision.
This space is really an expression
of those accumulated experiences.
It’s not only about
what people can physically see.
The way we communicate with staff,
the way we interact with patients,
and even the attitude we bring into
each conversation those details also
come from experience, one by one.
As for the branding of this clinic,
I’ve drawn inspiration from many places.
For example,
brands like Blue Bottle Coffee
have influenced the way I think about space,
experience, and consistency.
I’m also fortunate to be surrounded
by people from many different fields
who continually inspire me.
A lot of what you see here is the result
of those relationships, conversations,
and shared influences coming together.
Q. What is the meaning behind
the name TU Dental Clinic?
TU carries a simple but meaningful idea.
It stands for coming in crying (T)
and leaving with a smile (U).
Of course, the name can be
interpreted in many different ways.
But for patients especially those
who often walk into a dental clinic feeling nervous
or afraid I think this meaning resonates the most.
It reflects exactly what we hope to create:
a place where fear turns into comfort,
and anxiety turns into relief.
Q. You run the clinic alongside a director
you’ve known since middle school,
high school, and even college.
It also seems like your content work
benefits from being surrounded by great people.
Is there anything you especially value
when it comes to relationships?
Q. You mentioned having
a feedback box for your staff.
Could you tell us more about it?
Although the clinic
hasn’t been open for very long,
we’ve already started receiving
thoughtful feedback through the box.
Some suggestions are things we can
address right away, so whenever that’s
possible, we try to make changes immediately.
For ideas or concerns that require
more time and consideration,
I make sure to communicate that as well.
I believe what matters most
is not just collecting opinions,
but responding to them with sincerity.
Even if something cannot be resolved instantly,
I think it’s important for people to know
their voices are being heard and taken seriously.
Q. Now that you’ve opened your own clinic,
what do you consider most important
in leading and managing it?
