Meet the Lingers: Tony

"???!" (Fighting!) This encouraging Korean expression perfectly captures Tony Park's approach to both language learning and his role at Ling. As Korean Country Manager for nearly two years, Tony's dedication to languages extends far beyond his professional responsibilities. He's currently on day 1,148 of consecutive language learning—a streak he maintains while overseeing Ling's Korean market, creating content, and managing marketing strategies.

From completing Ling's entire Thai course to organizing language exchange meetups in Bangkok, Tony embodies the app's mission of connecting people through language.

Tony! I'm so glad I get to have a coffee with you today and just chat. Let's kick things off with a bit of background on you.

Where are you from and where do you live now?

I'm a Korean, and I currently live in Bangkok, Thailand.

There's a bit of distance between where you live and the Ling office. What do you like most about working remotely?

The best thing about WFH is that I don't have to commute, which allows me to focus more on my work. However, there are times when I end up working after hours, indicating that there are some drawbacks as well. lol

Since I 100% work remotely, I mainly work from home or the condo lounge. I often have Zoom meetings with my colleagues, so I prefer quiet places where I can focus.

Are the flexible work arrangements your favourite part about working with us at Ling?

It's a great perk, but my favourite part is having the belief that I am doing work that helps the world with good people.

That's a beautiful answer. It's one thing to enjoy what you do and another thing to enjoy what you give to the world. Can you share with you what is it exactly you do at Ling?

As the Korean Country Manager, I oversee the Korean market here, and I am responsible for publishing posts as well as handling marketing tasks such as SEO and ASO.

How did you find out about Ling? What was your interview process like?

After deciding to live in Thailand, one of the first things I did was download an app to learn Thai. Among them, Ling stood out as an exceptional choice. With a positive impression of Ling, the interview process also went very smoothly.

It's been almost 2 years now since then.

2 years is quite a long time! What's been a highlight for you, career wise, while working at Ling?

The moment I clicked the publish button for the first post I wrote myself. I was overwhelmed with emotion. For a while, I searched for it on Google every day.

Any unforgettable moments you've experienced so far?

After joining the company, I went to Chiang Mai for my first regular meeting. I actually saw the people I had only met through video calls. I greeted them with a light hug, and that moment is still vividly etched in my memory. It felt like a dream had become reality.

Other than Ling, what's another app you've been loving right now?

I really like the language learning app itself. That's why I was really happy when I joined Ling. Besides Ling, my favorite language learning apps are Malhaeboka and Plang, which were developed in Korea. I still use them continuously. Today marks exactly... day 1,148, and I haven't missed a single day.

Are you learning any languages right now? If so, what are they and what have you been doing to learn them?

I am currently focusing on Thai. I have completed all the Thai courses on Ling, and I regularly meet Thai friends at a language exchange group in Bangkok.

Tell me a word you like, either in your own language or a foreign one, and why.

Fighting! (???!) This phrase is used to cheer someone on and is a type of ‘Konglish’ unique to Koreans. Despite this, I believe ‘???’ represents modern Korean society and culture well. When someone says it during tough times, it inspires me to think, 'Let’s give it a try.' So, I often use it at work too.

Can you share an inspirational quote/proverb, either in your own language or a foreign one, that inspires you to keep going?

It's so famous that there's no need for a separate explanation, but personally, I really like the phrase "This too shall pass." I believe it's a saying that makes every moment of life valuable.

If you could give one piece of advice to your fresh-out-of-college self, what would it be?

This one phrase is enough. "Go abroad and grow even more."

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to work in your field? (e.g. Marketing, Development, etc.)

Just try it. If you succeed, you will gain something; if you fail, you will learn.

What stands out most in Tony's reflections isn't the marketing strategies or content creation — it's the human connections.

This sense of connection extends to his work philosophy as well, finding fulfillment in "doing work that helps the world with good people." Whether he's working from his condo lounge in Bangkok or meeting with Thai friends for language practice, Tony demonstrates that at the heart of language learning — and at the heart of Ling — is the fundamental human desire to understand and be understood.

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QUICK-FIRE: Get to know Tony

Coffee or Tea?

Just water. I'm trying to break free from caffeine addiction.

Work from office or work from home?

Work from home

Morning person or night owl?

Morning person

Books or movies?

Books

Curated Playlists or Full-length Albums?

Curated Playlists

What's your star sign & Chinese zodiac sign?

Taurus & Snake.