If I were to describe the KRAFTON AI Fellowship in one phrase, it would be "a stepping stone for growth." Preparing for the selection process itself allowed me to study extensively, and participating in the internship enabled me to receive feedback from company researchers, engineers, and professors working at the forefront of AI, helping me develop my expertise. Unlike universities, companies have significantly larger computing resources, and as an intern, I had unrestricted access to these resources, allowing me to conduct research and development without limitations. I was assigned to a project researching a new speech synthesis model, which allowed me to refine and expand my knowledge by applying what I had previously learned only from textbooks. Through this experience, I was able to closely observe how the limitations of existing problem-solving methods are identified and how new solutions are proposed. Furthermore, witnessing the process of submitting the researched model to academic conferences not only deepened my understanding but also helped me grow as a researcher. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at KRAFTON who planned and provided this invaluable opportunity.

The three months I spent in the KRAFTON AI Fellowship provided me with opportunities for growth and positive experiences. Before joining, I had been studying in the UK, so I was concerned that working in a Korean company for the first time might feel unfamiliar. However, my worries quickly disappeared as I met warm and considerate colleagues. The research division had a vibrant culture of idea exchange, which greatly helped me as I was contemplating my research field and career path. I had the opportunity to speak with experts in various fields and observe how high-level research projects were conducted. This experience gave me clearer goals and much-needed motivation. For those in a similar stage of career contemplation, I highly recommend the KRAFTON AI Fellowship as an excellent opportunity.

I believe KRAFTON’s Deep Learning Division provides the best possible environment for passionate and motivated researchers. With abundant computing resources and easy access to GPUs, researchers can quickly immerse themselves in their work. More importantly, collaborating with team members who have experience in various deep learning fields offers a steep learning curve. Additionally, the company provides opportunities to tackle large-scale experiments and research topics that are rarely encountered in academic settings. For undergraduate students, who are the primary target of the Fellowship program, this experience offers a fresh perspective on deep learning research. Whether you are still exploring deep learning as a career path or already have a clear research direction in mind, the KRAFTON AI Fellowship is an incredible opportunity to learn and achieve significant progress. Personally, I had the chance to explore, study, and research various topics, which allowed me to grow significantly as an aspiring deep learning researcher. I sincerely appreciate the Fellowship program organizers and all the members of the Deep Learning Division who helped me adapt smoothly.

I applied for the KRAFTON AI Fellowship because I wanted to test my deep learning skills, and if accepted, I saw it as an excellent opportunity to learn more about deep learning in depth. I studied hard in preparation, and I was fortunate to be selected for the first cohort after making a good impression during the interview. Everyone at the Deep Learning Division was kind and welcoming, and I was glad that I had applied after seeing how great the research environment was. I was able to conduct research in a free and open atmosphere. One of the biggest advantages was being able to ask research- and career-related questions comfortably in an egalitarian environment. I learned about the career paths of deep learning researchers in the industry, gained insights into how to conduct research effectively, and had valuable discussions with peers considering similar career trajectories. Additionally, receiving direct feedback from experienced master's and PhD researchers during my research was incredibly beneficial. I believe KRAFTON is the only company in Korea where one can receive such high-level feedback while working in a research environment. It was an honor to work in such an outstanding setting for two months, and I learned a tremendous amount. Thank you!

Since mid-April, I have joined the Deep Learning Division as a KRAFTON AI Fellow. The reason I applied for the AI Fellowship was that, as someone who had focused on theoretical research, I saw this as a great opportunity to gain experience in applied deep learning research before pursuing graduate studies. When I first joined the lab, I was surprised by the level of freedom—so much so that I wondered if it was really okay. I believe that a rigid atmosphere hinders creative thinking in research, so I was very satisfied with the open and relaxed company culture. I had many small talks with colleagues, discussing not only specific research topics but also general research-related topics. Inevitably, research comes with challenges, but I was able to openly discuss difficulties and overcome them more smoothly thanks to this environment. Casual research discussions often led to collaborations. Once, I had a brief conversation with a researcher working on 3D rendering, and I found the problem they were working on to be very intriguing. I immediately asked if I could join their research, and they gladly accepted, leading to a collaborative study. Seeing how easily and naturally collaborations formed made me realize that this was a great place to engage with interesting topics and conduct research directly. Even with a great research culture, insufficient infrastructure can be a major obstacle. However, KRAFTON's Deep Learning Division has an incredibly well-equipped infrastructure. I never once had to pause my research due to a lack of resources. With dozens of A100 GPUs readily available, I could freely utilize them for my research! Additionally, many deep learning tasks require tedious setup, such as GPU connections and terminal configurations, but the lab had already anticipated these challenges and provided an easy setup process, allowing me to quickly adapt to the coding environment and dive into research. I believe the Deep Learning Division is an ideal place for self-motivated individuals. It goes without saying that nothing happens if you remain passive. When I had something I wanted to work on, I felt confident that there was no better place than KRAFTON’s Deep Learning Division in terms of both human and material resources. The atmosphere encouraged free discussions on any topic, and I had the best colleagues who would engage in thoughtful discussions. With a wealth of research resources supporting my work, I truly felt that I lacked nothing. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to conduct research in such an outstanding environment for four months. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to my fellow researchers who shared discussions and research experiences with me.

Before starting the program, my biggest concern was the given timeframe. As someone new to research in the field of AI, I wondered how much I could learn and gain in such a short period. However, my time at Krafton proved that my worries were unfounded, as I was able to grow rapidly. The best part of the experience was the people. Senior researchers in the Deep Learning Division and my fellow interns became excellent mentors throughout my internship, allowing me to learn quickly and actively participate in research. Additionally, I had frequent mentoring opportunities with researchers working overseas, which greatly broadened my perspective. Another highlight was the unique nature of the Deep Learning Division within a gaming company. The environment was as free and open as a university lab, allowing research on various topics beyond just gaming. At the same time, I had the chance to work on large-scale game AI projects—an experience unique to Krafton. I can't leave out the work environment and welfare. I was genuinely surprised at how delicious the company meals were, and even more amazed at how good food and excellent facilities could contribute so much to overall happiness. The research infrastructure, including GPUs, was also readily available. Although Krafton’s Deep Learning Division is a relatively new research lab, it is rapidly growing thanks to its outstanding researchers and research achievements. Working in such an environment, even for a short time, made me feel that I was growing just as fast. For undergraduate students interested in AI, I truly believe that an internship at Krafton would be a unique and valuable experience.

It is rare for undergraduate students to have the opportunity to engage in independent research through an internship. When I came across the job posting for the KRAFTON AI Fellowship, I was intrigued by the incredible benefits and decided to apply. Over the six months from June to December 2024, I had an experience that exceeded my expectations and successfully completed my journey at Krafton. Krafton's culture is truly horizontal and lively. Thanks to the kindness and positivity of all the employees, I was able to feel a vibrant atmosphere even while tackling challenging research and tasks. I was especially grateful that, despite being an undergraduate intern, we Fellows were treated as independent "researchers." This recognition motivated me to work even more passionately. Within the AI division, there were numerous experts with master's and doctoral degrees across various fields. Whenever I had questions, I could easily reach out to them for advice and gain valuable insights. Krafton's welfare and work environment also exceeded my expectations. Most importantly, the company cafeteria was so delicious that the Fellows jokingly called it "the best restaurant in Yeoksam." We also had access to amenities like a café, shower facilities, and massage chairs, which made the experience even better. Attending G-Star, participating in workshops, and enjoying fun events like the PUBG tournament organized by the Deep Learning Division became unforgettable memories. Among the many strengths of this program, the most impressive aspects were the "wide range of opportunities" and the "people." Krafton explores various research topics within the broader AI framework, and the Fellowship program provides an opportunity to work alongside experts in different fields. Over six months, I was able to experience both pure AI research and practical industry work, which I consider an incredible privilege as an undergraduate student. Additionally, I am deeply grateful for the valuable connections I made—with my research peers, fellow Fellows, previous Fellowship alumni, mentors, and even Head of Deep Learning Division, Kangwook Lee. Through these amazing people, I learned so much. Thank you for granting me this priceless six-month experience. If you are passionate about AI and want to fully immerse yourself in research and hands-on learning, I strongly encourage you to apply for this program!

The Deep Learning Division at Krafton was much more open and horizontal than I had expected, with active communication happening whenever needed. As a lower-year undergraduate with no prior internship experience, I was initially worried about adapting to corporate life, but I was able to adjust very comfortably. The infrastructure and welfare benefits were beyond what I could have imagined for my first company—so much so that I almost felt they were excessive. And one thing I can say for sure is that the food was always amazing, every single day. The most challenging part of deep learning experiments—resource availability—was never an issue here. The first week was a bit overwhelming, as I attended briefings on various research fields within the division and reached out to those that interested me. From there, two or three senior researchers with master's or doctoral-level expertise became my mentors, and we engaged in in-depth discussions about research. Throughout the fellowship, my mentors respected my opinions and ideas while also providing sharp questions and constructive feedback. They guided me on the areas I lacked knowledge in and the competencies I needed to develop as a researcher. Occasionally, we had mentoring sessions and Q&A events with professionals working at multinational corporations. This was particularly helpful for those of us considering studying abroad or pursuing careers overseas. However, no matter how great the research environment is, research itself is inherently challenging. Perhaps because of that, the given time felt even shorter. Although I couldn't complete a research paper as a final outcome, I am highly satisfied because I believe I have grown in many ways. Leaving this experience behind is bittersweet. Rather than focusing on immediate results, I feel that I have gained the ability to find the research I truly want to pursue and navigate my own path independently. Additionally, I learned the importance of seeking help and asking questions—something I realized is a crucial skill. Over what felt like both a long and short period, I went through intense trial and error to discover good research topics and conduct experiments, making me think deeply every step of the way. It had been a long time since I had poured so much passion into a single endeavor. Since the fellowship ensured a high degree of autonomy, the amount I learned and the outcomes I produced were directly proportional to how much effort I put in. Thanks to this program, I feel like I have left a significant footprint in my life. I truly hope to work in an environment like this again in the future. For undergraduate students interested in learning AI research and actively participating in it, I believe this is one of the best opportunities available.

KRAFTON AI Fellowship was a program that provided the optimal environment for undergraduate students seeking to conduct AI research. It not only gave me the opportunity to lead my own research project, but also allowed me to collaborate with experienced and highly skilled mentors, utilize abundant computing resources (including daily use of up to four A100 GPUs), and enjoy various welfare benefits that enabled me to focus solely on research. Since everything I needed for my work was readily available during the internship, I believe I was able to achieve significant research results in a short period of time. The biggest takeaway for me during the fellowship was that “good research starts with good questions.” Throughout the research process, I continually reflected on the direction and value of my work, realizing that for research to be truly impactful, the problem at hand and its importance must be clearly defined. At KRAFTON, there is a solid culture of encouraging research, so even as an intern, I had the freedom to explore my ideas without hesitation. In this open environment, I repeatedly proposed my ideas and received feedback, which allowed me to think deeply about my research and grow at a rapid pace. KRAFTON’s welfare offerings were also top-tier. In addition to the environment dedicated to facilitating research, there were various perks such as delicious lunch and dinner, as well as a nap room. The nap room, in particular, proved extremely useful for taking a short break after long hours of immersion in research, and I used it often right before paper submission deadlines. I could really sense KRAFTON’s commitment to providing the best environment for researchers, and thanks to that, I was able to maintain a high level of concentration. All in all, the KRAFTON AI Fellowship was an exceptionally attractive experience in that it provided an environment where one could take on academic-level research in a limited timeframe, communicate with experts, and grow quickly. Completing a paper and submitting it to a conference, as well as taking the lead in a new project, gave me a great deal of confidence and motivation. I highly recommend anyone who is seriously interested in research or AI development to apply. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the KRAFTON Deep Learning Division for offering this wonderful opportunity, and to all the researchers who worked with me and taught me so much.