Today was my last day at DreamWorks after ten and a half years. Throughout my 29-year career, this was the longest and also the most special, not because of the brand or anything else, but because of the people I met and worked with on a daily basis. Much like “Asgard is not a place, it’s a people”, DreamWorks is too. I know it’s not a DreamWorks IP, but I’m a nerd anyway.

With these amazing people, I was lucky enough to participate in making many awesome films and projects. By them, I’ve been mentored and nurtured, and have gained the confidence to embark on a new chapter in my life. They are the ones I’ll miss the most starting tomorrow. They were my swan family when I felt like an ugly duckling, and thanks to them, I am now ready to fly into unknown skies with everything I learned.

Anyone I spoke with about my decision to leave was so kind, saying I will always be welcomed back. So I think this is not a goodbye, but a see you later.

Gemini’s summary of my colleagues’ messages

Farewell and Career Transition:
Colleagues at DreamWorks (DW/DWA) are sad to see Gyedo leave after more than a decade (over 10.5 years and 1,297 Jira tickets), but excited for his next adventure. Many express hope to cross paths and work together again in the future.

Technical Contributions and Leadership:
Gyedo is widely recognized for his technical dominance, vast knowledge of the DWA pipeline, USD asset structures, and problem-solving skills, often making hard problems sound effortless. He provided stellar guidance, mentorship, and leadership to technical directors (TDs) and artists across numerous projects, including the Sphere project and KFP4. He is humorously inducted as an “official member of the Layout Mafia forever” after spending time in layout twice.

Personal Impact and Community:
Known for his positive attitude, calm presence, and warmth, Gyedo served as a welcoming mentor and friend to new hires and peers alike. He is fondly remembered for hosting fun, informative Korean-language-learning lunches, sharing cultural insights, and building a strong sense of community at the studio. A popular sentiment echoed by many is that “Gyedo always wins,” leaving a lasting legacy where his colleagues felt like winners just by working alongside him.