Research
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Global Eminence
Construction Begins on New Engineering Building Annex
Long-awaited construction project scheduled for completion in December 2027 Embodying a new educational paradigm rooted in innovation, synergy, and open spaces Kyung Hee University is officially breaking ground on its new Engineering Building Annex. This milestone comes just a year after the university hosted a kickoff event for the construction of this new annex in May 2025. Spanning a floor area of more than 4,000 square meters across three stories above ground, the annex will be situated in front of the current College of Engineering building. Construction is scheduled to commence in July 2026 toward a target completion date of December 2027. A Hub for Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Leading Research as a Robot-Friendly FacilityThe Engineering Building Annex was designed by Professor Dongil Kim of the Department of Architecture around the core keywords of “synergy” and “open spaces” to reflect the paradigm shifts in future education. The building will feature an innovation lounge designed to spark spontaneous interactions among community members, alongside open-concept laboratory spaces that transcend traditional departmental boundaries. The interior layout is set to house modern classrooms, faculty research offices, advanced labs, and student lounges. Outside, the exterior grounds will feature a central courtyard inspired by the architecture of Jongmyo Shrine, offering a serene environment for students to freely gather and converse. The annex was designed to honor the history and tradition of the main Engineering Building, ensuring seamless architectural harmony between the two structures. Beyond its role as an academic facility, the annex will double as a massive, real-world testing ground. It will serve as the live demonstration site for the “Smart+ Building Core Technology Development” project led by Professor Kyung Eun Hwang of the Department of Architecture, embodying the cutting edge of robot-friendly architectural design. The building will also house a tentative Tech Center, where eight different types of operational robots will provide daily services to students and staff while positioning the university at the forefront of pioneering research in autonomous building technologies. The successful completion of this landmark project calls for the shared enthusiasm and support of the entire university community. Click here to support the College of Engineering Annex Construction Fund. Powered by the Community: A Vision for the Global Top 100 As a long-awaited initiative and a cornerstone of the Global Campus’s future roadmap, the Engineering Building Annex project has inspired a wave of generous contributions from community members who resonate deeply with its mission. A significant portion of the construction costs was successfully secured through this unified support. Moving forward, the College of Engineering plans to leverage the construction of the new annex and the upcoming improvement of the Reactor Research & Education Center as a catalyst to foster a vibrant, widespread culture of giving among alumni, faculty, and students alike. In tandem with the start of construction, the College of Engineering officially proclaimed its ambitious new vision: To rank 3rd among domestic private comprehensive universities and break into the top 100 research-centric engineering colleges globally by 2030. To turn this blueprint into reality, the college has designated strategic areas for intensive growth and established a comprehensive, long-term development roadmap. Guided by this strategy, the institution will aggressively roll out targeted initiatives across key performance indicators, including pioneering research, future-ready education, student career advancement, campus satisfaction, and global institutional reputation.
2026.06.22 -
Academics
Guiding First-Year Students in Exploring Their Academic Paths
Major exploration fairs feature tailored counseling, mini-lectures, and program guidance to guide undecided students in major selection Kyung Hee University’s recent major exploration fairs assisted undecided students in navigating their academic futures. At the Global Campus, the School of Liberal Studies hosted the “2026 Major Fair: In Search of My Dream Major” at the Seonseung Building from April 28 to April 30. Meanwhile, the Seoul Campus School of Global Eminence held its own event, titled “Major Exploration Fair—Do It Freely!”, on May 8 at the Cheongwoon Building. Tailored specifically for undecided students, the fairs offered a comprehensive suite of support services. These included one-on-one academic counseling, specialized guest lectures by various colleges, detailed tracking of university major regulations, and introductions to career and employment support programs. Through these interactive consultations and lectures, students were able to clarify department requirements and actively explore paths that align with their interests. Building Foundations for Major Selection The incoming class of 2026 officially declares their majors at the end of their second semester. To become eligible, students must complete required core courses and participate in at least three major counseling sessions. Rather than treating this as a mere process just to pick a major, the university designs it as a holistic journey—weaving together coursework, tailored advising, mentorship, and campus fairs to help students uncover fields that truly align with their personal interests and aptitudes. Jung Hee Lee, Dean of the School of Global Eminence on the Seoul Campus, emphasized the profound impact of this exploratory period. “Following matriculation in March and April, Academic Advisors (AA) conduct foundational consultations covering student life, academics, and career planning,” Dean Lee explained. “Through our required core course, ‘Major Exploration 1,’ students attend departmental introductions and alumni lectures. In the second semester, ‘Major Exploration 2’ allows them to physically sit in on introductory classes across various disciplines to test the waters.” The School of Liberal Studies on the Global Campus operates an equally rigorous exploratory framework. “Our required foundational courses solidify academic basics, while personalized major counseling sessions help students crystallize their unique talents and goals,” stated Dean Jae-Hyeong Bae. He added, “By running future-education courses, department exploration initiatives, and major fairs side by side, we empower students to discover how different fields intersect and naturally find their own unique connections.” Bridging the Gap Through Faculty Lectures and Peer Mentorship The fairs on both campuses centered around customized major consultations, interactive mini-lectures, and alumni panel talks. At the Global Campus, students explored a massive array of 47 individual major and interdisciplinary minor booths, alongside specialized lectures featuring faculty members, current sophomores, and prominent alumni who are currently active in their respective fields. Meanwhile, the Seoul Campus showcased 30 departmental advising booths and offered 20 unique mini-lectures hosted by various schools and colleges. These multi-faceted sessions allowed first year students to preview actual coursework, clarify departmental curricula, and gather practical career insights. Dean Jung Hee Lee described the fair as “the absolute crown jewel of the open-major exploratory curriculum.” She noted, “No matter how excellent an advising system is on paper, it is never easy for a first year to cold-contact a professor and schedule an interview. At the fair, however, faculty members are explicitly waiting to greet them; all a student has to do is sit down at the table of their choice. The mini-lectures similarly give students a taste of what specialized departmental classes actually look and feel like.” Hee-geon Jeong, a first-year student who is currently eyeing Global Leadership as his primary choice, used the fair to look beyond a single path. “The fair really expanded my view of different major options, and it was incredibly beneficial to communicate directly with professors from so many different departments,” he shared. Another student, Sabin Jang, found herself weighing her options between the sciences and the humanities. “I started out interested in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, and the professors gave me some fantastic advice to guide my selection,” she said. “But the History mini-lecture was also so fascinating that it has made my choice even harder!” She added optimistically, “Fortunately, Kyung Hee has a robust double-major system, so if I’m willing to put in the work, I realize I could potentially pursue both Chemistry and History.” Professor Jungkun Seo of the Department of Political Science and International Relations discusses the departmental curriculum and career pathways with a student during a personalized counseling session. Looking Beyond “Trending” Majors Last year’s major declaration results for undecided students revealed a clear concentration of interest in specific departments. The School of Management dominated on the Seoul Campus, while the College of Electronics and Information saw the highest demand on the Global Campus. Rather than dismissing this purely as a symptom of a herd mentality, both deans interpret these trends as a natural byproduct of a robust exploratory process that allowed students to actively solidify their personal interests and career paths. “The core philosophy behind introducing an open-major system is to tear down the institutional barriers that previously restricted student choice,” explained Dean Lee. “A certain level of concentration is simply the logical result of letting students freely pursue what they want.” On the Seoul Campus last year, the number of students declaring a Management major actually increased significantly during the exploratory period. While post-graduation employment undoubtedly played a role, Dean Lee noted that the advising and guidance provided by faculty advisors from the School of Management heavily influenced student decisions. On the Global Campus, demand for Electronics Engineering started even before matriculation and only intensified after the exploration process. Dean Bae viewed this as “a direct reflection of students navigating their career paths in response to structural shifts in industry, particularly the rise of AI and semiconductors.” He emphasized that the percentage of completely undecided students plummeted following the department tours and major fairs, proving that the exploratory curriculum actively succeeded in helping students establish a clear sense of direction. This year’s first-year students are already introducing new dynamics to these trends. With a noticeably higher proportion of STEM-focused students in the current cohort, interest in Chemistry and Pharmacy has spiked, alongside a growing interest in AI and cutting-edge technology. This has triggered a rise in Global Campus students planning to pursue double majors. While Electronics Engineering remains highly popular, student interest is diversifying across the broader engineering spectrum—including Mechanical Engineering, Genetic Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Software Convergence. Furthermore, students are beginning to discover fields they hadn’t even considered prior to entering university, such as Environmental Science, Smart Farm Science, and Nuclear Engineering. Declaring a Major: A Journey of Self-Discovery Both deans identified “self-understanding” as the single most critical benchmark for students navigating major selection. “The absolute priority is uncovering a field that genuinely sparks your interest and curiosity,” Dean Lee emphasized. “That intrinsic motivation is what keeps you from burning out and allows you to excel over the long haul.” She explained that because many first years enter university without a clear sense of their own preferences, the structural exploration period is vital. Dean Bae framed this concept as “the sustainability of intellectual curiosity.” He remarked, “It is crucial for students to ask themselves whether their fascination with a discipline will endure—not just during their college years, but long after graduation.” He cautioned against leaning too heavily on external metrics like market outlooks. “Instead of focusing strictly on career prospects, think about the specific real-world problems you want to solve within that domain,” Dean Bae advised. “Please consider major selection not as a test where you must choose the ‘right answer,’ but as an integral part of your ongoing journey of self-discovery.” Admittedly, when student demand clusters heavily around specific fields, it can create logistical hurdles for course registration and classroom operations. Rather than restricting student choice to manage these resources, both departments are addressing the challenge by expanding the horizons of student exploration. The School of Global Eminence uses advising sessions to map out interdisciplinary career pathways tailored to specific departmental traits, while actively promoting customized degrees through student-designed major pitch competitions. Similarly, the School of Liberal Studies introduces integrated track systems like h-STEM, empowering students to seamlessly bridge their technical STEM interests with other domains like the humanities, social sciences, and the arts. A Final Message for Students and Parents An open major track is far from a temporary holding pattern for undecided students; rather, it is a deliberate, highly structured curriculum designed to empower individuals to thoroughly investigate their interests, discover their potential, and build their own benchmarks for decision-making. For parents, this period is an opportunity to observe, trust, and support their children on this independent journey. Dean Lee described the open-major system as “a safe harbor for discovering one’s true calling.” Offering advice to families, she noted, “It is absolutely vital for parents to extend their full confidence and encouragement to the conclusions their children reach through this period of deep reflection and exploration.” Dean Bae beautifully reframed the program’s core identity, stating, “The School of Liberal Studies is not a place for students who ‘can’t make up their minds.’ It is a destination for students to ‘refuse to limit their thinking.’” For any student eager to keep their options open and embark on a genuine journey of self-discovery, an open-major curriculum serves as the ultimate launching pad to expand their academic horizons. Students examine a live robotics demonstration at the Mechanical Engineering booth. The Department of Mechanical Engineering has recently bolstered its cutting-edge robotics curriculum by establishing a brand-new major track in Intelligent Robotics Engineering.
2026.06.22 -
Global Eminence
Kyung Hee University Signs MOU with Korea Real Estate Board for AI-Driven Public Innovation
Kyung Hee University and the Korea Real Estate Board sign a MOU to drive AI and data-driven technological cooperation and public sector innovation MOU for AI and data-driven tech cooperation and public innovation signed on May 22 at the University Administration Building Both institutions affirm commitment to fostering sustainable academic-industrial synergies, joint property research, and collaborative public bidding projects On Friday, May 22, Kyung Hee University and the Korea Real Estate Board officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the University Administration Building to drive AI and data-driven technological cooperation and public sector innovation. Through this landmark partnership, both institutions will work together to revolutionize public services within the real estate sector and build a robust academic-industrial ecosystem powered by advanced artificial intelligence and data analytics. The ceremony was attended by key leadership from both organizations. Representing Kyung Hee University were President Jinsang Kim, Provost of the Seoul Campus Eunlim Chi, Dean of the School of Management Yong-Seung Park, Chair of the Department of Geography Eungul Lee, and Director of the AI Education Support Center Taekyung Kim. The delegation from the Korea Real Estate Board included President Heon-wook Lee, Head of the ESG Management Department Sang-ho Lee, Director of the Property Appraisal and Disclosure Department Ki-hyun Kim, and Director of the AX (AI Transformation) Center Hye-jin Na. Under the terms of this agreement, both institutions will cultivate a sustainable foundation for academic-industrial cooperation, using joint research initiatives and public project proposals to revolutionize public services and sharpen their competitive edge in future technologies. To systematically achieve these goals, the university and the board will activate a tight-knit coordination framework spanning eight core strategic areas including: joint research and technological development, public project planning and participation, securing global AI leadership, enhancing AI ethics and reliability, research talent exchange and workforce development, and industry support initiatives. In his welcoming remarks, Kyung Hee University President Jinsang Kim expressed great enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are thrilled to launch this meaningful collaboration with the Korea Real Estate Board, an institution that spearheads the modernization of South Korea’s real estate industry,” he stated. “By combining Kyung Hee’s world-class AI research capabilities and data analytics with the Korea Real Estate Board’s comprehensive public data infrastructure, this partnership will serve as an innovative academic-industrial model capable of shifting the entire paradigm of the property sector.” President Heon-wook Lee of the Korea Real Estate Board responded with equal optimism for the partnership “Collaborating on cutting-edge technology with leading academic institutions is absolutely essential to building a sustainable future,” he noted. “Through joint research initiatives and targeted talent cultivation programs with Kyung Hee University, we aim to elevate the public’s trust in our services while firmly cementing our technological competitive edge in the era of artificial intelligence.” Looking ahead, Kyung Hee University plans to use this MOU to immediately flesh out specific, actionable collaborative tasks. Led by a joint task force consisting of the School of Management, the Department of Geography, the AI Education Support Center, and the AX Center, the university will accelerate its efforts to conduct groundbreaking public-sector research and nurture the versatile, interdisciplinary leaders required to pilot the AI era.
2026.06.22 -
Research
Maternal Influenza Infection Linked to Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
From left: Professor Dong Keon Yon of the College of Medicine, student Yujin Choi, researcher Hyunjee Kim, and senior researcher Jaeyu Park Professor Dong Keon Yon’s research team leverages large-scale medical big data to achieve a world-first validation Published in the online edition of GUT (Impact Factor: 26.2), the world’s premier journal in gastroenterology A research team led by Professor Dong Keon Yon of the College of Medicine (including researchers Hyunjee Kim and Jaeyu Park, and student Yujin Choi) has utilized large-scale Korean medical big data to prove for the first time globally that maternal influenza (flu) infection during pregnancy increases the risk of the child developing ulcerative colitis. Their groundbreaking findings were published this May in the online edition of GUT (Impact Factor: 26.2), one of the most prestigious journals in the field of gastroenterology. Tracking 2.56 Million Mother-Child Pairs Reveals a 33% Increased Risk of Ulcerative Colitis The research team conducted a massive, long-term tracking study following 2,562,302 children born between 2010 and 2017 for up to 14 years. They analyzed the correlation between prenatal influenza infection and the risk of children developing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)—specifically ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease—while adjusting for additional variables including the child's age, the specific trimester of infection, and seasonal factors. The analysis revealed that when a mother was exposed to influenza during pregnancy, the child's risk of developing ulcerative colitis increased by 33%. Remarkably, this trend persisted even after adjusting for familial confounding factors such as genetic background and home environments. This elevated risk tended to persist until the child reached seven years of age. Interestingly, no significant association was found with Crohn's disease, suggesting that prenatal infection compromises the fetal immune system in highly disease-specific ways. The timing of the infection also played a critical role. When the influenza infection occurred during the third trimester, the child's risk of developing ulcerative colitis nearly doubled compared to the uninfected control group. Furthermore, infections contracted during the peak flu seasons of winter or spring saw the child's risk rise by approximately 50%. The underlying mechanism behind this phenomenon suggests that inflammatory cytokines triggered by the maternal flu infection cross the placenta, ultimately disrupting the regulatory system of the child's intestinal mucosal immunity. Senior researcher Jaeyu Park explained, "Crohn's disease is generally considered more severe than ulcerative colitis in terms of complications and clinical progression. However, our study demonstrates that maternal influenza infection shares a distinct, statistically significant link specifically with the development of ulcerative colitis among inflammatory bowel diseases." Professor Yon emphasized the broader implications of the study, noting, "Directly validating the long-term impacts of maternal influenza on a child's gut health through clinical trials is incredibly challenging. Being able to uncover this definitive link using massive medical big data is the core breakthrough of this research." He added, "Proactive flu vaccinations during pregnancy and prompt treatment upon infection could serve as vital clinical strategies to protect a child from future inflammatory bowel disease. Moving forward, we will continue leveraging advanced methodologies to develop practical prevention and management strategies that patients can truly benefit from."
2026.06.15 -
Research
Professor Seok-Kyun Son’s Research Team Joins National ‘Quantum Flagship Project’
A physics research team led by Professor Seok-Kyun Son joins the “Quantum Science and Technology Flagship Project,” a major national initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute for Information & Communications Technology planning & Evaluation (IITP). Developing core technologies for quantum MRI and magnetocardiography (MCG) powered by next-gen quantum magnetic field sensors Pioneering next-gen medical quantum sensing technologies through participating in a major national strategic initiative A physics research team led by Professor Seok-kyun Son is officially participating in the "Quantum Science and Technology Flagship Project." This major national initiative, focused on the fields of quantum communication and sensors, is spearheaded by the Ministry of Science and ICT alongside the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), and is led on a national scale by Chief Project Director Professor Dong-hun Lee of Korea University. Professor Son’s team will actively contribute to the project titled "Development of High-Sensitivity, High-Resolution Quantum MRI and Magnetocardiography (MCG) Technology Based on Diamond Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) Centers." The team will research next-generation, scalable quantum sensing platforms featuring diamond NV centers and explore their downstream biomedical and clinical applications. Aimed at overcoming the constraints of current biomedical imaging through quantum-enhanced sensors, this ambitious project seeks to construct a next-generation precision diagnostic platform built on ultra-precise biosignal measurements. Reflecting its immense scientific value and national priority, the research is structured as a long-term project spanning up to eight years. Quantum Sensing as a Core Pillar of Future Industry As a next-generation frontier in quantum technology, quantum sensing harnesses minute changes in quantum states to measure incredibly subtle physical quantities—such as magnetic fields, electric fields, temperature, and pressure. Alongside quantum computing, it has recently emerged as a defining pillar of the future quantum industry, with its scope of application rapidly expanding into fields as diverse as biomedicine, semiconductors, national defense, and advanced materials. In particular, the Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) center—a defect structure embedded within the diamond lattice—can operate stably even at room temperature while simultaneously achieving exceptionally high magnetic sensitivity and spatial resolution. Consequently, it is garnering intense global attention as a next-generation biomedical sensor platform. Current MRI technology demands massive, bulky equipment and cryogenic cooling environments, severely limiting its ability to locally measure the subtle magnetic signals generated within living organisms. To overcome these technical barriers, the research team is challenging the limits of ultra-precise imaging through quantum magnetic field sensors capable of analyzing microscopic magnetic field fluctuations down to the single-cell level. This breakthrough is expected to unlock unprecedented avenues for analyzing biosignals at a cellular scale and expanding into real-time, high-precision diagnostics—milestones that conventional medical imaging technologies have found impossible to reach. Building the Foundation for Next-Generation Scalable Quantum Sensing Platforms Professor Son’s research team has a strong track record in not only established NV-center-based quantum sensing but also next-generation, scalable quantum sensing platforms rooted in novel quantum materials and hybrid structures. Specifically, their research aims to secure new quantum sensor architectures and application platforms that can complement existing solid-state defect-based sensors, while evaluating the feasibility of developing quantum sensor technologies optimized for next-generation biomedical environments. Looking ahead, the researchers are focusing heavily on the scalability of these systems into flexible quantum sensing platforms capable of operating under highly diverse environmental conditions. To address and complement the inherent limitations of conventional solid-state sensor platforms, the team is investigating how these novel quantum sensing architectures can leverage high-sensitivity response characteristics to environmental changes. Based on their biocompatibility, structural flexibility, and the ability to simultaneously measure multiple physical variables, the team plans to evolve these systems into futuristic biomedical quantum sensor platforms. "Quantum sensing technology is expanding rapidly beyond basic physical measurements into the biomedical sphere," Professor Son explained. "By widening our research scope from diamond NV centers to next-generation scalable quantum sensing platforms, we will establish a technological foundation for next-generation quantum sensors that can be utilized in real-world clinical environments." He further emphasized, "It is crucial to develop new quantum sensing technologies capable of precisely analyzing faint, internal biosignals that conventional sensor technologies have struggled to detect." Forging a Real-World Biomedical Industry Ecosystem The research team expects this initiative to transcend basic laboratory science, paving the way for actual industrialization and practical clinical applications. The technologies developed through this project hold immense potential for scalability across a diverse spectrum of fields, including protein structure analysis, single-cell magnetic field measurement, metabolomics, drug discovery, and early disease diagnosis. Furthermore, there are high expectations for their potential to interface with next-generation precision medicine, digital healthcare, and the biomedical imaging industry. "Quantum technology is rapidly evolving into a foundational platform not just for future computing, but for the advanced medical and biotech industries as well," Professor Son noted. "Through the Quantum Flagship Project, we will elevate South Korea’s competitive edge in quantum sensor technology and contribute meaningfully to building a robust ecosystem for the next-generation quantum biomedical industry."
2026.06.15 -
Research
Campus Town Achieves Highest 'A+' Rating in Seoul City Performance Evaluation
The Campus Town Center achieved an A+ rating in the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Campus Town performance evaluation, receiving high marks for its robust operational framework and highly effective startup support initiatives. Securing 29.6 billion KRW in startup revenue to lead across 20 participating universities Leaping forward as a core hub for tech, AI, and global entrepreneurship support The Kyung Hee University Campus Town Center has secured the highest rating of A+ in the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s 2025 Campus Town performance evaluation. Conducted across 20 participating universities in Seoul, the evaluation highly praised Kyung Hee for its robust operational framework and the tangible effectiveness of its startup support initiatives. Notably, the center proved its exceptional execution capabilities by scoring perfect marks in 10 out of 13 core performance indicators, excluding specialized tracks and extra credit items. The Campus Town Center achieved perfect scores in 10 out of 13 core performance indicators. Standout Success in Government Grants: Cultivating AI and Global Market Specialization As of 2025, a total of 76 startups are housed within the Kyung Hee University Campus Town—the highest number of incubated companies among all participating universities in Seoul. The combined revenue of these incubated startups reached an impressive 29.6 billion KRW, outperforming the second-ranked university by an overwhelming 1.5 times. The center also demonstrated outstanding performance in securing government grants, successfully clinching 80 distinct startup support projects to secure approximately 5.38 billion KRW in funding. While investment stood at around 1.7 billion KRW, this reflects the center's strategic focus on revenue generation and its high proportion of early-stage teams. The hallmark of Kyung Hee's program is an incubation framework tailored specifically for the global market and future industries like AI. Through initiatives such as the “Nexus Creatorium Academy,” the center provided generative AI and business strategy training to over 1,600 members of the public and startup employees. Another highly unique initiative is the Nexus GKR program, a startup incubator designed specifically for international students. The program successfully scouted five foreign-led startup teams, three of which have already completed business registration and incorporation in South Korea. At the core of Campus Town’s celebrated incubation environment is its high-touch support structure. By offering tailored mentoring and business matching, the center has fostered a collaborative ecosystem among its startups. Furthermore, it has woven the university's broader educational resources—including the Startup Support Foundation, the University-Industry Cooperation Foundation, the Technology Holdings Company, and the Graduate School—into a unified, full-lifecycle support system. Programs like Nexus Pass, which helps companies refine their business plans and navigate government grants, have received positive feedback from participants. Looking ahead, the Campus Town Center plans to align its efforts with the RISE (Regional Innovation System & Education) project, envisioning an integrated startup platform where local governments, universities, and industries collaborate closely. The center has set a target to increase the share of AI-driven startups to over 50% and discover more than 60 promising companies each year, with the ultimate goal of producing "Baby Unicorn" startups. Seok Hee Ryu, Director of the Campus Town Center, noted, “Our full-lifecycle, high-touch support system—spanning everything from entrepreneurship education to technology development and investment attraction—was the driving force behind securing this A+ rating.” He added, “Leveraging Kyung Hee’s unique, innovative startup ecosystem, we will do our utmost to help tech-driven startups expand aggressively into global markets.”
2026.06.08- SDG 4 - Quality Education
- SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
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Academics
Designing a Sustainable Tomorrow Through Interdisciplinary Education
Sustainability: Moving Beyond Slogans to Action Sustainability has become a familiar term, but translating it into actual lifestyles and structural societal shifts remains an ongoing challenge. The Sustainable Future Studies convergence major was created to help students understand sustainability not as an abstract value, but as a real-world issue, empowering them to solve these challenges through the lens of the humanities and social sciences. Professor Jibin Park of the Department of History, who spearheaded the creation of this major, focused intensely on this exact point. “Everyone agrees that sustainability is important, but few actually take action to build such a world,” Professor Park diagnosed. Complex global dilemmas like the climate crisis and deep-seated social conflicts can rarely be resolved through technological fixes or economic solutions alone. “Without a fundamental shift in human thought systems and behaviors, lasting solutions are impossible,” she explained. “That is why we designed a curriculum that encourages students to analyze our current crises through a humanistic framework and actively chart the future.” During the conceptual stage, the major was discussed using the working title, “Your Future and Mine.” The name reflected the philosophy that a sustainable future is not merely an individual concern, but a matter of shared coexistence. Professor Park emphasized that sustainability should never be viewed as a problem for someone else to solve. “We cannot afford to think that one person doesn’t matter, “ she urged. “If we all do not start to change now, nothing ever will.” Anticipating Change, Designing Solutions The future society will see complex, interconnected shifts across climate, technology, population, resources, cities, and the international order. These changes are difficult to predict linearly. What students truly need is not the ability to find a single correct answer, but the cognitive agility to evaluate multiple possibilities and design creative alternatives. Professor Kwang-koo Kim of the Department of Public Administration defines future studies as a “discipline that goes beyond merely forecasting what lies ahead; it contemplates how to respond to change and strategically chooses our desired future.” Recognizing that students will navigate an era defined by instability and ambiguity, Professor Kim emphasized the need for a specific mindset: “Rather than harboring vague anxieties about tomorrow, students need ‘future literacy’—the capacity to read the currents of change and identify their own options.” The Sustainable Future Studies convergence major is designed to help students view the future not as an object of fear, but as a manageable process of transformation that they can actively prepare for. This strategic perspective takes concrete shape in the fourth-year course, “Future Scenario Planning.” In this class, students project plausible models of future society based on past and present trajectories. Together, they map out potential future landscapes, grappling with long-term direction setting, resource allocation, and conflict resolution. “My goal is for students to spend the semester analyzing these shifts, building their own scenarios, and examining how those pathways might actually play out in the real world,” Professor Kim shared. Professors Jibin Park and Kwang-koo Kim describe the new Sustainable Future Studies major as a dynamic curriculum designed to cultivate versatile leaders who can actively practice sustainability and navigate future societal shifts. Bridging Classrooms and Communities Through Hands-On Learning The Sustainable Future Studies convergence major places real-world experience and project-based learning at the very heart of its curriculum, weaving field trips, guest lectures, practical labs, and capstone design courses throughout the student journey. The foundational first-year course, An Invitation to Your Future and Mine, breaks away from traditional lectures, taking students out of the classroom to visit sites impacted by environmental, climate, and social conflicts, where they engage directly with experts. Complementing this is the Futures Studies Seminar, a course that brings in a diverse lineup of guest speakers—ranging from scholars and corporate executives to tech developers and environmental activists—to share firsthand insights from the front lines of change. Professor Park emphasized that this entire academic track is intentionally engineered for action. The program is currently building partnerships with external eco-friendly organizations and institutions to give students a direct sandbox for testing ideas. Rather than just analyzing case studies, students will identify a real-world problem they are passionate about, develop a solution, and refine their concepts through feedback from an advisory panel of both internal faculty and industry experts. The program culminates in a mandatory Capstone Design project. In this final stretch, students pitch their own sustainability initiatives and bring them to life through various tangible mediums—whether that means designing poster exhibitions, building physical prototypes, developing social venture models, or launching community sustainability programs. The university is also planning a year-end ESG competition where students can showcase their creations, allowing them to experience firsthand how sustainability translates from concept into concrete, real-world impact. Tomorrow’s Problem Solvers: Agility, Action, and Collaboration The Sustainable Future Studies major prepares students for diverse, impactful career paths—ranging from environmental specialists and corporate ESG strategists to green entrepreneurs and conflict resolution experts. To make these insights accessible to even more students, the university also offers a specialized micro-degree program. Through this tailored track, students from any discipline can build a solid foundation in the humanities and social sciences, developing the unique ability to connect the dots between environmental, social, and governance issues to pitch holistic solutions. Professor Park hopes that graduates of this program will drive meaningful change wherever life takes them. Whether they are embedding sustainability into corporate boardrooms or simply reshaping their own daily habits, everyone has a role to play in building a sustainable tomorrow. “I want our students to know that no matter where they end up, they have the power and the responsibility to make a difference in their respective positions,” she expressed. Professor Kim looks forward to cultivating graduates who are highly attuned to shifting trends and capable of delivering results amid uncertainty. “No matter your major or your future workplace, change is inevitable,” he noted. “Instead of letting vague anxieties paralyze you, I encourage students to design the strategies to navigate that change. Since no one can predict the challenges of tomorrow, true strength lies in being flexible enough to adapt to any situation.” Ultimately, both professors agree that the most vital takeaway from this major is the power of collaboration. Professor Park emphasized that the future demands a mindset rooted in coexistence and inclusivity rather than cutthroat competition. Professor Kim echoed this sentiment, adding a final hope for the program: “I want our students to realize that we can’t solve these massive crises alone—we have to tackle them together. My hope is for our classrooms to become a space where students can truly experience the strength of bringing together diverse perspectives to achieve a common goal.”
2026.06.08 -
Global Eminence
Transforming Administration Innovation Through AI
The Research Promotion Team builds an in-house AI-powered administration system to drive efforts toward transforming Kyung Hee into an AI-Native University As Kyung Hee University declares its transition into an AI-Native University, innovations in education, research, and administration are emerging across the institution. In March, the university unveiled “ChatKHU,” an AI platform that allows any member of the Kyung Hee community to access the latest generative Large Language Models (LLMs). This platform establishes a unified environment for leveraging cutting-edge LLMs from global AI leaders such as OpenAI and Google. Furthermore, the “Kyung Hee AI Committee," a strategic control tower reporting directly to the university president, officially commenced operations in April. This initiative aims to reshape AI not merely as a supplementary tool for university operations, but as the fundamental infrastructure of the institution. Analyzing 1,800+ Emails to Deliver Results from Day One At the administrative frontline, AI is driving tangible changes that support this overarching vision. The Research Development Team at the Office of Research has built an in-house AI-Based Research Administration System. The team created this system to address repetitive inquiries regarding research project regulations, procedures, and forms, while also allowing researchers to verify information during holidays and outside regular working hours. Gi-Jun Jin, a manager from the Research Development Team and the architect of the system, explained, “We wanted to introduce a useful service for researchers while simultaneously reducing the administrative burden caused by repetitive tasks. Prior to full-scale development, we systematically reviewed multi-year inquiry cases to secure the necessary data for the system” The Research Development Team had already been recording and managing faculty inquiries separately. To complement this, they conducted a comprehensive review of approximately 1,800 selected research-related emails accumulated over the same period to secure raw data. They designed a multi-layer classification system with five fields—Research Project Type, Inquiry Topic, Inquiry Content, Answer, and Regulatory Basis—and refined the data into an optimized format for AI training through data layering. To ensure the reliability of the answers, they appended the relevant official regulations to each response. The AI-based research administration system was officially made available to the university community through ChatKHU, marking the first time an administrative service achieved official certification within the platform. The system drew an immediate response following its launch. During its first month of operation, it recorded 847 consultation sessions, averaging 24 sessions per day, with users actively utilizing it as a practical consultation tool by asking consecutive follow-up questions within each session. Furthermore, despite being trained on Korean-language data, the system successfully processes and responds to inquiries made in English, thereby significantly improving accessibility to international faculty members. Faculty members expressed high satisfaction with the system. A professor from the College of Sciences shared, “Previously, verifying the criteria or obligations for using institutional research funds required a significant amount of time spent searching through past emails and attachments. Now, this system provides immediate answers, heavily reducing my administrative burden. If the university expands this service across all administrative sectors, the community will experience even greater practical utility.” Streamlining Repetitive Tasks to Lower Administrative Burden Based on their experience of developing the system in-house, the Research Development Team shared the critical importance of daily data management. Jin noted, “Because we consistently recorded multi-year on-site inquiry cases, we were able to build this system within a short period. If we systematically structure repetitive, routine matters, we can leverage AI to significantly alleviate the burden of repetitive administrative work.” The AI-based research administration system is not a generic, off-the-shelf solution; rather, it is a customized system designed specifically around actual on-site research administration cases and internal institutional regulations. Moving forward, the platform features a self-evolving structure where response quality will naturally improve as more operational data accumulates, promising to become a major asset to research administration. Currently the system primarily handles inquiries regarding institutional research funds, and the team plans to update it systematically whenever internal regulations change or new data becomes available. Administrative innovation driven by AI extends beyond the Office of Research. The Office of Educational Innovation and Planning has launched the development of an AI Agent designed to review documents and budgets for the University Innovation Support Project. The office aims to implement this tool starting with the evaluation of final performance reports in the second half of the year. Their goal is to standardize evaluation criteria based on the national guidelines of the University Innovation Support Project while simultaneously innovating administrative operations.
2026.06.01 -
Global Eminence
Kyung Hee University Reactor Research & Education Center Expands Lecture Hall to Train Next-Generation Reactor Experts
An architectural rendering of the new lecture hall at the Reactor Research & Education Center, which is currently undergoing facility reinforcement and improvement. The Reactor Research & Education Center leverages its MOU with KHNP to build a new 826 m2 lecture hall and improve existing facilities, showcasing its world-class educational capabilities The Kyung Hee University Reactor Research & Education Center is embarking on a comprehensive facility reinforcement and improvement project. This initiative was catalyzed by the “MOU for Nurturing Future Nuclear Energy Experts” signed between Kyung Hee University and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) in 2020. Leveraging Korea’s Only Educational Reactor to Become a Global Nuclear Education Hub In 2020, KHNP donated construction funds for the expansion of the Reactor Research & Education Center, recognizing the center’s track record in nuclear energy education. Funded by both the university’s budget and this donation, a new 826 m2 lecture hall will be constructed on vacant land adjacent to the current center. The new building, featuring one underground floor and three stories above ground, is scheduled to break ground this July with the goal of completion by April 2027. Concurrently, the university will upgrade existing facilities at the center. The Reactor Research & Education Center spearheads advanced nuclear technology research and talent cultivation based on AGN-201K, South Korea’s only educational nuclear reactor. In 2017, it became the world’s first university facility to be officially designated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as an institution for Internet Reactor Laboratory (IRL) education, gaining global recognition for its training capabilities. To date, the center has met the growing demand for reactor experiment training, drawing participants from 19 domestic universities, three industrial and research organizations, and 16 overseas universities and research institutions to train a total of 1,620 alumni. Following the facility expansion, the center plans to focus its world-class educational capabilities on nurturing specialized talent in the nuclear energy sector. In addition to regular courses for nuclear engineering departments nationwide, the center will support the training of specialized professionals by designing unique reactor experiment programs for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and next-generation reactor development. Furthermore, the center expects to expand its educational programs to non-majors and industry professionals, while partnering with universities in countries where South Korean nuclear power plants operate to contribute to the globalization of “K-Nuclear Power.” Welcoming the expansion, Ho Jin Park, Director of the Reactor Research & Education Center stated, “As the demand for nuclear energy—a carbon-free power source—surges due to eco-friendly initiatives, AI development, and global conflicts, we will use this facility expansion to strengthen the Korean nuclear ecosystem and nurture future experts in the field.”
2026.06.01 -
Global Eminence
Kyung Hee University and Hana Financial Group to Empower Young Entrepreneurs
Kyung Hee University and Hana Financial Group signed an MOU to launch the “Hana Social Venture University.” MOU ceremony on May 7 kicks off 2026 initiatives Empowering local entrepreneurs to combat regional population decline On Thursday, May 7, Kyung Hee University and Hana Financial Group signed the “2026 Hana Social Venture University Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)” at the University Administration Building on the Seoul Campus. The signing ceremony was attended by key officials from Kyung Hee University, including President Jinsang Kim, Provost of External Affairs Jong-Bok Kim, Head of the Center for Strategic Planning Hail Park, Head of the Business Incubator Won Gu Lee, Head of the Office of Finance and Planning Do Kyun Kim, and Head of the Start-up Care Center Seok Hee Ryu. Attendees from Hana Financial Group included Hana Financial Group CEO Young-joo Ham, Hana Bank CEO Lee Ho-sung, and Hana Financial Group Deputy President Jeong-taek Oh. Hana Social Venture University is a youth entrepreneurship training program launched by Hana Financial Group in 2022 to counter regional population decline caused by youth out-migration. In collaboration with 30 hub universities nationwide, the initiative trains around 50 local entrepreneurs per campus annually. Kyung Hee University joined this program in 2025, contributing 65 participants to the nationwide pool of 763 teams. This year’s program will kick off in the first half of the year, starting with the selection of participating teams. The program will progress through basic startup training, advanced startup training, specialized coaching for outstanding teams, and a final performance sharing event. In 2025, Hana Financial Group selected 60 outstanding startup teams. From Kyung Hee, two teams—OCEAN FUTURE and Sniff Sniff—secured spots in this elite group. OCEAN FUTURE develops organic fertilizer made from jellyfish, a marine pest, to restore forest fire-damanged soil, while Sniff Sniff manufactures hands-free pet leashes using discarded tent fabrics. OCEAN FUTURE won the Grand Prize at the final performance sharing event and has since moved into the Kyung Hee University Campus Town Center for further business incubation. In his welcoming address, President Jinsang Kim emphasized the changing landscape of education, stating, “In the era of AI, self-directedness is a core competency. The time when achievements were made solely based on rote knowledge has passed. Kyung Hee University actively helps students continuously learn and grow in a self-directed manner, building upon the knowledge they acquire.” He added, “Entrepreneurship is a field where this quality becomes increasingly vital. Since its founding, Kyung Hee University has recognized social contribution as a core responsibility of higher education institutions, which aligns perfectly with Hana Financial Group’s social inclusion policies. Through this collaboration, we will dedicate our educational resources to driving even stronger startup achievements.” Responding to President Kim’s remarks, CEO Young-joo Ham expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Based on our long-standing partnership with Kyung Hee University, I am delighted to sign this agreement for such a meaningful initiative to nurture young entrepreneurs.” He further noted, “In 2026, we will train entrepreneurs to remain competitive in a fast-paced market environment by anchoring our curriculum in AI-driven startup education. We will continue providing unsparing support to build a virtuous cycle where the challenges and growth of young people directly revitalize local economies.”
2026.05.26- SDG 4 - Quality Education
- SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities