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  • Research
    Agricultural Waste Product Find New Life as Eco-Friendly UV-Blocking Films

    Professor Jungmok You of the Department of Convergent Biotechnology and Advanced Materials Science has developed a new method to convert agricultural waste products into high-value nanomaterials Professor You’s research team has transformed rice husks, an abundant agricultural waste product, into high-performance films that are both eco-friendly and effective at blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays. Made from lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNFs), the films offer a sustainable solution for managing light and could be used in applications ranging from UV-protection masks to energy-efficient building materials. The research was published online on July 14, 2025, in Chemical Engineering Journal under the title, “Lignin-tailored lignocellulose nanofiber films for light management using a deep eutectic solvent.” Lignocellulose, a major component of plant cell walls, is found in materials such as wood, rice straw, and grass, and is one of the most abundant biomasses on Earth. LCNFs contain both lignin and cellulose, giving them exceptional mechanical strength, thermal stability, moisture resistance, and UV-absorbing capability. In conventional cellulose extraction, lignin is typically removed. Professor You’s team, however, set out to create a process that retains lignin and takes full advantage of its properties. The researchers used a deep eutectic solvent (DES), a green, reusable solvent, to process rice husks without a separate lignin extraction process, while precisely controlling lignin content to fine-tune the films’ light transmittance, UV-blocking performance, and optical haze. The resulting films combine high strength and flexibility with the ability to block more than 99% of UVB rays and over 80% of UVA rays, while also scattering light. Depending on their lignin content, the films can be tailored for different light-management needs and applied in UV-protection masks, biodegradable display films, and other products. In addition, the DES catalyst can be recovered and reused, ensuring both environmental sustainability and cost efficiency. Professor You concluded, “This work shows that agricultural waste products like rice husks can be turned into high-value nanomaterials, while also offering a cost-effective way to produce eco-friendly films with light-management capabilities. We see strong potential for this technology to be applied across many industries, from advanced light-shielding materials to biodegradable display films and energy-efficient building materials.” The study was supported by the Nano and Material Technology Development Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea, funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

    2025.08.18
  • Research
    Decoding the Lupus Gene: Professor Kwangwoo Kim of the Department of Biology Unlocks the Origin of Lupus

    Professor Kwangwoo Kim's Research Team at the Department of Biology develops MHC genetic variation reference panel Identification of Lupus-causing genetic variants through precise genome analysis of approximately 70,000 individuals Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is a well-known autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakes healthy cells for foreign invaders and attacks them, causing inflammation and tissue damage in major organs across the body. While complex factors, including genetics, environment, and sex hormones, contribute to risk, the exact pathogenesis of lupus has remained unclear. In response to this challenge, Professor Kwangwoo Kim's research team at the Department of Biology developed a customized reference panel tailored for the Koreans, capable of high-resolution analysis of genetic information in the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) region of human DNA. Using this panel, the team analyzed genome data from approximately 70,000 individuals and identified key genetic variants closely linked to the development of lupus. MHC region: a key DNA area in understanding lupus genetics The research focused on the MHC region of chromosome six in human DNA, which is densely packed with a high concentration of immune-related genes. Previously, large-scale, precise analyses on this area were limited due to the complex genetic structure. However, the newly developed tool can simultaneously predict HLA gene clusters and C4 gene mutations, significantly improving analytical accuracy. Using this comprehensive reference panel, the research team conducted a precise analysis of genome data from approximately 70,000 Korean individuals, including both lupus patients and healthy controls. The results revealed that individuals with deficiencies in the C4 gene had a roughly 1.4-fold higher risk of developing lupus compared to those without such deficiencies. Conversely, each additional copy of the C4 gene was associated with a roughly 31% reduction in the risk of lupus. Furthermore, this study also found that certain amino acid mutations in the HLA gene can alter how the HLA protein binds to antigens, inducing structural changes that can cause autoantigens to be misidentified as foreign threats. In particular, when the number of C4 gene copies is reduced, or when an abnormally long untranslated sequence is inserted, the production of complement protein production decreases, which in turn increases the risk of lupus by heightening immune system imbalance. These results demonstrate that the abnormal immune responses observed in lupus patients are closely and inherently linked to genetic risk factors. Possibility of early diagnosis and personalized treatment; laying the foundation for precision medicine This study elucidated the genetic pathogenesis of lupus, revealing how abnormal immune response is closely tied to genetic variation. The identification of such genotypes opens the door to risk prediction, early disease detection, and the creation of treatment frameworks tailored to an individual’s genetic profile. The presence of these specific genotypes provides a concrete basis for developing precision medicine therapies designed to counteract the precise molecular mechanism at work. The reference panel developed by the research team will be made available through the National Institute of Health's CODA system and is anticipated to see broad application in genetic research spanning autoimmune, infectious, and inflammatory diseases. It holds particular significance as a public infrastructure resource, enabling large-scale and highly precise analysis of the MHC region, an area of genomic study that has long been technically challenging with existing methodologies. This study was conducted jointly by Professor Kwangwoo Kim and his team at the Department of Biology, Hanyang University, the National Institute of Health, and the Ulsan National Institute of Scient and Technology (UNIST), with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea. The findings were published on July 5, 2025, in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (IF 20.6), a leading international journal in rheumatology, under the title, “Development of an MHC imputation panel highlights independent contributions of HLA amino acid residues and C4 copy number variations to SLE risk.”

    2025.08.04
  • Research
    Professor Jae-Young Um Selected for the Global Basic Research Laboratory Support Project

    Professor Um’s research team at the College of Korean Medicine has been selected for the 2025 Global Basic Research Laboratory (GBRL) Support Project, hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT, through which she will develop treatment strategies to overcome cachexia The team will receive approximately 1.5 billion KRW in research funding over three years to develop a treatment strategy for cachexia. The research topic is “Overcoming Cachexia through Modulation of Cancer-Related Adipose-Derived Fibroblasts.” Cancer is not confined to a single body part but affects the entire body. Among its complications, cachexia is common in cancer patients, causing muscle and fat loss with debilitating symptoms. It is diagnosed when body weight loss exceeds 5%, at which point quality of life of the patient begins to decline sharply and treatment response becomes poor. Plans to focus on head and neck cancers that are prone to cachexia and to develop tailored treatment strategies Professor Um explained the unique nature of her research, saying, "While most cancer research tends to focus on the tumor cells themselves, our team is interested in how cancer affects the entire body." The research team focuses on how malignant tumors interact with surrounding cells and transform the body. They analyze, at the molecular level, how fat cells near tumors transform into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and how this conversion contributes to cachexia, the severe wasting syndrome often seen in advanced cancer cases. The team targets “head and neck cancer,” which refers to malignant tumors that can occur in the brain, eyes, face, nose, neck, mouth, larynx, pharynx, salivary glands, or thyroid glands. These tumors tend to grow quickly and carry a high risk of metastasis. Because of their location, they often interfere with eating and swallowing, increasing the likelihood of cachexia, as many patients also struggle to maintain adequate nutrition. The research team will investigate the cancer microenvironment specific to head and neck cancer, focusing on how fibroblasts originating from adipocytes contribute to the development of cachexia. The goal is to design a treatment strategy that counteracts this effect, offering a pathway to prevent or mitigate cancer-related cachexia. As Professor Um explained, "Cachexia is common in head and neck cancer patients. Since the disease directly impairs the ability to eat, significant weight loss is a frequent outcome." The research team proposes a new concept in cancer treatment, one that moves away from conventional methods focused on directly removing or destroying tumors. Instead, they aim to manipulate the cancer microenvironment, shaped by adipocytes and fibroblasts, to treat cachexia and foster conditions that inhibit tumor growth. Professor Um explains, "Ours is an indirect approach, restoring balance throughout the body in a way that resonates with the holistic principles of Korean medicine." Korean medicine is renowned for regulating the body as a whole, including nutritional status and energy metabolism. She plans to integrate Korean medicine with the latest in molecular biology to develop treatment strategies for a range of intractable diseases, including cachexia. A molecular biologist by training, Professor Um has devoted nearly a decade to basic research on cachexia. Her work first began with adipocytes and gradually expanded to encompass white fat and the changes in adipose tissue associated with cancer. She remarked, "There is no definitive treatment for cachexia yet; the available treatment options are mainly palliative. It is a deeply challenging field with formidable methodological and practical obstacles, from modelling the complex metabolic changes in patients to translating findings into viable therapies. I was chosen for this research program only after seven attempts in basic research lab selections on the subject." Global Basic Research Lab Program emphasizes internationalization capabilities, leveraging research networks The Global Basic Research Lab Program, which selected Professor Um's research team, places a stronger emphasis on international collaboration than earlier basic research programs. This new shift in the program has opened up a significant new opportunity for the team, enabling them to expand the scope and impact of their work, as Professors Su Il Kim of the College of Medicine and Kwang Seok Ahn of the College of Korean Medicine are joining as co-researchers. The research team will also partner with leading institutions worldwide including the University of Toronto, the National University of Singapore, and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Building on their established collaborative network, the research team will study fundamental biological mechanisms involving cancer, adipocytes, fibroblasts, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells. Their work will include precise molecular-level analyses of adipocyte changes, the formation and functional regulation of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and the induction of EMT. The team will build a predictive model based on clinical data from actual cancer patients, followed by validation experiments in animal models. Their ultimate goal is to translate this model into a precision medicine-based treatment strategy with direct clinical applicability. To this end, the team will share equipment with international researchers to generate high-quality analytical datasets. Central to their collaborative framework is a student-researcher exchange program, which deepens expertise, fosters cross-disciplinary skills, and expands the global reach of their investigation. Professor Um said, "With about ten years remaining until my retirement, this is the moment to delve more deeply into my research rather than broadening my scope. My goal is to clarify the proteins linked to adipocytes and the pathophysiological mechanics they drive." She concluded, "Eleven teams in the field of medicine and pharmacy were selected for this project. Nine of these projects are advanced, and our research team is among them. We see this as a springboard to undertake even larger endeavors and to demonstrate Kyung Hee’s global capabilities in academic convergence research."

    2025.08.04
  • Research
    AI Model Predicts Kidney Disease Risk in Diabetic Patients with High Accuracy

    Professors Dong Keon Yon and Sang Youl Rhee of the College of Medicine, together with their research team, have developed a multimodal artificial intelligence model capable of predicting the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) within five years in patients with type 2 diabetes. The model draws on large-scale clinical and imaging datasets from both Korean and international cohorts. By combining clinical test results with retinal fundus images, the system achieved significantly higher accuracy and interpretability than conventional AI systems. Notably, the model also predicted a patient’s likelihood of developing vascular complications, offering new possibilities for precision medicine and personalized care. The study—conducted with Research Professor Selin Woo, researchers Seung Ha Hwang, Jaehyeong Cho, and Soeun Kim, and Professor Hong-Hee Won of Sungkyunkwan University—was based on large-scale clinical data from both Korea and the U.K. The findings were published in the online edition of Diabetes Care (Impact Factor: 16.6) under the title, “A Multimodal Predictive Model for Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Association With Vascular Complications in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Model Development and Validation Study in South Korea and the U.K.” Multimodal AI model that combines clinical data and retinal images overcomes the limitations of single-modality tools, improving accuracy, interpretability, and real-world applicability Diabetes is highly prevalent worldwide, and kidney disease is one of its most serious and common complications. Early prediction and prevention are essential, but conventional risk assessment tools have typically relied on a single type of data, such as clinical tests or imaging alone. This narrow approach has limited both the accuracy and the interpretability of the results. To address these limitations, the Kyung Hee research team set out to develop a multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) model capable of integrating multiple types of medical information. By combining structured clinical data with retinal fundus images, the team aimed to enhance both the precision of predictions and their practical applicability in clinical settings. The research team developed the multimodal AI model using data from Kyung Hee University Medical Center in Korea and a diabetes cohort in the United Kingdom. By integrating structured clinical data—such as blood and urine test results and medication history—with retinal fundus images, they constructed a deep learning system capable of predicting the risk of developing chronic kidney disease within five years. The AI tool was first trained on Korean patient data and then externally validated using the UK cohort. It has demonstrated strong predictive performance, achieving an accuracy of 88.0% in the Korean cohort in the domestic dataset and 72.2% in the external validation, underscoring its potential for international clinical application. One of the key limitations of conventional AI models in medicine is their “black-box” nature—they often produce results without revealing how those results were derived. To overcome this challenge, the researchers integrated explainable AI (XAI) techniques into the model. These methods make it possible to visually interpret the basis of the AI’s predictions, thereby enhancing transparency and increasing the model’s potential for real-world clinical adoption. AI sheds light on key indicators of kidney disease through explainable techniques The explainable AI analysis identified several major risk factors for chronic kidney disease, including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the use of diabetes and hypertension medications, and the patient’s age. In the retinal imaging data, the optic disc and superior vascular arcade emerged as critical visual cues. These findings demonstrate that the algorithm not only predicts outcomes but also offers clinically meaningful insights that physicians can use as scientific evidence in patient care. The researchers also analyzed the relationship between the model’s predicted probabilities and the actual occurrence of vascular complications. Patients with higher predicted risk scores were significantly more likely to develop major complications, such as cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy, and end-stage renal disease. For instance, those in the highest tertile of model probability faced up to a 2.21 times greater risk of macrovascular complications and a 1.30 times greater risk of microvascular complications compared to those in the lowest group. These findings suggest that the AI tool could be used not only to predict CKD onset early but also to support long-term health management and the prevention of serious complications. “This AI model enables high-accuracy predictions using only data routinely collected in clinical settings, making it a realistic tool for use in primary care,” said Research Professor Selin Woo. “It lays the groundwork for precision medicine by allowing early identification and intervention for high-risk patients.” Professor Sang Youl Rhee added, “By training and validating the model with both domestic and international data, we ensured its generalizability and reliability. This study opens new avenues for personalized patient management.”

    2025.07.21
  • Research
    Global Experts Gather to Advance Quantum Research at Kyung Hee Symposium

    The Kyung Hee International Center for Quantum Matter (ICQM), led by Eminent Scholar Konstantin Novoselov (Director), hosted the 2025 Academic Symposium in mid-June in the Grand Conference Hall, located on the second floor of the Main Building on the Seoul Campus. The event marked a significant milestone since the Center’s inauguration in November 2024, where it announced its ambitious commitment to advancing the field of quantum science. Renowned researchers from Korea and abroad gathered to share the latest developments in next-generation quantum materials and quantum information science, and to explore future directions for collaborative research. The symposium was organized by ICQM, in collaboration with the Education and Research Group for Innovation in Quantum Digital Technology under Brain Korea 21 Phase Four and the Quantum Information Society of Korea. Symposium explores opportunities for global collaboration in quantum science Since its inception, ICQM has aspired to become a global hub for quantum research. This symposium marked the Center’s first full-scale academic initiative. Eunlim Chi, Provost of the Seoul Campus, and Yoon Yeo Jun, Director of the Office of Academic Affairs, attended the event to show their support for ICQM. Eminent Scholars Novoselov (Director, ICQM; National University of Singapore) and Philip Kim (Senior Advisor, ICQM; Harvard University) welcomed participants onsite. The symposium was moderated by Professor Seok-Kyun Son (Deputy Director, ICQM) of the Department of Physics. Prior to the official opening of the symposium, a pre-event session was held. Director Novoselov opened with a welcome message, stating: “I’ve been closely following the active progress of the International Center for Quantum Matter and have been impressed by the ongoing research and initiatives. There is growing global interest in quantum materials and quantum technologies, and it’s exciting to be part of that movement. Given the Center’s broad scope—from quantum technologies and two-dimensional(2D) materials to artificial intelligence and next-generation semiconductors—it’s no surprise that interest in our work continues to expand. I’ve had many discussions with researchers on these interdisciplinary projects, and I intend to keep fostering an open and collaborative atmosphere. I’m excited to learn from others and to see where our discussions today might lead in terms of future collaborations.” Professor Philip Kim, Senior Advisor to the ICQM, remarked, “It is a great pleasure to be here and hear firsthand about the latest advances in our field. Events like this symposium are invaluable, as they bring together researchers who share common scientific interests to exchange ideas, stay updated on recent developments, and explore opportunities for collaboration.” He continued, “I look forward to engaging with the exciting work being done and to appreciating it together as a scholarly community. I also hope this symposium plays a key role in further establishing the ICQM as a leading hub for quantum materials research.” ICQM Presents “Future Science Talent Award” to Emerging Researchers in Quantum Science Provost Eunlim Chi of the Seoul Campus delivered congratulatory remarks, expressing her strong support for the continued growth of the Center. “There are high expectations for the ICQM. With internationally renowned scholars such as Director Konstantin Novoselov and Senior Advisor Philip Kim, and with the dedication and expertise of Kyung Hee’s faculty, I am confident that the Center will continue to produce outstanding results,” she said. “I hope today’s symposium serves as a true celebration of academic excellence.” The symposium also featured the presentation of the “Novoselov Future Science Talent Award.” First introduced during the Center’s inauguration in November of last year, the award was previously granted to 17 students across various Kyung Hee institutions—from Kyunghee Elementary, Middle, Girls’ Middle, and High Schools to the University’s undergraduate and graduate programs. This year, in alignment with the symposium’s academic focus, the award was presented to four emerging researchers actively engaged in scientific inquiry: Students Hye-Ryeong Choi and Ye-Rim Choi (Physics), and Students Gyu-Seock Ko and Youngjun Lee (Graduate School). Latest advances in quantum science presented by leading researchers from Korea and abroad The symposium featured five presentations by renowned experts in the field: -Quantum Transport in Coupled 2D Materials by Professor Dong-Keun Ki of The University of Hong Kong -Exploring Electron Transport in 2D Systems Through Quantum Sensing by Dr. Chulki Kim of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) -Quantum Playground with Solid-state Quantum Emitters by Professor Jehyung Kim of Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) -Quantum Sensing and Imaging: Emerging Tools for Probing Quantum Materials by Professor Donghun Lee of Korea University -High-Fidelity Entanglement in Trapped-Ion Based Quantum Computing Processor by Professor Taeyoung Choi of Ewha Womans University Professor Dong-Keun Ki of the University of Hong Kong delivered a presentation on quantum transport in 2D materials—crystalline layers just a few atoms thick. He explained that these materials are highly sensitive to their surrounding environment, including temperature and atmospheric conditions. When they are stacked or strongly coupled with one another, or combined with other materials in carefully engineered heterostructures, their electronic properties can be drastically modified. Professor Ki highlighted that such tunability enables the design of novel electronic components with enhanced or entirely new functionalities. Dr. Chulki Kim of KIST introduced a research project focused on developing quantum sensing techniques using nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. NV centers—atomic-scale defects in the diamond lattice—are known for their exceptional sensitivity to magnetic and electric fields. Dr. Kim aims to harness these properties to probe electron dynamics in atomically thin materials. His research envisions a quantum “microscope” capable of visualizing electron transport phenomena with nanoscale precision, opening new pathways for studying low-dimensional quantum systems. Engaging discussions sparked by the latest quantum research Professor Jehyung Kim of UNIST presented his research on quantum light sources and their role in next-generation quantum information technologies. His talk focused on solid-state quantum emitters—particularly quantum dots embedded in semiconductors—that can generate single photons on demand. These photons can carry quantum information and enable applications in quantum communication and computing. Professor Kim also highlighted how the quantum spin states of these emitters allow precise control over photon emission, paving the way for scalable quantum networks and photonic quantum processors. Professor Donghun Lee of Korea University also presented his research on quantum sensing using diamond NV centers. This technique enables the detailed observation of changes in the properties of 2D materials. By measuring the flow of electric current at the nanoscale, the method functions like a high-resolution microscope for the quantum world. It allows researchers to explore phenomena invisible to the naked eye, making it a promising tool for advancing the study of quantum materials. Professor Taeyoung Choi of Ewha Womans University introduced the principles and recent advances of trapped-ion quantum computing. In this approach, electrically charged atoms (ions) are suspended in space using electromagnetic fields and individually manipulated with laser light to perform quantum operations. Because each ion can be controlled independently, this method enables precise, scalable quantum computations. Professor Choi discussed his ongoing experiments on manipulating entangled states of ions, highlighting the potential of trapped-ion systems to deliver highly reliable quantum logic operations—key components for realizing universal quantum computers. ICQM and Femto Science hold research grant ceremony for quantum materials project At the symposium venue, a research funding ceremony was held to mark the collaboration between the Center and Femto Science Inc. The two parties are jointly pursuing a project aimed at developing plasma-based precision etching processes for fabricating quantum materials using 2D substrates. As part of this initiative, Femto Science is providing ICQM with a research grant of 22 million KRW. Muhwan Kim (CEO, Femto Science) remarked, “We look forward to continued collaboration with ICQM, especially in the areas of materials, parts, and equipment. By combining on-site industry insights with the high-quality research led by Kyung Hee faculty members, we hope to generate meaningful opportunities for innovation.” Professor Seok-Kyun Son (Deputy Director, ICQM) concluded the symposium by emphasizing its broader significance: “Our mission at the International Center for Quantum Matter is to create transformative innovation at the forefront of quantum materials research. Guided by this vision, we are focused on building world-class research infrastructure, advancing global scientific collaboration, and nurturing future leaders in quantum science. This symposium served as a meaningful platform to explore cutting-edge research by distinguished scholars, to celebrate the achievements of emerging researchers, and to share the tangible outcomes of our industry-academia partnerships.”

    2025.07.21
  • Research
    Reducing Smoking Could Lower the Burden of Macular Degeneration

    A global research team led by Professor Dong Keon Yon of the College of Medicine analyzed health data from 204 countries to assess the global burden of vision loss from age-related macular degeneration, tracking trends by year, sex, and age A research team has conducted the first comprehensive global analysis of vision loss caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD), using medical data from 204 countries. The study assessed the burden of AMD-related vision impairment by year, sex, and age—marking a world-first in both scale and scope. The Kyung Hee team included Student Yi Deun Jeong, a final-year medical student; Seoyoung Park, a research associate; and Professor Jae Il Shin of Yonsei University. The large-scale project brought together more than 370 researchers from around the world, including those at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), the Gates Foundation, and Harvard Medical School. The findings were published in the July issue of The Lancet Global Health (Impact Factor: 19.9) under the title, “Global burden of vision impairment due to age-related macular degeneration, 1990–2021, with forecasts to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.” Global vision impairment from AMD projected to surpass 20 million by 2050 Using data from 1990 to 2021, the research team analyzed changes in the prevalence of vision impairment due to AMD and the associated burden of health loss. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive retinal disease in which the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision—deteriorates both pathologically and anatomically. It is a leading cause of vision impairment in high-income countries and tends to increase with age. The global burden of AMD continues to grow as population aging leads to a steady increase in its incidence, yet there remains no clearly established method for prevention. While previous studies have focused on data from specific countries or regions, Professor Yon’s team presented the first comprehensive global overview of how vision loss from AMD has changed over the past 30 years, using data from 204 countries between 1990 and 2021. The team also projected how AMD-related vision impairment would change through 2050. As of 2021, approximately 8 million people worldwide were estimated to be affected, and that number is expected to rise to around 21 million by 2050. Smoking is one of the major risk factors for AMD. The research team also conducted a quantitative analysis of smoking’s impact on the condition. The findings suggest that a global reduction in smoking rates could prevent up to 9% of vision impairment cases caused by AMD. The preventive effect is expected to be particularly significant in low-income countries, where smoking rates remain high. “This study provides the first systematic, global analysis of vision loss caused by AMD and emphasizes that reducing smoking can serve as an effective public health strategy for its prevention,” said Professor Yon. “In particular, there is an urgent need for policy intervention in low-resource settings where smoking rates are high. These findings offer a strong scientific foundation for developing AMD prevention strategies and shaping global health policies.”

    2025.07.21
  • Global eminence
    Kyung Hee Rises to No. 1 Among Private Universities, 19th Overall in Global Impact Rankings

    Kyung Hee has reached a major milestone in global higher education, ranking No. 1 among private universities and 19th overall in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings—its highest placement since the rankings were first introduced. The THE Impact Rankings evaluate universities on how effectively they advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s edition, released in June, assessed 2,318 universities from 125 countries. Since the launch of the rankings in 2019, Kyung Hee has consistently demonstrated strong performance—earning the No. 1 national ranking in the inaugural year—and this year’s results mark its most significant global achievement to date. Leading Across the SDGs Kyung Hee placed in the global top 50 in 11 of the 17 SDG categories, with standout results in: 6th in Zero Hunger (SDG 2) 8th in Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) 13th in Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) 15th in No Poverty (SDG 1) 18th in Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) 19th in Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) 30th in Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) 34th in Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) 37th in Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) 47th in Life on Land (SDG 15) 50th in Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) The University also maintained a strong presence across the remaining five SDGs, with a notable 51st-place ranking in Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7). The THE Impact Rankings require all participating universities to be evaluated in SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), reflecting the importance of global and public cooperation in achieving the SDGs. In addition to SDG 17, the final score is calculated based on a university’s top three SDG scores, adjusted through a normalization process. The final ranking is based on the average of the composite scores from the current year and the year before. Advancing Sustainability Through Innovation and Community Engagement Kyung Hee delivered standout performances in Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable Cities & Communities (SDG 11), and Zero Hunger (SDG 2). The University has developed a strong innovation ecosystem centered on its Industrial and Academic Cooperation Foundation, Campus Town Program, and Department for Future Innovation. More than 90 startup teams are currently active at the Hongneung Center for Biomedical Startups and the Samuiwon Startup Center, supported by a wide range of entrepreneurship programs for faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates. Four ventures founded by Kyung Hee faculty and students participated in CES 2025 earlier this year. We are also building a sustainable urban environment by strengthening our ties to the local community. Kyung Hee runs an open-campus model that includes AI and software experience programs for K-12 students and co-working spaces for residents. In 2024, we launched a new collaboration initiative under the Learn+Vacation program, which combines local engagement with immersive learning. In May, students and faculty organized a Jeju Beach Cleanup as part of the Learn+Vacation Project. That same month, the University hosted All That Classic: Toward a Sustainable Future, a concert marking the College of Music’s 70th anniversary, inviting local residents, low-income families, multicultural households, and individuals with disabilities. Leading Future-Oriented Agricultural Education Agriculture, once regarded primarily as a productive industry, now lies at the intersection of climate change, food security, and regional resilience. Kyung Hee is spearheading next-generation agricultural education by integrating smart farming with ICT, while also strengthening cooperation with rural communities. Professors Dae-Hyun Jung and Choon-Tak Kwon from the Department of Smart Farm Science led a team of graduate students to win the top prize—the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ Award—at the 2024 Smart Agriculture AI Competition. Kyung Hee has long recognized the public mission of higher education. To that end, the University has promoted education and research aimed at solving global challenges. In 2019, it became the first university in Korea to introduce global citizenship education as a required course for all undergraduates (via the “World and Citizen” curriculum at Humanitas College). In 2022, Kyung Hee launched the Miwon Peace Institute and the Global Academy for Future Civilizations to strengthen global and civic engagement. The University also organized the annual Peace BAR Festival in observance of the UN International Day of Peace, and operates public lecture series such as the Miwon Lectures, Distinguished Scholars Lectures, and the Global Collaborative program. Honoring Founding Philosophy and Looking Ahead In 2024, Kyung Hee established the Miwon Peace Prize to commemorate the legacy of its founder, Dr. Miwon Young-Seek Choue (1921–2012). The award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made exceptional contributions to advancing the conditions for a better human existence and promoting the future of civilization and peace. The inaugural Miwon Peace Prize was awarded to The Elders, an independent group of global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela, in recognition of their efforts to promote ethical leadership and global cooperation. From its founding, Kyung Hee has cultivated strong relationships with leading educational and academic institutions, international organizations, NGOs, and government bodies around the world. President Jinsang Kim emphasized that sustainability is no longer a matter of choice, but a fundamental responsibility entrusted to higher education institutions. “Under Kyung Hee’s founding philosophy of Academe and Peace, we have pursued education, research, and praxis for the past 76 years—rooted in global citizenship, a commitment to the public good, and socially engaged practice,” he said. “This recognition reflects the international validation of our collective efforts for a sustainable future. Kyung Hee will continue to fulfill its role in meeting the responsibilities entrusted to higher education in today’s world.”

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    2025.07.07
  • Academic
    Kyung Hee Selected for Medical AI Specialized Convergence Talent Training Project 2025 by the Ministry of Health and Welfare

    Professors Tong In Oh and Dong Keon Yon of the College of Medicine, together with Professor Jinseok Lee of the College of Electronic Information, have been selected for the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Medical AI Specialized Convergence Talent Training Project 2025. Kyung Hee has been selected to lead the Medical AI Specialized Convergence Talent Training Project 2025, a national initiative managed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Designed to train globally competitive professionals through the convergence of AI technology and medicine, the project reflects Korea’s strategic commitment to innovation in the fields of technology and healthcare. As a result of this selection, the University will receive a total of 4.75 billion KRW over five years (1 billion per year KRW, 750 million KRW in the first year). Professor Tong In Oh serves as the director, with Professors Dong Keon Yon and Jinseok Lee as vice directors. We spoke with the team to learn more about the project. In an era where AI capabilities are becoming increasingly important, the urgent need to train professionals with both technical skills and medical knowledge Q. Tell us about the significance of the Medical AI Specialized Convergence Talent Development Project 2025 Professor Tong In Oh: This project is hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and operated by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute. Its goal is to foster future talents equipped with competencies both in medicine and engineering. Artificial intelligence has already become a part of our daily lives. In the past, digital literacy was once considered an essential workplace skill, but in the age of AI, the ability to use artificial intelligence is becoming just as critical. Medical professionals are no exception: they, too, must be AI-capable. This project aims to cultivate specialized professionals who can utilize or even develop medical AI by bridging disciplines: bringing together such medical fields as medicine, dentistry, and Korean medicine with high-tech departments like biomedical engineering and artificial intelligence. Professor Dong Keon Yon: In preparation of the project, we formed a 6+3 consultative body encompassing medicine, engineering, and artificial intelligence. It brings together members from the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Korean Medicine, Electronic Information, Software Convergence, as well as Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee Center for Digital Health, and the Medical AI Enterprise Council. Under the banner of VISION, which stands for Various, Intelligent, Specialized, Improve, Obvious, Network, the detailed goals are set as △ Training of multidimensional medical data experts (V), △ Development and establishment of an intelligent convergence education system (I), △ Education environment specialized in the field of medical AI (S), △ Establishment of a system that can continuously develop (I), △ Presentation of a clear direction (O), △ Establishment of a medical/AI cooperation network (N). By strengthening cooperation with various businesses and eight regional trauma centers nationwide, and by implementing practical, project-based learning, we aim to train a total of 140 undergraduate students and 70 graduate students across the master’s and doctoral levels. Professor Jinseok Lee: To put it simply, medical students will follow a curriculum designed around the question: How can AI technology be utilized in clinical practice? Through this, they will deepen their understanding of both AI technologies and how to apply them in real life medical situations. On the other hand, engineering students, those who are already studying AI, will learn about the needs of the medical field and gain essential clinical background knowledge. The project is designed to encompass both the academic foundations and the technical dimensions of true medical AI. Q. This project could greatly encourage the growth of students. What would be the immediate changes expected in students? Professor Lee: Science and engineering students studying AI tend to focus on the technology itself. When the time comes to think about their career paths, they have to ask how the skills and knowledge they have obtained can actually be used in the real world. What the medical AI industry really needs, though, are engineers who already have a grasp of clinical knowledge. There is a clear difference between learning AI and clinical knowledge in parallel and learning one after another sequentially. When students experience both fields at the same time, it opens up new directions for them. I think that would also help them develop a stronger sense of purpose as they accumulate knowledge and hands-on experience, especially as they encounter real clinical challenges and try to solve them. Through that experience, they can naturally grow into professionals with real problem-solving skills. Professor Yon: The curriculum has been carefully designed to support structured knowledge acquisition for students. Just as important is the education program that organically connects industry, academia, research institutes, and hospitals. Through this, students will gain firsthand experience with the technologies they are likely to encounter in their future careers. We plan to collaborate with a wide range of industry partners and provide practical, project-based learning opportunities such as joint research with eight regional trauma centers nationwide. We will also operate AI-based research platforms, such as the Smart Research Matching System and Digital Research Sandbox. In addition, we’ve established a comprehensive set of student support mechanisms, including certification programs, scholarships, pathways to graduate study, and opportunities to join industry-academia projects. Professor Oh: This is because our society no longer needs individuals with programming skills alone. What we need instead are professionals capable of designing and applying AI models rooted in specialized knowledge and real-world experience, particularly in the medical field. To this end, we have established a specialized education system with three distinct pathways: the microdegree course of the AI Doctor Track for students in medical, dental, and Korean medicine; the Medical AI Track for engineering students; and the integrated major of the Advanced Medical AI Track for graduate students. What sets this curriculum apart is its grounding in domain knowledge. Students begin by immersing themselves in real-world medical or industrial contexts, and from there, they develop the capacity not only to utilize AI technologies but to create them. Practicing artificial intelligence in a clinical environment with opportunities for overseas joint research Q. From the perspective of a medical student, it can be understood as a course that allows you to practice artificial intelligence in a clinical environment. Professor Lee: That is correct. The program includes a practical component and offers students meaningful choices. They can either work on projects with industry partners or participate in overseas training through the research networks affiliated with each faculty group. We have cooperative relationships with many prominent institutions including Harvard University, New York University, and Cornell University. We are also part of the Global AI Frontier Lab project, supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National IT Industry Promotion Agency, where we conduct medical AI research. Joint research teams from NYU and domestic universities collaborate in this initiative, and students are currently being dispatched to NYU. Students from our program will also have opportunities to participate in these overseas placements through the existing collaborative framework. Professor Yon: One of the great strengths of our project group is that researchers involved are drawing on international partnerships they’ve built through previous research and projects. For instance, our joint research lab with Harvard University has produced a number of promising research outcomes. We shared the goals of this project with the Harvard team and reached a strong consensus. Based on that shared understanding, we hope to provide students with the opportunity to gain overseas experience, building on both the knowledge and technical skills they learn here at Kyung Hee. Professor Oh: Granted that global competency is undeniably essential in today's society, I began to question whether simply attending classes overseas is enough to truly develop it. Through this project, students have the chance to develop genuine global competency—not just by being abroad, but by engaging in joint research with world-class scholars and co-authoring papers. This is made possible by the solid groundwork laid by my colleagues, and it is on that foundation that meaningful international experience becomes achievable. Q. We have discussed various educational methods. What is the goal of this type of education? Professor Oh: Our goal is to train globally competent professionals with strong capabilities in medical artificial intelligence. To guide this effort, we established a strategic framework called VISION (Various, Intelligent, Specialized, Improve, Obvious, Network). We have also laid out under the framework specific strategies and support systems for students in building individual portfolios as they move through each stage of the program. Throughout the process, we help them in reflecting on their interests and clarifying what they want to pursue next. The project stands on the research capabilities that Kyung Hee has built up over the years Q. Tell us about how the three key members of the project came together. Professor Oh: I had already been teaching MD-AI courses for some time, but it was Professors Yon and Lee who suggested forming this team, and I joined the project last. I felt it was important to bring together their passions and research strengths in a meaningful way. We have been close colleagues and friends for a long time, so I’m genuinely excited to be working on this project together. Professor Yon: Medical AI is now receiving national attention. Professor Lee is one of the leading researchers in this field at the College of Engineering, and I’m conducting a number of related studies at the College of Medicine. That’s why I decided to collaborate with him. We’re always in close communication about our research. Q. One of the key characteristics of this project is multi-modal AI. Please explain what area it specializes in. Professor Lee: Among the many areas in medicine, our specialization is in emergency care. To begin, we need to explain the concept of the preventable trauma mortality rate—the likelihood of death resulting from either inadequate treatment or delays in treatment, despite the patient having a chance to survive. In Korea, this rate is around 15%; in other advanced countries, it is closer to 5%. Our goal is to identify areas where AI can help us close that gap and bring Korea’s rate down to the level of global best practices. In real-world emergency medical care, we have to work with biosignals, medical imagining, and more. Even language models play a role in critical situations. This is a domain that ultimately brings together all areas of artificial intelligence. To build technologies that can save even one more life, we need research, education, and technical development working in tandem. One of our key strengths is the consortium we have formed with eight of the 17 regional trauma centers across the country. Through this partnership, we actively support joint research efforts, bringing clinical reality and technology innovation closer together. Professor Oh: I believe artificial intelligence is essential for improving the quality of care in core medical fields, as it would drastically enhance efficiency. Emergency medical data, in particular, is highly multi-modal, as it includes text, images, signals, and more. When you start with a large language model, a wide range of data types emerges. The kind of talent needed to handle this level of complexity is fundamentally different from those who have worked on AI in isolation. We need professionals who can integrate diverse data sources in real-world clinical contexts. Providing learning experiences that can overcome obstacles in each academic field Q. Among the research plans, there is an expression called “clinical-centered digital transformation model.” To what cases can this be applied? Professor Oh: In the past, research in medicine followed the model of evidence-based medicine, relying on accumulated clinical records. But with the advent of artificial intelligence, we can move beyond evidence alone toward more precise diagnosis and prediction, leveraging a wider range of data. AI can uncover deep patterns within complex data quickly and effectively, helping us overcome the limitations of human knowledge. Ultimately, it is about raising the standard of medical care. Among medical students, some have strong scientific capabilities but often lose the chance to develop these interests once they enter medical school. This project offers a pathway for those students to explore and apply their abilities. It also lays the groundwork for collaboration between medical and engineering students, enabling them to work on team projects now and to continue conducting joint research even after entering the field. Professor Yon: One of the major obstacles in joint research between researchers in the medical field and engineering researchers is the difference in terminology used in each academic field. These gaps can’t be bridged by theory alone; they have to be overcome through direct experience. That’s why it’s so valuable for students to start engaging in interdisciplinary communication during their undergraduate years. Through this experience, they develop the ability to navigate and resolve real-world problems across diverse academic domains. In the long run, this is likely to have an even greater impact on their careers and on the future of the field as a whole. Q. As a result, this educational program is designed to train medical professionals who can skillfully apply AI technology in clinical settings and draw meaningful insights from it, as well as communicate effectively with engineers. Likewise, students from engineering backgrounds will learn to engage smoothly with medical professionals and take the lead in the development of medical AI. I would like to hear your thoughts on the future of this program. Professor Oh: The future holds many variables, and the possibilities are so wide-ranging that I feel cautious to offer a purely rosy outlook. That said, career paths for medical students are clearly diversifying. Increasingly, they are not only becoming clinicians but also CEOs and innovators. On the other side, engineering students, with the support of AI, can build medical knowledge that can be comparable to that of physicians. Recently, Kyung Hee University Medical Center has been designated as a research-oriented hospital(See the related article). The digital health field was identified as one of the key focus areas of the project. The University is also placing strong emphasis on digital health. If we can train capable professionals through this program, I believe they will play meaningful roles not only in research-driven hospitals and but also in Kyung Hee’s future initiatives. Furthermore, the area around the Seoul Campus has been designated as the Hongneung Gangso Special Zone, which is a bio-cluster with an estimated corporate value of nearly three trillion KRW. Many experts in related fields are launching startups there, and the demand for qualified talent is high. There are, in short, many promising signs for what lies ahead. Professor Lee: It has been nearly 15 years since smartphones became an essential part of everyday life, yet in that relatively short span, we now find it hard to imagine life without them. The changes brought on by AI are expected to unfold even faster. In fact, even AI experts struggle to predict what the next five to ten years will look like, because the pace of change is so extraordinary. In this context, I hope our students will help pioneer a new paradigm for the AI era through medical applications. The act of embracing challenges, leading shifts in thinking and perspective, and solving real-world problems: that, to me, Is what gives this project its deeper meaning. I believe that is the ultimate goal of the project. Always remembering humanity should be the goal of medical artificial intelligence Q. We also need to diagnose the present. I wonder if there is artificial intelligence currently being used in the field. Professor Yon: Artificial intelligence is already being actively applied In the medical field. For instance, AI systems are now used to read most medical images, including X-rays, as a first step in the diagnostic process. Clinical decision-support systems are also in use, helping physicians make critical judgments. These developments represent the rise of so-called smart hospitals. At the same time, the broader healthcare system is also undergoing a digital transformation. Our goal is to prepare students to become the key players driving that transformation forward. Professor Lee: Ultimately, this is also about improving the quality of medical care. Medical artificial intelligence takes over the tasks that once demanded considerable human effort, easing the workload on healthcare providers. As that burden is lifted, doctors gain the time and capacity to examine patients more thoroughly and with greater attention. Q. This project focuses on growing future talent and professionals. Tell us more on the type of talent you are trying to foster. Professor Oh: I began by reflecting on the unique values of Kyung Hee, the founding philosophy, and our commitment to humanity. That led me to ask: how can artificial intelligence contribute to humanity? Humanity flourishes when people are able to live happily. But in moments of existential threat, when life and death hangs in the balance, humanity is often lost. Ultimately, I believe the goal of medical AI should be to help people live healthier, happier lives. From there, I asked what kind of talent is needed to realize that goal. They must possess not only technical excellence, but also sound character. Without ethics, even the most advanced AI can lead to harm. That is why our aim is to cultivate individuals who have both the skills and the moral foundation to use them responsibly. And because we live in an interconnected world, these individuals must also be globally competent, as they cannot be frogs in a well. That is why we have built international joint research programs into this project. In the end, the kind of talent we hope to foster is a global leader with both ability and integrity.

    2025.07.07
  • Research
    Smart Oral Nanoprobe Fluoresces and Fights Brain Cancer

    A research team led by Professor Dokyoung Kim at the College of Medicine has developed a novel orally administered compound, NBSD-Chol, which emits fluorescence upon light activation and selectively destroys cancer cells Their findings were published in Biomaterials (Impact Factor: 12.8), a leading international journal in biomedical materials science, under the title “Lipoprotein-inspired in situ activatable photo-theranostic nitrobenzoselenadiazole-cholesterol for overcoming glioblastoma." Breakthrough compound targets glioblastoma, one of the deadliest brain tumors Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Among its many forms, glioblastoma (GBM)—a highly aggressive and treatment-resistant tumor of the central nervous system—poses one of the greatest challenges. It severely impacts patients’ quality of life and is notoriously difficult to treat. Standard care involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy, but due to the brain’s structural complexity and vital function, surgical resection is typically localized and extremely demanding. Moreover, chemotherapy’s efficacy is limited by the blood-brain barrier. Glioblastoma is therefore associated with high recurrence rates and poor prognoses. To improve surgical outcomes, Professor Kim’s team has focused on fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS), a technique that uses fluorescent agents to visualize tumors or lesions in real time, increasing both the precision and safety of resection. While agents such as fluorescein, indocyanine green, and 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) have been approved by the U.S. FDA for FGS, current approaches are limited in preventing recurrence due to residual tumor cells. A more targeted and reliable therapeutic strategy is urgently needed. To address this need, the team developed a cholesterol-based photosensitizer designed to kill remaining cancer cells after tumor removal. They were inspired by how cholesterol molecules form lipoprotein-like nanoparticles in the bloodstream and naturally bind to low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs), which are overexpressed in glioblastoma cells. Beyond treatment: bridging cancer research and clinical application By combining the fluorescent and phototoxic compound nitrobenzoselenadiazole (NBSD) with cholesterol, they created NBSD-Chol—a light-activated molecule capable of forming approximately 100 nm lipoprotein-like nanoparticles upon oral administration. Once absorbed through the intestines and circulated via the bloodstream, these nanoparticles target and penetrate glioblastoma cells via LDLR-mediated uptake, offering highly selective tumor targeting and light-triggered cytotoxicity. This research represents more than just a new therapeutic compound—it offers a new paradigm for translational medicine. The team demonstrated the feasibility of NBSD-Chol as a next-generation “photodynamic fluorescence-guided surgery (PD-FGS) agent.” Such agents combine fluorescence-guided surgery with photodynamic therapy, offering both real-time visualization and light-induced tumor cell ablation in a single platform. This dual-function strategy could overcome the limitations of current surgical techniques and reduce the risk of recurrence due to residual cancer cells. Professor Kim remarked, “This research, which began in 2023, has now come to fruition. Although it was challenging to substantiate such a novel concept and compile comprehensive data, the unwavering efforts of our collaborators led to significant outcomes.” He added, “Building on this study, we look forward to developing new imaging and therapeutic materials that integrate ultra-small fluorescent molecules with lipoprotein structures, as well as advancing toward clinical application in glioblastoma treatment.”

    2025.07.01
  • Research
    Korean Is the Bridge: How Humanities Is Shaping the Future of AI Translation

    Professor Jung Hee Lee of the School of Global Eminence has served for five consecutive years as the lead researcher of the Korean–Foreign Language Parallel Corpus Construction Project, managed by the National Institute of Korean Language. Her work centers on building high-quality linguistic data that underpins AI translation technology. By incorporating cultural context that goes beyond literal translation, the project offers a new model for communication in the age of artificial intelligence. Her work demonstrates how the humanities can breathe cultural nuance into the heart of machine learning. “Creating a corpus isn’t just about gathering data,” Professor Lee says. “It’s about choosing each sentence carefully, thinking deeply about how that meaning can be conveyed naturally in another language, and refining it again and again.” In other words, corpus building is not a one-step process—it is a large-scale language processing pipeline involving multiple rounds of refinement, translation, review, and quality assurance. The first step is data collection—gathering raw textual materials to serve as the source for translation. These are typically obtained from the National Institute of Korean Language, which provides copyright-cleared content, or secured through cooperation with various media outlets, including newspapers and YouTube subtitle providers. From there, a rigorous “refinement” phase begins. An automated algorithm first filters out duplicate entries and ambiguous or nonsensical sentences. Then Professor Lee’s team—including graduate students in Korean literature—meticulously combs through the data to ensure contextual accuracy, guard against the exposure of personal information, and screen for discriminatory or hateful language. Spacing and ambiguity—two unique features of written Korean—are critical factors in AI translation accuracy. “One of the biggest challenges in Korean is that a single misplaced space can completely change the meaning of a sentence,” Professor Lee explained. “For example, ‘former President Lee’ should be written as i jeon daetongnyeong in Korean. But if the space between i and jeon is mistakenly omitted, it becomes ijeon daetongnyeong, which means simply ‘former president.’ Although the written characters are the same, spacing affects the meaning—a subtlety that remains particularly difficult for AI to interpret correctly.” She noted that Korean often omits subjects and objects, and once information is introduced, it is rarely repeated. These structures, while natural to native speakers, make it difficult for AI systems to maintain context. That’s why her team works to reframe and clarify sentence structures before feeding them into the machine. Once refined, the data is sent to Flitto, an AI language company and project partner, where multilingual contributors—including certified interpreters from migrant communities—translate the material using a crowdsourcing model. The translated sentences then return to Professor Lee’s lab, where they undergo a second round of review. Native speakers evaluate not just grammar and fluency, but also word choice, tone, and cultural nuance. The final phase is a sampling-based quality check, with the team aiming for 99.9 percent accuracy. What makes this project even more remarkable is that it is powered by Kyung Hee talent. Of the 13 full-time researchers on the project, 10 are current graduate students or alumni of the Department of Korean Language and Literature. Likewise, 15 of the 16 assistant researchers also hail from the same academic home. In every sense, it is Kyung Hee’s intellectual ecosystem that drives the entire project. In a society that is rapidly becoming more multicultural, corpus building is more than just a technical backbone for AI translation, it is a vital infrastructure for communication. “While our society is quickly transitioning into a multicultural one, we are still unprepared to live together,” Professor Lee notes. “This project is about laying the groundwork for mutual understanding and communication among people of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds—and ensuring that no one is discriminated against or disadvantaged simply because they don’t speak fluent Korean.” Ultimately, the corpus-building project serves as a timely reminder of the enduring value of the humanities in a technology-driven world. In an era of rapid AI advancement, it underscores a vital truth: without a humanistic perspective, technology cannot truly take root in our lives. “When we prioritize technology alone,” Professor Lee cautions, “understanding of language, culture, and human beings is inevitably left behind.” She sees the project as a compelling example of how the humanities and AI can come together to shape a richer, more meaningful future. To date, the team has built parallel corpora in eight languages—Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai, Hindi, Khmer, Filipino, Russian, and Uzbek—comprising approximately 4.04 million sentence pairs and over 41 million word units. As the corpus-building efforts have accelerated, the scope and scale of the project have also expanded. What began as a 3.7 billion KRW (approx.  2.7 million USD) initiative in its first phase has grown into a 4.26 billion KRW (approx. 3.1 million USD) operation in its fifth year. For a humanities-based project, this represents a significant investment, reflecting both the impact and the promise of the work. Building on the recognized success of the Kyung Hee research team and the National Institute of Korean Language, discussions are now underway to extend the project and expand into multimodal corpora that include not only text but also audio and visual data. Professor Lee emphasized the broader significance of this work: “By building datasets that reflect the unique characteristics of the Korean language and culture, we can safeguard data sovereignty and continue advancing Korean-style AI technologies.”

    2025.07.01
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