Research
-
Global Eminence
Strengthening the Academic-Industrial Ecosystem: Launch of the Hongneung Innopolis Phase 2 Project
The briefing session for Phase 2 of the Hongneung Special R&D Zone project was held on Wednesday, April 15, at the Seoul Bio Hub BT-IT Convergence Center. Participating Institutions Include Kyung Hee University, KIST, and Korea University in Attendance Accelerating Technology Startups and Global Market Entry for Participating Companies Phase 2 of the Hongneung Innopolis (Special R&D Zone) project, in which Kyung Hee University is a key participant, has officially commenced. This was announced during the Hongneung 2.0 Kick-off: Hongneung Innopolis Phase 2 Briefing Session hosted by the Hongneung Innopolis Management Foundation on Wednesday, April 15. The event, held at the Seoul Bio Hub BT-IT Convergence Center, targeted resident companies and prospective entrepreneurs and was attended by key representatives from each participating institution. From Kyung Hee, Een-Kee Hong (Head of the Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation) and Kyung-sik Yoon (Head of the Medical Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation) were in attendance. They were joined by a distinguished group of guests from core participating organizations, including Sang-rok Oh (President of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, KIST), Hak Jun Kim (Vice President for Medical Research at Korea University), Hyun-woo Kim (Director-General of Seoul Bio Hub), Hwan Im (Director of the Hongneung Innopolis Management Foundation), and Kang-jun Lee (Division Director of the Innopolis Foundation). Een-Kee Hong, Head of the Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, welcomes the launch of the project and expresses a strong commitment to collaboration with the Hongneung Innopolis during his welcoming remarks. Building on the Successes of Phase 1In August 2020, the Ministry of Science and ICT designated a 1.38 km2 area in Seoul (Anam-dong and Jeongneung-dong in Seongbuk-gu, and Hoegi-dong in Dongdaemun-gu) as a Special R&D Zone (Innopolis). Reflecting the core competencies of Kyung Hee University and neighboring institutions, the zone selected bio-medicine, digital healthcare, drug development, and medical devices as its fields of specialization. With Kyung Hee University, KIST, and Korea University serving as core institutions, the Seoul Bio Hub and the BT-IT Convergence Center were integrated to form a comprehensive bio-medical cluster. From 2020 through last year, the first phase of the project was operational, yielding significant results in technology transfer, startup support, and attracting investment. Congratulating the launch of Phase 2, Een-Kee Hong explained the role of the core institutions, stating, “Hongneung is a premier bio-medical innovation cluster in Korea. It serves as a vital hub where research achievements lead to technology-based startups and industrialization. As a core participating institution, Kyung Hee University—leveraging its convergence research capabilities across medicine, dentistry, Korean medicine, and pharmacy—is generating tangible technology commercialization results, including IT and clinical research integrations, mid-to-large scale technical support, and revenue generation by technology. Furthermore, we have worked in tandem with Hongneung Innopolis participants to produce results driven by corporate demand.” He shared future plans, adding, “We plan to further upgrade our full-lifecycle management system in the field of entrepreneurship. To this end, we are strengthening our internal management structures. We will continue to deepen our cooperation with Hongneung Innopolis to steadily expand the impact of technology transfer and commercialization.” The Hongneung Innopolis 2.0 project provides comprehensive support programs tailored to each stage of corporate development, including technology acquisition, startup incubation, growth, networking, and global market entry. Project Descriptions and Individual ConsultationsPresident Sang-rok Oh of KIST reflected on the five-year journey since the designation of Hongneung Innopolis in 2020 while defining the clear objectives for Phase 2. The primary goals for this new phase include technology-based entrepreneurship, corporate scale-ups, and ventures into the global market. He emphasized, “Hongneung Innopolis is an innovation ecosystem co-created by Kyung Hee University, Korea University, and KIST,” adding, “In Phase 2, we aim to evolve together into a ‘Medi-cluster’ where research, clinical application, and commercialization are organically integrated, rather than having each institution operate within its individual role.” He further urged participating companies to maintain their entrepreneurial spirit and initial vision. Vice President for Medical Research Hak Jun Kim highlighted, “Based on our clinical experience as a research-oriented hospital, we will provide bio-venture companies with practical clinical consultation and validation opportunities to ensure their technologies successfully integrate into medical settings.” Following the welcoming remarks from each institution, a presentation on the Hongneung Innopolis 2.0 project was held, providing a comprehensive guide to the six detailed programs restructured for Phase 2. The core support framework includes: Inno-Tech Discovery Support (Technology Acquisition), Hongneung Venture Studio & Grand-K Startup School (Entrepreneurship), Hongneung Scale-up (Growth), Hongneung Venture Support Platform (Networking), and Global Innovation Bridge (Global Market Entry). These programs are designed to guide researchers, professors with proprietary technologies, and local entrepreneurs through the entire startup journey. The briefing session also featured an “Opportunity Zone” for customized corporate diagnostics and practical business connections. Through a pre-matching system, consultations were conducted according to each company’s specific stage—ranging from technology acquisition and startup formation to growth and global expansion. This established an action-based foundation that seamlessly connects business descriptions with tailored diagnostics, actual application support, and follow-up investment reviews.
2026.05.11 -
Global Eminence
Kyung Hee University Welcomes Parents to Campus for “2026 Spring Harmony” Event
Office of External Affairs invites 250 parents for student lunch, campus tours, and dormitory visits Introductions to scholarship, career, and internationalization programs help parents understand university life On Friday, April 17, the Office of External Affairs hosted the “2026 Kyung Hee Spring Harmony” campus invitation event for parents at the Seoul Campus. The event was designed for parents to explore the campus where their children live and learn, while gaining a deeper understanding of the university’s educational environment and support systems. Approximately 250 parents participated in this year’s event. The event began with registration and the distribution of meal tickets at the plaza in front of the Cheongwoon Building. Attendees experienced a typical university meal at the student cafeteria before embarking on a campus tour that visited landmarks such as the University Administration Building, Grand Peace Hall, and the Central Library. The library tour provided a firsthand look at the academic spaces where students spend their time, offering parents an intimate look into their children’s university life. Campus Life and Career Planning Information Sessions for ParentsParents attended an information session on campus life and career planning at the Cheongwoon Building. In his welcoming remarks, Professor Won Gu Lee, Director of the Future Innovation Team, emphasized that the university’s vital role is to support the growth and success of every individual student. He stated, “The university must serve as a testbed for students to take on new challenges,” adding that “Kyung Hee is dedicated to strengthening student competencies and helping them successfully enter society through the convergence of education, multi-major systems, and a customized growth support framework.” The session provided comprehensive information practically useful for student life and career design, including scholarship systems, job placement support, and internationalization programs such as exchange student opportunities. Additionally, the program introduced the “Kyung Hee Lion Partners” and “Kyung Hee Lion Supporters” programs, managed by the Office of External Affairs. Kyung Hee Lion Partners is a community where parents receive news about the university and specific departments, participate in cultural events, and communicate with one another. Kyung Hee Lion Supporters is a parent group that contributes through regular donations to improve the educational programs and learning environments of their children’s respective departments. The career support session covered strategies for entering the workforce in response to future societal changes, alongside campus-based career support programs. The global program segment highlighted various overseas exchange opportunities, such as exchange programs and short-term international training. A parent of a first-year student in the Global Academy commented, “I was surprised to learn for the first time that the scholarship system is so diverse—some students even receive over 10 million KRW in a single semester. This was a meaningful opportunity to learn how to better inform my child about these scholarship options.” Parents attend an information session at Cheongwoon Building to learn about campus life and career planning. Experiencing University Life on CampusIn the afternoon, parents participated in tours of Happy House Dormitory and the Natural History Museum, followed by a self-guided tour program. Parents took pictures at photo zones set up at Kyung Hee’s most iconic landmarks, including the fountain in front of the University Administration Building, Grand Peace Hall Plaza, the Central Library, the Kyung Hee-an Statue, and the Laughing Lion Statue. Parents explored various corners of the campus to get a sense of their children’s daily lives and captured memories with commemorative photos. They also visited an exhibition at the College of Art gallery to get a broader experience of campus culture. A parent of a first-year student in the Department of Hospitality Management remarked, “The campus was incredibly beautiful. I was curious about how my child was settling in, and the tour helped me visualize their daily life on campus.” They added, “It was very helpful to receive information on exchange programs and employment, and I hope more events like this are organized in the future.” The event served as a meaningful opportunity for parents to directly observe the university’s support systems and educational environment, fostering a deeper connection with the institution. ▶ Join the Kyung Hee Lions Supporters Parents participate in a campus tour, visiting major landmarks such as the University Administration Building, Grand Peace Hall, and the Central Library.
2026.05.11 -
Research
Beyond GPUs: Proving the Potential of Next-Generation AI Semiconductor Technology
A research team led by Professor Hong-Sub Lee of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering has developed a next-generation AI inference accelerator. Professor Hong-Sub Lee’s research team implements high-efficiency memristor array for AI inference Findings expected to “become key foundational technology for high-efficiency AI inference hardware” With the recent rapid growth of AI leading to a surge in data processing volumes, there is an increasing demand for high-efficiency hardware that can surpass the capabilities of existing GPUs or NPUs. Consequently, “In-memory Computing”—a technology that performs data storage and computation simultaneously within the memory itself—is gaining significant attention as a next-generation alternative for AI semiconductors. A research team led by Professor Hong-Sub Lee from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (First author: Jeong-hyun Son) has successfully developed a next-generation AI inference accelerator. Their research findings were published in the renowned international journal Nano Energy (Impact Factor: 17.1) this past March. Implementation of Precise-Control Memristor Arrays with Stable Current Limitation A memristor (a portmanteau of “memory” and “resistor”) is a next-generation electronic component that changes its resistance in response to electrical stimuli and “remembers” that state. It is considered a leading candidate for AI computing hardware. By arranging memristors in a crossbar structure, the movement of data between computing units and memory can be drastically reduced, enabling the creation of AI accelerators optimized for low-power, high-speed operations. However, technical hurdles have previously limited the use of this technology. Passive crossbar arrays often suffer from “sneak current,” where electricity flows through unintended paths of unselected devices. Additionally, the stochastic (probabilistic) behavior of ions within memristor materials can lead to decreased reliability during the learning process. To overcome these physical limitations, Professor Lee’s research team utilized an Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) process to develop lithium-ion based self-rectifying memristor devices. This allowed them to implement a memristor array capable of precise control while effectively and stably limiting sneak currents. The team demonstrated the potential of specialized hardware for AI inference by performing the initial learning on an external server and then accurately mapping the trained weight values onto the array within an edge device. By applying an algorithm to map target weights, the team achieved a high yield of over 99%. Professor Lee emphasized the significance of the study, stating, “This result demonstrates the potential for accurate AI inference operations using large-scale crossbar arrays.” The research team now plans to verify the potential for enhanced energy efficiency compared to existing AI acceleration hardware. Professor Lee’s research team plans to verify the potential for enhanced energy efficiency compared to existing AI acceleration hardware.
2026.05.11 -
Research
Academic Research Professor Jaejin Lee Selected for the Sejong Science Fellowship
The Sejong Science Fellowship, supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), is an initiative designed to assist young researchers to independently design and lead their own research projects. Research Professor Jaejin Lee of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, a Kyung Hee University alumnus who competed his undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees at the university and is currently continuing his research at the Laboratory of Organic Soft Material Properties, has been selected for the 2026 Sejong Science Fellowship. His selected project is titled “Study on Chiral Nonlinear Optical Metaplatforms Based on Bent-Core Liquid Crystals for High-Sensitivity Quantum Spin Helicity Readout.” The fellowship provides non-tenured postdoctoral researchers with an annual research grant of over 120 million KRW for up to five years. Establishing a Foundation for Independent ResearchProfessor Lee views the Sejong Science Fellowship selection as a pivotal opportunity to lead his own research in earnest. “It is deeply meaningful to me that my research proposal was well-received, providing a foundation upon which I can independently drive my work, " he stated. He also expressed his gratitude to Professor Suk-Won Choi of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, adding, “Continuing my studies at Kyung Hee from my undergraduate years through my doctoral program allowed me to consistently develop and refine my current research themes.” Furthermore, he credited Kyung Hee’s open academic culture and institutional support for research continuity as key factors in his success. During his graduate studies, Professor Lee was selected for the Kyung Hee Young Scholar Support (KHYSS) program—a scholarship for outstanding BK21 graduate students—which provided the stability necessary to maintain his research momentum. Research Professor Jaejin Lee explains his research on chiral nonlinear optics. Precision Readout of Minute Signals In quantum technology, information is gathered by observing state changes in microscopic particles, such as electrons. Because these signals are extremely faint, the success of research in quantum sensing and precision metrology depends on the ability to detect and read these minute differences with high sensitivity. Professor Lee is focused on developing a new optical platform to read subtle quantum spin states with enhanced precision. By combining nonlinear optics with chiral structures—structures that exhibit mirror-image symmetry similar to human hands—he aims to implement measurement techniques that capture faint signals often missed by conventional methods. This work seeks to open new horizons in quantum sensing and metrology by expanding his previous research into the specialized field of quantum spin readout. Unlocking the Potential of New Measurement Principles Professor Lee has successfully integrated chiral optics, nonlinear optics, and quantum spin readout into a unified research framework. The ability to accurately interpret ultra-faint signals is considered a cornerstone for various cutting-edge fields, including high-sensitivity sensors, next-generation photonics, and quantum information technology. While the project is currently in the fundamental research phase, it holds the potential to serve as a vital foundational technology for precision metrology and future industrial applications. Over the next five years, Professor Lee intends to establish a stable research infrastructure and advance the project to the stage of integration with functional spin-active systems. His strategic plan is to set up the measurement environment and focus on structural implementation to refine analytical frameworks for a finalized high-sensitivity quantum spin readout protocol. Through this sustained support, he aims to enhance the maturity of his work and define a specialized research niche that is uniquely his own. Years of Research Excellence at Kyung Hee Reflecting on his journey, Professor Lee noted the evolution of his role within the laboratory. “Through my postdoctoral years, I have grown from a researcher who simply executes assigned experiments into one who formulates original research questions and takes full responsibility for the direction of my work,” he explained. This transition, fueled by years of practical experience and a critical eye for problem-solving, served as the foundation for his current project. Building on his expertise in chiral optics, Professor Lee plans to further integrate nonlinear optics, quantum sensing, and quantum spin readout. In the long term, he aims to expand his scope into “Opto-spintronics,” an emerging field that explores the interactions between light and spin to develop next-generation technologies. Throughout this journey, he remains guided by a core philosophy: “Do not see only what you want to see.” He emphasizes the importance of looking at data objectively rather than chasing results that merely fit a preconceived hypothesis. Professor Lee also shared words of encouragement for the next generation of scholars, describing research as a process of expanding human understanding through long-term contemplation, trial and error, and persistent questioning. “The time and effort invested by every researcher who quietly continues their work in their respective field is deeply meaningful in its own right,” he added.
2026.05.04 -
Academics
Designing the Researcher’s Path
The Smart Tourism Research Center empowers researchers by providing knowledge, academic networks, and the support needed to sustain their work, resulting in successful faculty appointments both in Korea and abroad. The Smart Tourism Research Center as an Academic Hub for Future Scholars Rising as a Global Leader in Smart Tourism via National Projects and International Academic Ecosystems The Smart Tourism Research Center (STRC) at the College of Hotel and Tourism Management is establishing itself as a vital outpost for the next generation of scholars. In today’s academic landscape, the years following a doctoral degree are no longer viewed as a mere transitional phase. Instead, this period is recognized as the definitive time for a researcher to establish their scholarly vision and depth, as well as to build the core competencies required of an independent academic. The STRC serves as a robust foundation, providing rising researchers with the momentum to sustain their inquiries, the collaborative environments that expand knowledge, and the global networks necessary to connect with the international academic community. Driving Research Excellence and Innovation in Tourism StudiesSince its inception in 2013, the Smart Tourism Research Center (STRC) has spearheaded massive research projects that have reshaped the landscape of tourism studies. The center successfully executed the National Research Foundation’s Social Science Korea (SSK) project over a ten-year period—progressing through small, medium, and large-scale phases—and has continuously managed major national initiatives, including the seven-year BK21 (Brain Korea 21) Four Education Research Team project. By realizing a long-term, systematic academic vision, the STRC has consistently proven its institutional caliber. The center’s achievements extend beyond internal milestones, fostering a broader academic ecosystem. The STRC founded the Korean Academic Society of Smart Tourism, providing a vital platform for domestic scholarly discourse. Furthermore, it launched the international English-language journal, Journal of Smart Tourism (JST), which reached a significant milestone this year by being indexed in Scopus, the world’s largest abstract and citation database. By hosting the World Conference on Smart Tourism (WCST), which marks its fourth year in 2026, the STRC has solidified Kyung Hee University’s College of Hotel and Tourism Management as the undisputed global hub of smart tourism research. (From left) Professors Sung-eun Kang, Jung-hyun Kim, Ju-kyung Kwon, Ju-yeon Ham, and Tae-hwi Eom—researchers from the Smart Tourism Research Center who have secured faculty appointments at domestic and international universities. Multidimensional Academic Experience and the Leap to Independent ResearchThe world-class academic ecosystem established by the center has become a premier incubator for nurturing outstanding scholars. Assistant Professor Sung-eun Kang (Hanyang University ERICA) and Assistant Professor Jung-hyun Kim (University of Central Florida) internalized the core competencies of independent scholars through their experience managing center-led projects, international journals, and academic symposiums. Professor Kang noted, “In an era where an overseas degree alone no longer guarantees a faculty appointment, I was able to build global competitiveness by applying diverse research methodologies to real-world challenges.” Professor Kim described the center as “a practical space that allowed me to define my scholarly role through collaboration with experts in other fields during periods of uncertainty.” The center’s research horizons have expanded through long-term projects that integrate technology and tourism. Assistant Professor Ju-kyung Kwon (Kyungpook National University) and Assistant Professor Ju-yeon Ham (Chosun University) have broadened the scope of the field through their respective work on Metaverse/AI-based tourism and convergence research utilizing Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). Professor Kwon remarked, “Engaging in research closely linked to actual industry shifts allowed me to map out a long-term academic direction.” Professor Ham emphasized that “the exposure to global networks and the exchange of diverse methodologies became the driving force in establishing my unique research identity.” Recently, Dr. Tae-hwi Eom, who was appointed to the Macau University of Science and Technology, demonstrated the strength of the center’s systematic growth model—rising from a BK21 scholar to a research professor. He successfully leveraged his extensive experience presenting at international conferences as a key competitive advantage in securing his global faculty position. A Global Network of Academic ExcellenceThe center’s influence extends far beyond Korea, with its alumni securing prestigious faculty positions at leading universities worldwide. Notable appointments include: Professor Sunyoung HLee (Beijing Institute of Technology), Professor Kyoungmin Lee (Shandong University), Professor Hanna Lee (University of New Hampshire), Professor Oh Jeong (Hainan University), and Professor Seunghun Shin (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University). The international impact is further evidenced by researchers such as Joo Young Kim (Copenhagen Business School), Yerin Sarja Lee (American University), and Research Professor Eunji Lee (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University), who are all advancing the frontiers of tourism research on the global stage. Professors Namho Chung and Chulmo Koo, the architects of this academic ecosystem, reflected on the center’s mission: “In an environment where competition intensifies immediately following a doctoral degree, we aim to provide a structured platform for researchers. Our goal is to help them cultivate the qualities of an independent scholar—from publishing in top-tier journals to building global networks and leading large-scale projects.” They added, “The Smart Tourism Research Center is more than just a space for accumulating performance metrics; it is a forward base where scholars establish their academic identities and contribute meaningfully to the global knowledge society.”
2026.05.04 -
Academics
Kyung Hee University Portal System Obtains Web Accessibility Quality Certification for All Users
The Kyung Hee University Portal System has obtained the Web Accessibility Quality Certification from “WebWatch” for providing quality services to all university members. The First 4-Year Private University to Achieve Comprehensive Web Accessibility for its Portal System Ensuring Barrier-Free Access for Users with Disabilities and the Elderly The Kyung Hee University portal system has been awarded the Web Accessibility Quality Certification by “WebWatch” for its services provided to all university members. This achievement is particularly significant as it marks the first time a four-year private university has obtained comprehensive web accessibility certification for its entire portal system. Expanding Accessibility and Enhancing User ExperienceThe Web Accessibility Quality Certification is awarded to websites that strictly adhere to accessibility standards, ensuring that users with disabilities and the elderly can navigate digital platforms without barriers. While higher education institutions are legally mandated to comply with these standards, obtaining certification for academic information or portal systems is exceptionally difficult. Unlike simple information-sharing homepages, these systems possess complex structures and multi-functional interfaces that require high-level technical optimization. Currently, only a few domestic universities have successfully secured web accessibility certification for their portal and academic systems. To date, Kyung Hee University has earned certifications for three of its core sites: the Graduate School Homepage and the Center for Students with Disabilities homepages at both the Seoul and Global campuses. Following the Student Portal’s initial certification in March 2025, the Faculty and Staff Portal recently obtained its own certification this March. This completes a digital ecosystem where every member of the university community can enjoy equal and convenient access. The Academic Information Team within the Office of Information Service and Strategy, which led the certification process, explained that this achievement transcends mere regulatory compliance; it represents a significant upgrade in digital service quality. By securing these standards, the university enhances usability and satisfaction for all users—regardless of disability—while providing a universal and stable online environment. Sung-Won Lee, Head of the Office of Information Service and Strategy, stated, “This milestone is the result of our proactive approach to web accessibility. We remain committed to providing continuous support to ensure a pleasant and inclusive web experience for all our members.”
2026.05.04 -
Research
Kyung Hee Appoints NASA Senior Scientist Dr. Fathi Karouia as Research Professor
Dr. Fathi Karouia of NASA joins the Institute for Future Space Exploration as an academic research professor. Senior Scientist in Space Biology, Overseeing Research and Experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) Elevating Korea’s Space Medicine and Space Life Sciences to the Next Level at the Institute for Future Space Exploration The Institute of Future Space Exploration has appointed Dr. Fathi Karouia from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an academic research professor. A leading authority in the fields of space medicine and space life sciences, Dr. Karouia has spent over 25 years at NASA, accumulating unrivaled practical experience and expertise in areas including space medicine, space life sciences, astrobiology, planetary protection, astronaut health, and life science research aboard the ISS. Dr. Karouia plans to conduct his research in space medicine and space life sciences while holding concurrent positions at both NASA and the Institute for Future Space Exploration. Tackling Key Challenges in Space Exploration Dr. Karouia served as the Portfolio Lead Scientist for Space Biology at NASA, overseeing research and experiments conducted on the International Space Station (ISS). He also serves as the co-chair of the Advancements in Astrobiology and Space Exploration Development Committee and the Space Manufacturing and Production Applications Committee at the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), contributing to priority-setting for space exploration and the emerging space bioeconomy. In 2025, Kyung Hee University was selected for the “University Basic Research Institute Support Project (G-LAMP)” and subsequently established the Institute for Future Space Exploration as a core thematic research center. The institute conducts pioneering research focused on three major pillars: core space exploration technology, space AI, and basic space medicine. With Dr. Karouia’s arrival, the institute will take on the primary challenges humanity faces in the process of exploring space. Furthermore, Dr. Karouia is expected to continue joint research with Dr. Man Seok Kim of the School of Medicine, who is the first Korean to participate in the “NASA GeneLab Working Group.” Dr. Karouia and Professor Kim have been conducting collaborative research for several years to advance space medicine. Dr. Karouia states, “I will work to build strong cooperative relationships with Kyung Hee’s outstanding scientists and Korea’s space ecosystem, including the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), and further contribute to fostering the next generation of innovators in the fields of space medicine and space life sciences.” Professor Kim explained, “Our goal is to solve the critical issues encountered in human space exploration while creating biomedical innovations that benefit humanity on Earth.”
2026.04.27 -
Research
Development of High-Performance Superconductors with Hydrogen Storage Capabilities
Professor Jong-Soo Rhyee’s research team in the Department of Applied Physics has developed an ultra-high-strength metal superconductor that simultaneously integrates hydrogen storage capabilities and superconducting properties. Ensuring High Mechanical Strength and Durability Convergence of Hydrogen-Based Energy Systems and Superconducting Technology Professor Jong-Soo Rhyee’s research team in the Department of Applied Physics (Lead authors: Dr. Rahmatul Hidayati and Research Professor Jin Hee Kim) has developed an ultra-high-strength metal superconductor that simultaneously integrates hydrogen storage capabilities and superconducting properties. This achievement, which presents a next-generation superconducting material technology tailored for the hydrogen economy era, was published in the international materials science journal Advanced Functional Materials (Impact Factor 19.0). Superconductors are materials with zero electrical resistance. Once a current begins to flow, it continues indefinitely, making the superconductor a “dream material” capable of storing electrical energy in the form of magnetic fields. Due to these unique properties, superconductors are utilized as core materials across the future energy, medical, and transportation industries—ranging from lossless power transmission and superconducting magnets to Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES), maglev trains, MRIs, and nuclear fusion devices. However, existing metal-based superconductors face limitations in expanding their applications due to the challenges of maintaining cryogenic environments and concerns over material durability. To overcome these limitations, Professor Rhyee’s team developed a new metal superconductor by applying the concept of high-entropy alloys (HEAs). High-entropy alloys consist of multiple metallic elements mixed uniformly, resulting in a structure that is both simple and exceptionally strong. The newly developed material demonstrated approximately six times the strength of standard stainless steel and proved highly resistant to corrosion or fracture, even in hydrogen-rich environments. Figure Description: Crystal structure of high-entropy alloys and a conceptual diagram of hydrogen-storing high-entropy alloy superconductivity. The most significant feature of this research is the integration of a new role—hydrogen storage—into superconducting functionality. The newly developed superconductor can store hydrogen at a level of approximately 3.8 wt% relative to its mass. This represents the world’s highest value for a metal hydrogen-storage material, excluding hydrides. While common metals typically suffer from structural weakening upon absorbing hydrogen, this material demonstrates high technical maturity by enabling hydrogen storage while maintaining both mechanical strength and hydrogen embrittlement resistance (the property of not corroding or weakening in a hydrogen-rich atmosphere). The material’s superconducting properties have also been enhanced. Its superconducting critical current—the maximum current a superconductor can carry—reaches an exceptionally high value of approximately 300kA/cm². Based on these multifunctional characteristics—high strength, hydrogen resistance, and high critical current—this superconductor is expected to have a direct impact on next-generation superconducting energy storage systems, superconducting magnets, and hydrogen-based energy infrastructure. Professor Rhyee remarked, “By combining the energy transfer capabilities of superconductors with hydrogen storage and refrigerant functions, we have presented the potential for a new superconducting material tailored for the hydrogen economy era.” He added, “We expect this to expand into various applications where hydrogen-based energy systems and superconducting technology converge.” This research was supported by the Alchemist Project of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The research team plans to work toward integrating the developed superconductor with hydrogen-based energy systems.
2026.04.27 -
Academics
Kyung Hee University Inaugurates Pangyo VI Campus
Offering diverse support programs to ensure the successful growth of resident companiesA new industry-academic cooperation platform where university research, education, and industrial sites meet The opening ceremony for the Kyung Hee Pangyo VI (Venture Incubating) Campus was held on Thursday, March 19. This campus is a networking space for startup support and regional innovation, established through a partnership between Kyung Hee University and SoulBrain, a company specializing in semiconductors. The ceremony was attended by key figures including President Jinsang Kim; Eun Yeol Lee Provost (Global) and Director of the RISE Project Group; Een-Kee Hong, Head of the University-Industry Cooperation Team and Dean of Research; Young-Soo Park, CEO of SoulBrain; and Weon-kyung Kim, CEO of the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation. Participants gathered for the opening ceremony of the Kyung Hee Pangyo VI Campus. The campus serves as a new industry-academic cooperation platform where university research, education, and industry converge. “A Stepping Stone for Future Industry Talent and Technological Innovation” Located within the SoulBrain headquarters in Pangyo 2nd Techno Valley, the Kyung Hee Pangyo VI Campus is set to establish itself as a hub for the regional economy by encouraging startups among university members and local residents. With support from the Gyeonggi RISE (Regional Innovation System & Education) project, Kyung Hee has developed its own specialized startup support ecosystem. Building on this foundation, the university will select resident companies—primarily those designated as “G7” (Gyeonggi Province Focused Growth Startups)—and operate a variety of support programs to ensure their successful growth. Together with Kyung Hee, SoulBrain plans to pursue joint industry-academic research projects and invigorate technology-based entrepreneurship. In particular, both institutions look forward to fostering a startup ecosystem in fields where they share significant strengths, such as advanced materials, semiconductors, and AI. President Jinsang Kim remarked, “The convergence of university and industry capabilities will serve as a stepping stone for innovation in future industries.” At the opening ceremony, President Kim proclaimed the vision for the Kyung Hee Pangyo VI Campus, noting, “Advancements in science and technology are transforming human society at an unprecedented pace. In this period of ‘Great Transformation,’ Kyung Hee is striving to develop its own unique innovation model.” He emphasized the campus as a key part of this innovation “where university research, education, and the industrial field converge to create a new value for the future.” He added, “By combining the strengths of the university and the industrial sector, this campus will serve as a stepping stone for cultivating talent and driving technological breakthroughs in future industries like AI and semiconductors, positioning itself at the very center of change and innovation.” In his congratulatory remarks, Park, CEO of SoulBrain stated, “As the pace of technological innovation accelerates, the importance of securing top-tier talent and research collaboration is greater than ever. Now that Kyung Hee University’s research prowess has met the innovation ecosystem of Pangyo, I hope this campus becomes a central hub for future industrial sectors.” Kim, CEO of the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation added, “I hope this space allows startups, corporations, researchers, and students to connect and grow together, serving as the starting point for leading South Korea’s future industrial competitiveness.”
2026.04.20 -
Global Eminence
Establishing a Data-Driven Decision-Making System
Kyung Hee unveiled the “K-DX Bidg Data Analysis System”—an integrated platform that consolidates education, research, and administration data to support systematic data-driven decision-making. Official Launch of the K-DX Big Data Analysis System Establishment of 143 Data Marts (DM) across faculty, research, and administration Support for customized decision-making by administrative units and comparative analysis of university indicators Kyung Hee recently unveiled the “K-DX Big Data Analysis System” (hereafter “K-DX System”) to the university community. Designed to unify fragmented data across education, research, and administration, the system facilitates a shift from intuition-based operations toward a data-driven, “smart” decision-making framework. This initiative aims to elevate traditional Management Information Systems (MIS) to the level of sophisticated Executive Information Systems (EIS) and Decision Support Systems (DSS). A defining feature of the K-DX System is the establishment of 143 specialized Data Marts (DM), which aggregate critical institutional data spanning faculty affairs, academics, industry-academic cooperation, and research. This structure provides top-level management, including the President and Vice Presidents, with the insights needed for macro-strategic planning, while offering deans and department heads precise support for thematic, working-level decision-making. ‘The K-DX Big Data Analysis System offers visualized data to support administrative assessments and foster informed strategic decisions across the university. Visualizing Public Disclosure Data for Immediate Assessments of Competitiveness The system’s key functions include: · Visualized reports on core university indicators (students/education, research performance, finance, internationalization, etc.). · External competitiveness analysis benchmarking against rival institutions based on official university disclosures. · Comprehensive monitoring of full-time faculty research performance (domestic/international papers, FWCI, JCR quartiles, etc.). A standout feature is the visualization of 20 major university disclosure items, including employment rates, student-to-faculty ratios, and research grant performance. By providing objective comparisons with other universities, the system allows for an immediate diagnosis of competitiveness at both the department and university levels. The K-DX System is available to all Kyung Hee faculty and staff. For ease of access, it is integrated with existing university portal accounts. To ensure robust data security, the system is designed in strict compliance with institutional document security guidelines, requiring users to state their purpose of use whenever downloading files. Hail Park, Head of the Center for Strategic Planning, stated, “The K-DX Big Data Analysis System is the cornerstone of our Digital Transformation (DX) infrastructure, aimed at maximizing Kyung Hee’s core drivers through objective metrics. We plan to expand the data marts related to key performances and gradually roll out additional analysis reports through continuous system maintenance and upgrades.”
2026.04.20