Research
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Research , Global Eminence
Advancing Quantum Innovation: Professor Seok-Kyun Son Receives Ministerial Commendation
Professor Seok Kyun Son of the Department of Physics was honored with the 2026 Commendation for Quantum Science and Technology Merit from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT at Quantum Korea 2026. Honored with the 2026 Commendation for Quantum Science and Technology Merit in recognition of breakthroughs in quantum materials and global research collaborations Recognized for advancing the national quantum ecosystem and fostering quantum industry foundations Professor Seok-Kyun Son of the Department of Physics has received the 2026 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Commendation for Quantum Science and Technology Merit. The award was presented during the opening ceremony of Quantum Korea 2026, held in early July at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Art Hall in Seoul. Conferred upon researchers who have driven groundbreaking advancements in South Korea's quantum science and bolstered the nation's quantum industrial ecosystem, the commendation marks nationwide recognition of Professor Son’s pioneering research milestones and academic leadership. Hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), Quantum Korea 2026 is the nation’s premier flagship convention dedicated to quantum technologies. Convening under this year's theme, "Quantum in Action: Grand Challenges for Innovation," the event brought together leading experts across industry, academia, and national research institutes from Korea and abroad. Participants examined the latest research breakthroughs and emerging market trends across quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing, while forging multilateral strategies for global collaboration. The gathering underscored how quantum technology has rapidly evolved from theoretical potential into a pivotal pillar of real-world industry and national strategic competitiveness. Advancing Foundational Research in Quantum Materials and Next-Generation Electronic Devices Professor Son has dedicated his research to quantum materials and next-generation electronic devices, playing a pivotal role in expanding the frontiers of quantum science and technology. By characterizing the fundamental properties of novel quantum states and exploring their feasibility for next-generation hardware implementations, his work has broadened the academic horizons and elevated the research competitiveness of South Korea’s quantum ecosystem. His scholarship is particularly recognized for bridging rigorous basic science with actionable pathways toward technological application and industrial scalability. Beyond individual recognition, this honor stands as a testament to the advanced basic science capabilities that Kyung Hee University has cultivated over the years. Today, leading nations are designating quantum technology as a core pillar of national strategic capabilities alongside semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and biotechnology. Quantum computing is garnering global attention for its potential to solve computationally intractable problems beyond classical limits, while quantum communications are poised to build ultra-secure, tamper-proof next-generation network infrastructures. Simultaneously, quantum sensing is opening transformative frontiers in precision metrology, medical diagnostics, national defense, and environmental monitoring. At this nexus of profound scientific value and transformative industrial impact, the role of quantum researchers has never been more critical. Driving Quantum Advancement Through Hands-On Expertise and Global Collaborative Networks In this dynamic landscape, Professor Son has spearheaded tangible advances in quantum science and technology by harnessing his deep bench of experimental expertise and robust domestic and international research networks. By anchoring his work in fundamental physics, he has laid the groundwork for future disruptive technologies while expanding the capacity and resilience of the national research ecosystem. Kyung Hee University continues to actively bolster these initiatives, cultivating a virtuous cycle where high-impact research elevates the university’s global standing and fuels national scientific progress. “This honor is especially meaningful because it reflects the shared dedication and tireless collaboration of our entire laboratory team alongside our partners in Korea and abroad," remarked Professor Son. "Moving forward, I will remain committed to advancing pioneering quantum research grounded in basic science, while broadening our international joint ventures and industry-academia partnerships to strengthen South Korea’s quantum technological sovereignty and industrial competitiveness.”
2026.09.14 -
Research
Korean Medicine-Based Natural Product Research Gains Global Acclaim in Neuroinflammation
An international collaborative review paper co-directed by Professor Bonglee Kim of the Department of Pathology at the College of Korean Medicine as corresponding author has been selected as a Top 0.1% Highly Cited Paper on Clarivate’s Web of Science database. The paper, titled "Targeting natural antioxidant polyphenols to protect neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases: a comprehensive review," was published in the January 2025 issue of the prestigious international journal Frontiers in Pharmacology (IF: 5.8, JCR Q1). A Web of Science Top 0.1% ranking is a premier bibliometric indicator of exceptional academic influence and rapid scholarly adoption. Professor Kim previously authored five papers designated within the global top 1% of highly cited publications. This latest milestone carries profound significance, demonstrating that the review has established itself as an indispensable reference framework driving subsequent worldwide research in neuroprotection and natural drug discovery. International Influence Proven by Top 0.1% Citations“When I first received the news, it hardly felt real," remarked Professor Bonglee Kim. "Knowing that researchers worldwide are actively drawing on our work to ground their subsequent investigations is a tremendous scholarly honor. This achievement reflects the tireless dedication of our graduate students and research professors in the Department of Pathology, as well as our international research partners across the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Bangladesh.” The paper provides a comprehensive synthesis of how polyphenols—potent natural antioxidants derived from botanical sources and functional foods—exert therapeutic promise against neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative pathology. Polyphenols are abundant in plant-based sources such as grapes, green tea, turmeric, blueberries, and onions, with well-known bioactive compounds including resveratrol, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and quercetin. Spotlight on Polyphenols: Therapeutic Potential in Modulating Neuroinflammation Neuroinflammation is characterized by sustained inflammatory cascades within the central nervous system. The brain relies on specialized resident immune cells known as microglia for immune defense and tissue homeostasis under physiological conditions. However, chronic or pathological stimulation can cause microglia to become overactivated, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurotoxic mediators that trigger progressive neuronal damage. This persistent neuroinflammation is recognized as a key driver accelerating the pathogenesis and progression of major neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and multiple sclerosis. The research team reviewed the potential of polyphenols to contribute to neuroprotection through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-amyloid actions. In particular, they extensively organized previous studies showing that polyphenols can reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses and regulate multiple signaling pathways related to neuronal survival. This does not mean that polyphenols have been established as actual therapeutics. The team explained that while they confirmed the potential of polyphenols, follow-up and clinical studies are required to verify their absorption rate in the body, blood-brain barrier permeability, and long-term safety. Mechanisms of neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative pathogenesis: While resting microglia safeguard the central nervous system under normal conditions, chronic inflammatory stimuli trigger sustained microglial activation, accelerating neuronal apoptosis and neurodegenerative disease progression. Alignment with the Multi-Component, Multi-Target Principles of Korean Medicine“Polyphenol research directly reflects the core philosophy of Korean medicine: a multi-component, multi-target paradigm," Professor Kim explained. Rather than relying on a single isolated compound acting on a single molecular target, diverse synergistic compounds interact holistically across multiple physiological and biological pathways. This synergy marks a powerful convergence where centuries of Korean medicine natural product pharmacopeia intersect with modern molecular pathology and cutting-edge neuroscience. “Complex neurodegenerative disorders cannot be attributed to a single etiological trigger," Professor Kim emphasized. "Because oxidative stress, chronic neuroinflammation, abnormal protein aggregation, and mitochondrial dysfunction are intricately intertwined, a multi-pronged therapeutic strategy is imperative." He concluded: "By interfacing traditional natural medicine with modern biomedical science, we are unlocking groundbreaking paradigms and fresh interpretive models for complex disease therapeutics.” Expanding Practical Applications to Meet the Demands of a Super-Aging SocietyThe rapid surge in citations within such a brief timeframe is largely driven by the topic's profound timeliness. With accelerated global population aging, the socioeconomic and healthcare burdens of neurodegenerative conditions—such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases—have escalated dramatically. Simultaneously, global consumer and scientific interest in natural bioactive compounds, nutraceuticals, and preventive healthcare strategies has surged. In this climate, the review is widely recognized for delivering an authoritative roadmap that navigates the intricate landscape of polyphenol pharmacology and neuroinflammation for future researchers. Looking ahead, Professor Kim plans to spearhead follow-up investigations centered on the synergistic dynamics of polyphenol complexes, nano-encapsulation drug delivery platforms, and neuromodulatory signaling via the gut-brain axis. In parallel, he is actively translating these laboratory discoveries into real-world applications through his faculty-led biomedical spin-off, Dr. B Lab, developing functional foods, cosmeceuticals, and proprietary pipeline materials for novel therapeutics. “I am dedicated to bridging basic science with translational research so that our discoveries do not remain confined to journal pages, but deliver tangible therapeutic value to society," Professor Kim concluded. "I hope the next generation of scholars will continue translating the time-tested insights of Korean medicine into the universal language of modern science, engaging boldly with the global research community.” Professor Bonglee Kim expands Korean medicine-based natural product research at the intersection of modern molecular pathology and neuroscience.
2026.09.14 -
Global Eminence
RISE Anchor Program Receives Top Tier in First-Year Evaluation
Kyung Hee University’s dual-campus Anchor Project Groups secured top-tier marks in the first-year evaluation of the Regional Innovation System & Education (RISE) project, earning an "Outstanding" rating from Gyeonggi Province and an "Excellent" rating from the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Dual-Campus Anchor Programs secure top ratings from Gyeonggi Province and Seoul Metropolitan Government in the 2025 RISE Annual Evaluation Validates Kyung Hee’s leadership in regional innovation while establishing a robust springboard for Year Two expansion Kyung Hee University’s dual-campus Anchor Project Groups have achieved stellar ratings in the first-year annual evaluation of the Regional Innovation System & Education (RISE) initiative for the 2025 academic year, securing an “Outstanding” grade from Gyeonggi Province and an "Excellent" grade from the Seoul Metropolitan Government. This achievement firmly cements Kyung Hee's stature as a vanguard of regional innovation. The evaluation was conducted to comprehensively assess performance milestone delivery, implementation fidelity, and the operational integrity of participating anchor institutions, while fostering structural enhancements across institutional project frameworks. Recognition for Balanced Industry Alignment and a Robust Entrepreneurial EcosystemThe Gyeonggi Anchor Program earned high commendations for establishing a well-balanced operational framework meticulously tailored to Gyeonggi Province’s Future Growth Industries (G7) and Foundational Regional Industries (GX). Spanning 12 targeted modular projects, the initiative spearheaded local talent cultivation and industrial modernization across G7 frontiers—including semiconductors, AI, big data, advanced mobility, biotechnology, renewable energy, quantum technology, and digital transformation—as well as GX sectors ranging from materials, parts, and equipment (MPE) and advanced manufacturing to creative content, agrifood, smart farming, design, arts and culture, healthcare and welfare, and services. The program also prioritized hands-on workforce readiness, bolstering students' applied competencies through a local government-industry-academia co-growth educational platform, standard semester-based field internships, and global practicum placements. A standout achievement took place in March of last year with the signing of a strategic partnership with the semiconductor specialist Soulbrain and the subsequent launch of the Kyung Hee Pangyo VI Campus—a startup acceleration hub leveraging Pangyo’s tech infrastructure. Operating on an integrated circular incubation pipeline spanning education, incubation, mentoring, networking, and advanced equipment access, the campus has forged an open, region-wide innovation ecosystem in close synergy with local agencies Substantial cooperative foundations were also laid across the local government-industry-academia alliance. The program firmly solidified collaborative ties by launching the GAIA-LINK Consultative Committee in the AI and big data sectors and establishing the Semiconductor Alliance Steering Committee. Furthermore, multi-tiered collaborative infrastructures were deployed, highlighted by the regional innovation and co-growth platform, RISE-O:NE. Strategic Alignment with Long-Term Institutional Blueprints and Global Connectivity Recognized In the Seoul Anchor Program, strong strategic alignment with the university’s mid- to long-term regional cooperation master plan earned standout marks. Operating under the mission of "Building a Tripartite Cooperation Ecosystem by Securing Global Competitiveness and Serving the Community," the Seoul Anchor Project Group executed an actionable roadmap to channel the university’s premier research and academic capabilities into local industrial innovation and civic well-being. This mission directly mirrors the vision of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's RISE Master Plan: "Seoul, a Global Future-Innovation Growth City Powered by Universities.” To advance and commercialize high-potential, university-held intellectual property, the program spearheaded value-creation initiatives such as KHU IP Value-Up, the TRL (Technology Readiness Level) Upgrade Program, and Joint Industry-Academia-Research Technology Development Projects, actively translating cutting-edge research into high-value commercial assets. Global industry-academia competencies were likewise reinforced: practical execution capabilities were cultivated through the S-Cluster-Linked Curriculum, the Standard Field Internship Semester System, and the Capstone Design Literacy (LIG) Program, while collaborative seminars and community-engaged projects significantly broadened the foundational reach of civic-academic-industrial partnerships. Elevating global competencies was another prominent breakthrough. Student ambassador delegations actively participated in premier international expositions hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government—including Try Everything 2025 and Smart Life Week 2025 (SLW 2025)—expanding their global fluency and cultivating cross-border networks. In parallel, to reinforce the industrial sustainability of Dongdaemun-gu’s historic garment and sewing manufacturing cluster, the university established the Kyung Hee Fashion Creator Group. This program presented an innovative co-prosperity model by infusing students’ creative sensibilities and youthful vision into a legacy sewing sector navigating severe demographic aging. From Talent Cultivation to Tech Commercialization: Powering Regional Impact Through Academic Innovation For Year Two, the Global Campus Anchor Project Group has unveiled five core flagship initiatives under the vision of "Co-Growing Regional Ecosystems, Co-Leaping into Global Prominence": KnM+EDU, GAIA-LINK, the RISE-O:NE Platform, the Pangyo VI Campus, and the AI Academy. In talent cultivation, the group will deploy G7-tailored convergence curricula calibrated for the AI Transformation (AX) era, anchoring a student-led educational paradigm driven by Capstone Design and Project-Based Learning (PBL). On the R&D and technological innovation front, it will spearhead demand-driven R&D initiatives for G7 industry partners. To elevate regional foundational industries, the group will channel breakthroughs into local communities through customized tech development, rapid prototyping, and technology transfers tailored to GX needs. Within the entrepreneurial sphere, it will build a springboard for global venture scalability through stage-tailored support (ideation, early-stage, and scale-up) alongside the Kyung Hee Pangyo VI Campus Incubation & Investment Fund. Simultaneously, the Seoul Campus Anchor Project Group will concentrate Year Two efforts on launching new tripartite joint R&D initiatives and accelerating tangible technology commercialization. Building on the core intellectual assets and intelligent infrastructure established in Year One, Year Two will secure collaborative R&D pipelines designed to solve immediate technical bottlenecks for regional enterprises and scale them into large-scale national projects. By coupling the KLIC (K-Lab Intense Care) incubation framework with global technology marketing, the group will deliver end-to-end lifecycle support to translate laboratory discoveries into high-impact licensing agreements, patent portfolios, and commercialized intellectual property. Furthermore, sustained participation in premier international expos—including the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Smart Life Week 2026 (SLW 2026)—will expand global cooperative networks, while dedicated educational and community-action tracks will deepen student engagement across local civic sectors.
2026.09.14- SDG 4 - Quality Education
- SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
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Research
Pioneering Personalized Therapies for Medulloblastoma
A research team led by Professor Jong Bae Park of the Department of Medicine has demonstrated new potential for predicting patient-specific prognoses and developing tailored therapeutic strategies for medulloblastoma—the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor—through integrated proteogenomic analysis. The collaborative study brought together researchers from Seoul National University, the Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Korea University, Kookmin University, and the University of Ulsan. Medulloblastoma is a leading pediatric malignancy of the central nervous system. Although current standard-of-care protocols combine surgical resection with adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, these aggressive interventions often leave severe, lifelong sequelae in developing children. Furthermore, recurrent cases carry a particularly poor clinical prognosis. Because tumor biology, therapeutic response, and clinical outcomes vary markedly among patients within the same broad diagnosis, establishing a more granular classification framework and targeted treatment strategies is critical. “While molecular classifications such as WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4 have been widely used, they possess limitations in fully explaining actual patient prognoses, recurrences, and treatment responses,” explained Professor Park. “We believed that analyzing proteins and phosphorylation signaling—which carry out actual cellular functions—beyond the genomic and transcriptomic (RNA) levels would allow us to identify clinically more meaningful subgroups and therapeutic targets.” Reclassifying Medulloblastoma into Seven Molecular Subgroups To achieve this, the research team integrated multi-omics datasets across five analytical platforms, including liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for comprehensive proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiling. Leveraging this multi-layered dataset, they reclassified medulloblastoma into seven granular subgroups, refining the conventional four-group consensus. Specifically, they stratified the classic SHH subgroup into SHHα and SHHβ, and subdivided Group 4 into G4α, G4β, and G4γ. Highlighting the primary breakthrough, Professor Park noted: "The core value of this study is not merely creating finer taxonomic labels, but establishing that each subgroup exhibits distinct oncogenic biology, clinical prognoses, and therapeutic vulnerabilities." The team revealed substantial intra-entity heterogeneity: while some patients displayed differentiated neuronal phenotypes associated with favorable outcomes, others exhibited heightened cell-cycle progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and aberrant kinase signaling, driving significantly more aggressive tumor phenotypes. Specifically, the SHHβ and G4γ subgroups exhibited more differentiated neuronal signatures, which strongly correlated with favorable clinical outcomes. These findings provide an actionable framework for future risk stratification and treatment de-escalation or intensification. For patients presenting with favorable-prognosis subtypes, clinicians can de-escalate aggressive therapies to spare developing children from long-term treatment-related toxicities. Conversely, for individuals harboring biologically high-risk profiles, clinicians can deploy intensified frontline interventions and precision targeted therapies from diagnosis. Overview of the integrated proteogenomic analysis workflow for medulloblastoma. By integrating multi-omics datasets across five analytical platforms, the research team reclassified medulloblastoma into seven distinct subgroups, delineating subgroup-specific clinical prognoses and actionable therapeutic vulnerabilities. Paving the Way for Precision Oncology in Pediatric Brain CancerIn pediatric neuro-oncology, therapeutic success is defined not only by improving overall survival rates, but also by preserving survivors' long-term quality of life. This study establishes a rigorous molecular rationale to evaluate patient prognoses, assess recurrence risks, and determine candidacy for targeted therapies with unprecedented precision. "Over the long term, these findings will inform precision oncology strategies that allow clinicians to de-escalate treatment intensity in low-risk patients while deploying tailored targeted agents for high-risk cohorts," noted Professor Park. Moving forward, the research team plans to validate these seven molecular subgroups alongside identified proteomic and phosphoproteomic biomarkers across expanded, multi-center patient cohorts. They also aim to translate their findings into clinical-grade diagnostic panels and advance targeted therapeutics and drug repurposing strategies for high-risk subgroups—such as SHHα and G4α—into preclinical models and clinical trials. In parallel, the team will dissect the molecular mechanisms driving upregulated EMT and cell-cycle signaling cascades in recurrent tumors, with the goal of establishing therapeutic interventions that predict and suppress tumor recurrence at an early stage. This breakthrough marks a milestone in cancer proteogenomics-driven precision medicine led by the National Cancer Center's Cancer Proteogenomics Research Consortium, supported by the Lee Kun-hee Pediatric Cancer and Rare Disease Support Initiative. The findings were published in the June issue of the international journal Experimental & Molecular Medicine (IF: 17.5).
2026.09.07 -
Global Eminence , Academics
Advancing Responsible Management Education: Dean Yong-Seung Park Joins UN PRME Advisory Board
Appointment expected to amplify the School of Management’s vision for responsible leadership as a founding PRME signatory “An invaluable opportunity to expand Kyung Hee’s founding philosophy across the global responsible management education arena” Business education must nurture ethical leaders committed to humanity, society, nature, and future generations Dean Yong-Seung Park of the School of Management has been appointed to the Advisory Board of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), a global initiative supported by the United Nations Global Compact. Commencing his three-year mandate in June, Dean Park will serve through May 2029, advising on global strategic priorities and governance frameworks for the initiative. In this capacity, he will collaborate with leading business school deans and sustainability executives worldwide to steer international policy dialogue and collaborative initiatives championing responsible management education, sustainable development, ethical leadership, and global citizenship. Kyung Hee’s Founding Philosophy: Aligning with the UN and the Roots of Responsible Management Launched in 2007 under the auspices of the UN Global Compact, PRME is the premier global platform dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), responsible management, ethical leadership, and stakeholder-centric governance through business education. Today, it stands as the definitive international network uniting leading business schools and academic institutions worldwide in transforming management pedagogy. Kyung Hee’s School of Management joined the initiative as a founding signatory in 2008, taking a pioneering role in the global responsible management movement from its inception. This commitment is deeply rooted in Kyung Hee’s historic partnership with the United Nations. Since its establishment under the founding motto "Creating a Civilized World," Kyung Hee has championed scholarship dedicated to global peace, mutual human prosperity, and the advancement of civilization—values that align seamlessly with the UN’s pillars of sustainable development, human dignity, and global citizenship. The partnership between Kyung Hee and PRME has steadily deepened over the years. In 2010, Dean Park spearheaded the inaugural regional conference, the Asian Forum for UN PRME, on the Kyung Hee campus, establishing a foundational springboard for responsible management education across Asia. In 2017, Dean Park was honored with the prestigious PRME Pioneer Award, earning global recognition for his leadership and enduring contributions to the field. From Shareholder to Stakeholder: Paradigm Shift Driven by Curricular Innovation Dean Park’s seminal work, Responsible Management: The Great Transformation of Business Administration, was designated an Outstanding Academic Book by the National Academy of Sciences, Republic of Korea (NAS) in 2022. The volume articulates a decisive paradigm shift from shareholder primacy to stakeholder-centered responsible management. Moving beyond the narrow pursuit of profit maximization, the text redefines the fundamental purpose of the firm through the lenses of human dignity, the common good, sustainability, and shared prosperity with all stakeholders. This international appointment also reflects the School of Management’s long-standing institutional roadmap prioritizing responsible business education. Since 2012, the school has designated Responsible Management as a mandatory foundational course for all incoming majors—embedding core competencies in corporate purpose, stakeholder governance, sustainability, and ethical leadership from day one. This pioneering reform is widely recognized as an innovative curricular benchmark among leading business schools worldwide. In addition, the school has launched an ESG Micro-degree Program to cultivate sustainable management talent aligned with real-world corporate demands, while the Department of Big Data Applications spearheads responsible management in the digital era through AI-driven ESG strategy courses and applied research initiatives. For the School of Management, responsible management education is far more than a standalone academic track; it is a signature pedagogical strategy translating Kyung Hee’s founding philosophy into the contemporary vernacular of business education. Just as "Creating a Civilized World" envisions a humane civilization, a peaceful global community, and shared social responsibility, responsible management education provides the operational blueprint to realize those ideals across enterprises, markets, and civil society. Cultivating Leaders for the Era of AI and Ecological Transition "Serving on the PRME Advisory Board is more than a personal honor; it is an opportunity to project Kyung Hee University's enduring vision of 'Creating a Civilized World' onto the global stage of responsible management education," stated Dean Yong-Seung Park. "I am dedicated to cementing the School of Management as an international benchmark for responsible leadership and driving pedagogical innovation that fosters a sustainable future, peace, and the common good across Asia and beyond." Dean Park continued: "Management education can no longer afford to focus narrowly on commercial efficiency and competitive advantage. In an era defined by artificial intelligence and ecological transformation, business schools must cultivate leaders who possess the moral clarity and actionable capacity to uphold our responsibilities toward humanity, society, nature, and future generations.” Looking ahead, Dean Park will spearhead the revitalization of the PRME Asia Forum and establish multilateral cooperation platforms to forge dynamic international coalitions for responsible management education across the region. Building on its heritage as a founding PRME signatory, Kyung Hee’s School of Management is poised to project its institutional narrative of peace and civilizational transformation across the global landscape of business education.
2026.09.07 -
Research
Unveiling Life Expectancy Drivers: Professor Dong Keon Yon’s Team Publishes Study in Nature
A research team led by Professor Dong Keon Yon published a landmark study in Nature tracking life expectancy across 34 Asian countries from 1990 to 2023. The global collaboration engaged over 900 researchers from Harvard Medical School, the Gates Foundation, IHME, Korea University, and Yonsei University. Pictured from left: Professor Dong Keon Yon and lead author Hyunjin Kim. Research team conducts the world’s first long-term tracking study on life expectancy in 34 Asian countries Asia sees a general rise in life expectancy over three decades, but COVID-19 and chronic diseases slow down progress A study led by Professor Dong Keon Yon of the College of Medicine was published in the international journal Nature (IF: 56.1). Titled "Mapping drivers of life expectancy change in Asia from 1990 to 2023," the paper comprehensively evaluates regional longevity trends alongside key disease burdens and risk factors over a 33-year period. First author Hyunjin Kim of the Digital Health Center led the initiative within a global consortium of over 900 researchers, collaborating with teams from Korea University (Prof. Ji Seung Kang), Yonsei University (Prof. Jae Il Shin), the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, the Gates Foundation, and Harvard Medical School. Chart illustrating changes in life expectancy at birth across 34 Asian countries from 1990 to 2023. Values for each country are presented as the Annual Percentage Change (APC), representing the average annual increase or decrease in life expectancy during the period. Higher values indicate more rapid improvements in life expectancy. Rapid Gains in South Asia, Highest Longevity in High-Income Asia-PacificAccording to the research team, life expectancy across Asia has risen broadly over the past three decades. South Asia saw the most dramatic progress, climbing 12.6 years from 58.6 in 1990 to 71.2 in 2023. Meanwhile, the high-income Asia-Pacific region—which includes South Korea and Japan—maintained the highest life expectancy across the continent, increasing from 77.5 to 84.1 years over the same timeframe. Across all Asian subregions, female life expectancy consistently outpaced that of males; by 2023, life expectancy in the high-income Asia-Pacific reached 87.1 years for females and 81.0 years for males. The drivers behind these longevity gains varied considerably by region. In Central and East Asia, as well as the high-income Asia-Pacific, medical advancements in cardiovascular therapies (such as treatments for stroke and ischemic heart disease) and expanded healthcare access were pivotal in extending lifespans. Conversely, in South and Southeast Asia, broader vaccination coverage along with investments in clean drinking water and sanitation sharply reduced mortality from diarrheal illnesses, lower respiratory infections, and tuberculosis, driving the region's overall life expectancy gains. However, the COVID-19 pandemic between 2019 and 2023 adversely affected the upward trend of life expectancy in Asia. The study revealed a decrease in life expectancy of about 0.327 years in Southeast Asia and about 0.275 years in East Asia. Along with the pandemic, the researchers identified hypertension, unhealthy diets, and air pollution as key risk factors negatively affecting life expectancy in Asia. Chronic disease-related risk factors, such as hypertension and high fasting plasma glucose, have steadily increased over the past 30 years in Central, East, and South Asia, pointing to them as priority targets for future public health policies. “Over the past 30 years, public health standards in Asia have generally improved significantly. However, life expectancy inequality driven by economic disparities among regions and countries remains severe,” Professor Dong Keon Yon, who led the research, stated. “Low-income countries with vulnerable healthcare infrastructure require supplies of essential medicines and expansions of sanitation and vaccine programs. Meanwhile, high-income nations like South Korea and areas with rising chronic illnesses must strengthen prevention-oriented, customized health policies, including hypertension management, smoking cessation, and air quality improvements.” “This research comprehensively analyzes changes in life expectancy across Asia, which is home to about 60% of the global population,” researcher Hyunjin Kim explained. “By closely examining the specific diseases and risk factors that influenced these changes at regional and national levels, this study will serve as a vital scientific foundation for future policymaking by health authorities across Asian nations.”
2026.09.07 -
Global Eminence
A Trailblazer’s Spirit from the Class of ’58 Inspires the Next Generation
Earlier this year, alumnus Jung Sup Seo (Class of ’58, Department of Law), Chairman of Dongshin Tube Glass Co., Ltd.—who donated 200 million KRW to the university’s Science and Technology Development Fund last year—published his autobiography, The Pioneer’s Sweat: Turning Points That Made the Impossible Possible. The memoir chronicles Seo’s life and legacy in pioneering South Korea’s specialty tube glass industry. To introduce his inspiring journey and entrepreneurial spirit to current students, the Office of External Affairs hosted an autobiography book review contest, culminating in an award ceremony on Thursday, June 4, at the University Administration Building. Seo connected with student participants, joined by Director of External Affairs Do Kyun Kim, Associate Dean of Humanitas College Jin Hae Kim (who chaired the judging committee), and Dean of the Law School Jeong-Hun Park. Alumnus Jung Sup Seo explained his motivation for writing the book: "I wanted to pass this story on to future generations who may not know what it takes to build an enterprise from the ground up." Pioneering the Localization Tube Glass in Korea Outlining the contest's background, Director Kim characterized Seo’s life as "both the pride of Kyung Hee and an enduring role model for younger generations." He explained: "At a time when tube glass technology did not exist in Korea, he traveled to Japan entirely on his own to master advanced manufacturing techniques. Through relentless perseverance, he succeeded in localizing medical glass packaging, including pharmaceutical ampoules and vials." He added: "We organized this contest in the hope that his trailblazing spirit would not fade, but instead take root as an inspiring seed in the hearts of our students." The contest drew 144 students across both campuses, yielding a total of 94 completed, polished book reviews. Following rigorous evaluation, the committee selected 1 Pioneer Award winner (Grand Prize), 5 Challenger Award recipients (Excellence Prize), 14 Encouragement Award winners, and 5 Special Award recipients—selected by Seo to recognize additional exceptional essays. "We initially worried that an autobiography might not easily resonate with twenty-somethings today, but the stacks of memoirs in our office disappeared almost instantly," remarked Associate Dean Kim. "Our evaluation centered on three key criteria: literary craftsmanship, depth of insight into life’s challenges, and how another person’s journey catalyzed positive reflection in the student's own life. Numerous entries bridged the generational divide between a 90-year-old elder and today's youth, taking the seed of the chairman’s life story and allowing it to flourish into poignant personal prose.” Student Yoon A Kim (Department of Korean Language and Literature), who had been grappling with personal anxiety, found renewed courage through the memoir. At the ceremony, attendees expressed gratitude to Chairman Seo. A 90-Year-Old Pioneer’s Journey Becomes a Seed of Solace for Today's Youth Award recipients received certificates alongside cash scholarships, and a bound anthology compiling all submitted student reviews was presented to Seo as a gift of appreciation. Pioneer Award (Grand Prize) recipient Yoon A Kim (Department of Korean Language and Literature) shared: "My dream is to become a television screenwriter. The book was so captivating that I found myself reading it cover-to-cover even during finals week. I had been navigating a painful chapter after temporarily setting my dreams aside to start writing anew, and Seo’s journey brought me profound comfort. I will always remember his resilience and revisit this book whenever I encounter adversity." Her essay, titled Clutching Anxiety in My Hand, opens with the vulnerable line: "I dream an uncertain dream." Tracing his steadfast determination amidst precarious circumstances empowered her with the courage to press onward. Moved by the students' reflections, Seo expressed deep warmth and mentorship toward his junior peers. "This autobiography originally began as a personal record for my family and future generations—to document how this company was built from nothing and trace the path we forged," he reflected. "Because I spent my life pursuing a clear purpose, I never viewed the hardships I endured as mere 'suffering.' While building the business, I continually delayed purchasing a home for my own family. Even while living in rented rooms, I held my head high as a business owner—yet seeing my employees struggle in meager, low-cost boarding rooms weighed painfully on my heart. Long before buying my own house, I prioritized building dormitories and a cafeteria for my workers. Only then could I look at myself in the mirror with a proud, clear conscience." “Integrity with a clear conscience” is the guiding value Chairman Seo emphasized above all else. "Throughout life, having a clear and unblemished conscience is paramount. When you are truly upright in your actions, you gain inner strength and courage. If a leader lacks personal integrity while simply demanding relentless hard work from employees, it will never inspire true commitment," he shared, encouraging the students. "Even when they seem unaware, people instinctively discern authenticity. Hold your head high with unwavering integrity. That is the true source of bold confidence to face the world, and it will become your most enduring foundation and inner strength.” Chairman Seo warmly expressed his gratitude and encouragement to all the students and participants.
2026.09.07- SDG 4 - Quality Education
- SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
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Research
Developing Light-Triggered, Biodegradable Electronic Medicine
A joint research team from Kyung Hee University, Sungkyunkwan University, Kumoh National Institute of Technology (KIT), and Northwestern University has developed an implantable, wireless electrostimulation platform that is controlled by light and fully biodegrades within the body. Joint research team led by Professor Sung Hun Jin of the Department of Information Display Near-infrared wireless electrostimulation platform published in Nature Electronics (IF: 40.9) A joint research team led by Professor Sung Hun Jin of the Department of Information Display—collaborating with Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Kumoh National Institute of Technology (KIT), and Northwestern University—has developed a novel class of bio-implantable electroceuticals. The transient system is optically controlled and naturally resorbs in the body after a predetermined therapeutic window. Professors Jong Wook Kim (SKKU) and Seung Ki Seo (KIT) contributed as co-first authors, while Professor Sung Hun Jin, Professor Jae Young Yu (SKKU), and Professor John A. Rogers (Northwestern) supervised the study as co-corresponding authors. The findings were published online in Nature Electronics (IF: 40.9). At the core of this electronic medicine is a light-responsive, biodegradable silicon phototransistor. When exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light—which penetrates deeply through cutaneous tissue—the device modulates the amplitude and waveform of electrical output signals. An external patch applied to the skin wirelessly transmits optical signals and power simultaneously, prompting the implanted stimulator to decode the light patterns and generate customized electrostimulation profiles. Researchers from left: Professor Sung Hun Jin of Kyung Hee University, Professor Seung Ki Seo of Kumoh National Institute of Technology, and Professors Jong Wook Kim and Jae Young Yu of Sungkyunkwan University. Overcoming Conventional Implant Limits Conventional implantable bioelectronics are often constrained to delivering rudimentary, fixed electrical waveforms. Generating complex, multi-site stimulation patterns typically required multiple bulky receiver coils, substantially increasing device footprint and architectural complexity. In contrast, the team’s platform generates both elementary pulses and sophisticated waveforms through a single, compact receiver. The system also supports multi-channel sequential stimulation, significantly expanding its therapeutic versatility. The researchers validated the platform’s efficacy across multiple preclinical models. In large-animal (canine) experiments, the device performed targeted cardiac pacing, demonstrating strong potential for treating patients with cardiac conduction disorders. In small-animal (rodent) trials, the team verified phrenic nerve stimulation to support respiration alongside selective, reversible nerve blocks. "These findings highlight the versatile potential of this platform across diverse electroceutical therapies—including cardiac pacing, respiratory assistance, and neuromodulation," explained Professor Sung Hun Jin. The platform is constructed entirely from fully bioresorbable materials—such as molybdenum, monocrystalline silicon, and tungsten—that safely dissolve via hydrolysis in bodily fluids over time. Once the therapeutic window concludes, the device completely resorbs within the body, eliminating the need for secondary extraction surgeries. This transient capability makes it uniquely suited for temporary interventions, such as post-operative cardiac pacing and short-term neural rehabilitation. The fundamental breakthrough—the biodegradable silicon phototransistor—stems from long-term collaborative R&D between Professor Jin and Professor John A. Rogers. During his 2021 visiting fellowship at Northwestern University, Professor Jin engineered the dissolvable silicon phototransistor architecture. Professor Seung Ki Seo (KIT), a former mentee of Professor Jin, subsequently integrated the discrete components into a fully wireless system and spearheaded the in vivo animal validations alongside Professors Jong Wook Kim and Jae Young Yu (SKKU) to bring the research to fruition. "Until now, implantable electrostimulation has largely been confined to rudimentary monophasic pulses. Virtually no prior system has delivered the complex, tailored waveforms required in clinical settings using a streamlined circuit driven by a single power source—let alone on a fully wireless, bioresorbable platform that completely dissolves once its therapeutic mission is complete," explained Professor Jin. "The key to overcoming this long-standing engineering bottleneck was the silicon phototransistor." He added: "Looking ahead, advancing toward NPN-type phototransistors with higher optical responsivity, coil-free wireless power transfer, wavelength-selective multi-site stimulation, and sensor-integrated closed-loop control will deliver practical solutions to intractable clinical challenges requiring transient therapy—such as temporary cardiac pacing, targeted nerve regeneration, and respiratory rehabilitation." This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) through the Mid-Career Researcher Program, the Sejong Science Fellowship (Overseas Training Track), and the Basic Research Laboratory (BRL) Support Program.
2026.09.07 -
Research
Reimagining Urban Tourism: Smart Tourism Cities’ Competitiveness Index
A research team at the Smart Tourism Research Center (STRC) developed an international index to evaluate the competitiveness of smart tourism cities. Professor Chulmo Koo, Professor Namho Chung, and Assistant Research Professor Hyun Ae Lee developed the Smart Tourism Cities’ Competitiveness Index (STCCI) and published their findings—which validated the index across 51 global cities—in the prestigious international journal Journal of Destination Marketing & Management (IF: 8.0, JCR Q1). This study is significant because it shifts the evaluation of smart tourism cities away from mere possession of digital infrastructure or tourism resources toward the dynamic process where urban systems, digital platforms, tourists, residents, public institutions, and private enterprises interact to co-create tourism value. The research team classified smart tourism city competitiveness into five dimensions—Attractiveness, Accessibility, Digitalization Readiness, Sustainability, and Co-partnership—comprising 14 core items and 37 individual indicators. A New Framework for Smart Tourism Cities The research team highlighted a fundamental shift in the global tourism landscape, with cities increasingly becoming the epicenter of travel. Tourism is no longer confined to isolated attractions; rather, it unfolds directly within the urban fabric where local residents live their daily lives. As cutting-edge technologies—including information and communication technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data—merge with urban environments, "smart tourism cities" have emerged, delivering enriched experiences to travelers and local residents alike. "A smart tourism city is not merely a city with bustling tourism or advanced technological infrastructure," explained Professor Chulmo Koo. "It is an urban ecosystem where diverse stakeholders—including visitors, residents, public institutions, and private enterprises—continuously interact through digital platforms and city systems to co-create social and economic value in tourism." Traditional tourism competitiveness indices have historically evaluated destinations based on conventional metrics such as tourism resources, physical infrastructure, and accessibility. Conversely, smart city indices have primarily assessed urban operational efficiency, digital infrastructure, and public service delivery. Smart tourism cities, however, embody a multifaceted convergence of tourism, urban ecosystems, digital technologies, and multi-stakeholder governance. Recognizing this gap, the research team concluded that conventional indices alone cannot adequately capture such an integrated, dynamic paradigm. Evaluating Urban Competitiveness Across Five Core Dimensions The STCCI was developed to address these limitations. Attractiveness measures how a city's distinctive tourism resources and cultural assets are visualized across digital spaces and translated into actual visitor experiences. Accessibility evaluates how conveniently travelers can access information, services, mobility options, and tourism infrastructure. Digitalization Readiness encompasses smart technologies, digital platforms, physical data infrastructure, and the digital literacy of local citizens. Sustainability assesses the long-term, balanced management of a city’s cultural, environmental, and community resources, while Co-partnership gauges the degree of collaboration among residents, tourists, public agencies, and private enterprises in shaping the smart tourism ecosystem. To ensure conceptual validity and measurement reliability throughout the development process, the research team conducted an extensive review of literature on smart tourism, urban competitiveness, and existing tourism and smart city metrics. They then executed a Delphi study—an iterative consensus-building methodology—with 12 leading smart tourism experts to establish an indicator framework supported by globally comparable datasets. Ultimately, the team constructed the STCCI framework around 5 dimensions, 14 core components, and 37 specific indicators, validating the model empirically across 51 global cities. A defining feature of this study is its operational paradigm: evaluating smart tourism competitiveness through the lens of dynamic function rather than static possession. The researchers focused on how urban assets and technologies are consumed, mediated, and disseminated within the lived experiences of visitors and residents. For instance, Attractiveness reflects digital footprint and experiential consumption—such as Google search volumes for natural and cultural landmarks and Instagram hashtag frequency—rather than a simple inventory of physical sites. Similarly, Accessibility extends beyond basic physical transport links to measure real-world digital availability, including Google Maps service coverage and searchable hotel listings on Booking.com. "The true value of smart tourism does not reside in standalone resources or technology itself; it emerges when visitors actively engage with and experience them," explained Professor Namho Chung. "No matter how rich a city's cultural heritage or advanced its digital systems may be, that value remains unrealized if travelers cannot seamlessly access information and services." The Smart Tourism Cities’ Competitiveness Index (STCCI) consists of five dimensions—Attractiveness, Accessibility, Digitalization Readiness, Sustainability, and Co-partnership—and 14 core items. Seoul Excels in Co-Partnership When evaluated against 51 major global cities using the STCCI framework, Seoul ranked ninth overall. The capital demonstrated exceptional performance in Co-partnership (3rd) and Digitalization Readiness (7th). These high marks reflect Seoul’s well-integrated smart tourism ecosystem, where robust digital infrastructure and high civic digital literacy empower public agencies and private stakeholders to collaborate effectively. By contrast, Seoul ranked 14th in Attractiveness and 13th in Accessibility, signaling areas for improvement. The findings highlight the need to enhance the digital visibility and engagement of Seoul’s cultural assets on global platforms, while further streamlining how international visitors discover and navigate local services and transportation. The research team underscored the significance of Seoul securing a top-10 global standing despite moderate scores in traditional attractiveness and accessibility. This demonstrates that Seoul’s competitive edge is driven not by the sheer volume of physical tourism assets, but by its capacity to orchestrate and scale dynamic visitor experiences through digital innovation and collaborative networks—providing an empirical roadmap for elevating Seoul’s global brand as a leading smart tourism metropolis. A Practical Diagnostic Tool for Urban Policy and City Branding This study originated from a policy research project commissioned by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Through this municipal initiative, the research team conceptualized the core dimensions and measurement variables of smart tourism cities, subsequently validating the model across major global metropolises. "The primary significance of this research lies in systematically formalizing the concept of the smart tourism city to account for the convergence of smart tourism and urban management, while establishing an empirical framework capable of measuring it in practice," Professor Koo explained. The STCCI offers immediate practical utility for municipal policymaking and urban management. Although numerous municipalities have pursued smart tourism initiatives, they have long lacked standardized benchmarks to evaluate performance systematically or compare outcomes against global peers. The STCCI delivers actionable diagnostics that pinpoint specific institutional strengths and bottlenecks to inform future policy formulation. For example, a city equipped with advanced digital infrastructure but lagging in collaborative governance can prioritize civic engagement initiatives and public-private partnerships. Conversely, a municipality facing low accessibility scores can concentrate investment on enhancing real-time information access and intermodal transit convenience for visitors. Advancing Smart Tourism Research for the AI Era This milestone underscores the interdisciplinary research capacity cultivated by Kyung Hee’s Smart Tourism Research Center. Over the 13 years since its founding, the institute has spearheaded smart tourism scholarship while cultivating robust international research networks and extensive collaborative partnerships with public agencies. Kyung Hee’s commitment to fostering a convergent research ecosystem alongside world-class institutional support provided the essential foundation for this breakthrough. "Kyung Hee proactively champions interdisciplinary convergence and globally competitive scholarship," said Professor Chung. "The STRC has continually advanced integrative research bridging tourism studies with business administration, sociology, psychology, history, and information technology. This cross-disciplinary environment was instrumental in transforming complex paradigms like the smart tourism city into globally recognized academic output." Looking ahead, the research team plans to build upon the STCCI framework to refine theories of urban competitiveness in the AI era. They aim to expand the evaluation to a broader spectrum of domestic and international cities while providing tailored diagnostics and strategic consulting models adapted to local municipal contexts. Through these initiatives, the team seeks to offer actionable contributions to smart tourism policymaking and global urban competitiveness. “While smart tourism is often understood simply as a combination of tourism and technology, it is actually an interdisciplinary field where urban history, identity, data, policy, management, and social values converge,” Professor Koo emphasized. "In the age of AI, we need not only advanced technological proficiency, but also humanistic depth, philosophical grounding, and a nuanced understanding of regional identity." Addressing the student body, he added: "I encourage students to look beyond the boundaries of their individual majors, collaborate across diverse fields, and build the multidisciplinary problem-solving skills needed to address complex societal challenges."
2026.09.01 -
Research
From Water Quality to Carbon Capture: Seeking Environmental Solutions with AI
Environmental issues are becoming increasingly complex. Water quality changes in rivers depend on various factors such as seasons, rainfall, flow rate, and pollution sources. Similarly, carbon dioxide capture technologies for carbon neutrality must consider not only theoretical performance but also actual process environments and regional climate conditions. Although these challenges differ, they share a clear commonality: the need to understand high-variable, uncertain environmental problems more accurately and translate them into practical, real-world solutions. Driven by this awareness, integrated master's-doctoral student Tae Yong Woo and doctoral student Sang Yoon Kim of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering are conducting research that combines environmental engineering with artificial intelligence. Both researchers belong to the Environmental Management System Engineering Laboratory (EMSEL) led by Professor ChangKyoo Yoo. Woo interprets water quality data from urban rivers using AI and predicts water quality changes in real time. Kim applies AI to carbon capture materials, semiconductor wastewater treatment processes, and direct air capture (DAC) systems. Both researchers recently published papers in major international journals. Woo's study on predicting total nitrogen in urban rivers appeared in Water Research (IF: 12.8), a leading journal in water quality. Kim published his AI-driven inverse design of carbon-adsorbing MOFs in Chemical Engineering Journal (IF: 12.8) and his study on controlling semiconductor wastewater treatment processes in Journal of Water Process Engineering (IF: 6.6). Furthermore, both students were selected for the 2026 Global Innovation Talent Growth Support Program in Advanced Industries, allowing them to conduct research abroad for six months. Woo will continue his research at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, while Kim will carry out his research at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in the United States. Reading Water Quality Changes in Real Time The starting point of environmental AI research lies in interpreting complex environmental data. Woo conducts research that uses AI to compensate for incomplete water quality data collected from real urban rivers and predicts water quality changes in real time. The study recently published in Water Research develops a field-applicable AI system that compensates for sensor errors and data gaps in urban rivers, learning the temporal changes of various water quality parameters to reliably predict total nitrogen (TN) concentrations. Total nitrogen, which sums all forms of nitrogen in water, indicates a river's nutrient status and pollution levels. Excessively high concentrations increase the risk of eutrophication and algal blooms, impacting the aquatic ecosystem. However, measuring total nitrogen accurately in the field over a long period is challenging. Laboratory analyses are accurate but time-consuming, while automatic field analyzers, despite allowing continuous measurement, are prone to measurement errors and data gaps due to sensor biofouling, equipment malfunctions, or communication failures. To address these limitations, Woo developed a "TN soft sensor." Rather than a physical instrument, a soft sensor is a "virtual sensor" that estimates total nitrogen concentrations by using AI to analyze multiple water quality and hydrological parameters. The AI learns the relationships between previously measured total nitrogen and parameters such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, flow rate, water level, ammonium nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen. In the field, it then estimates the next total nitrogen concentration based on recently collected data. The system developed in this study is named "IRIS-TN," which filters and reconstructs outliers and missing values in field data. It then learns multiple water quality and hydrological parameters along with their trends over the past 96 hours to predict the total nitrogen concentration for the next hour. Validated with field data collected from the Anyangcheon River, IRIS-TN demonstrated stable predictive performance compared to measurements from actual total nitrogen analyzers. Its rapid execution on edge computing devices—which process data directly on-site—confirmed its potential for real-time water quality monitoring. The key distinction of this study lies in its use of actual urban river data. Rather than relying on laboratory-purified data or simulated conditions, the system was developed and validated with real-world issues, including sensor fouling, measurement errors, missing data, and flow variations. “This system does not completely replace existing measuring equipment,” Woo explained. “Instead, it serves as a complementary monitoring tool using AI to reduce data gaps and enhance reliability.” The application of “eXplainable AI (XAI)” is also significant. In environmental studies, verifying the basis of a model's judgment is as crucial as its predictive accuracy. This study analyzed how much each water quality parameter contributed to predicting total nitrogen and observed how variable importance shifted under different flow conditions and water quality changes. The analysis confirmed that while nitrate nitrogen served as the primary predictive indicator, flow rate and various physical and chemical water quality parameters were also utilized in combination. "AI reads water changes in real time, compensating for limitations in urban river water quality monitoring." Tae Yong Woo, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering. Water quality in urban rivers fluctuates under the influence of various factors, including seasonal shifts, rainfall, flow rate, and pollution sources. To address this, Woo is conducting research that leverages artificial intelligence to compensate for incomplete field-collected water quality data and predict total nitrogen concentrations in real time. "The significance of this approach lies not in completely replacing conventional monitoring equipment, but in using AI as a complementary surveillance tool to fill data gaps and improve measurement reliability," Woo explained. Designing Materials to Capture Carbon Doctoral student Sang Yoon Kim is conducting research that combines AI with environmental systems engineering to enhance the performance of carbon capture materials and processes. His study on the AI-driven inverse design of carbon-adsorbing MOFs, in which he participated as co-first author, was published in Chemical Engineering Journal. Using an "inverse design" approach—where researchers first define the desired performance and then search for a matching material structure—the study used AI to discover metal-organic framework (MOF) candidates that selectively capture carbon dioxide under humid conditions mimicking actual flue gas, and verified the materials' operating mechanisms through theoretical calculations. A Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) is a crystalline compound consisting of metal ions coordinated to organic ligands. This porous material forms numerous microscopic pores, resulting in an exceptionally high surface area that is often compared to a "molecular sponge." Because researchers can control the size and chemical properties of these pores, MOFs are highly advantageous for selectively adsorbing specific gases, drawing significant attention as next-generation adsorbent materials for carbon capture. Previous studies searching for adsorbent materials often assumed dry conditions. However, actual flue gas from power plants or industrial facilities is hot and highly humid. Moisture can compete for adsorption sites designated for carbon dioxide or degrade the material's framework, causing materials that performed exceptionally in laboratory settings to fail in actual field conditions. Kim aimed to identify moisture-stable materials from the outset. Using AI, he explored MOFs capable of capturing carbon dioxide effectively even in humid flue gas environments. This study is significant because it went beyond proposing candidate materials, verifying their operating mechanisms through theoretical calculations to enhance their practical applicability. During the research process, generative AI, machine learning, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations played distinct roles. Generative AI proposed material structures with the desired properties, while machine learning rapidly predicted the performance of candidate materials to screen for highly promising options. DFT calculations validated why the selected materials captured carbon dioxide effectively and remained stable under humid conditions, providing scientific evidence to back the AI predictions. Optimizing Semiconductor Wastewater Treatment ProcessesKim continued his research achievements in semiconductor wastewater treatment. His study on offline reinforcement learning-based control of TMAH-rich semiconductor wastewater was published in the Journal of Water Process Engineering. TMAH (tetramethylammonium hydroxide) is a chemical compound used in semiconductor manufacturing that can end up in large quantities in semiconductor wastewater. Wastewater with high concentrations of TMAH is difficult to treat and places a heavy burden on biological treatment processes. The core of this study was developing a specialized model to simulate the biological degradation of TMAH and enabling an AI—trained on past operational data—to efficiently run a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR). The "offline reinforcement learning" utilized in this study learns improved operation strategies from accumulated historic operational data, avoiding repetitive trial-and-error that disrupts actual chemical processes. The research demonstrated the potential to respond stably to highly fluctuating semiconductor wastewater through proactive control that anticipates changes in influent load. This research holds great industrial significance. Treating high-concentration wastewater has become critical in the semiconductor industry. Since wastewater characteristics vary depending on process conditions, relying solely on operators' experience limits stable operation. AI-based operational technology can ease this burden, improve treatment efficiency, reduce costs, and help reliably meet discharge standards. "Applying AI to semiconductor wastewater treatment processes presents the potential for stable operations." Sang Yoon Kim, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering. In the semiconductor industry, stably treating high-concentration wastewater is a critical operational priority. Kim conducted research on leveraging artificial intelligence—trained on historical operational data—to efficiently control treatment processes for TMAH-rich semiconductor wastewater. "Because wastewater characteristics fluctuate depending on specific manufacturing conditions, AI-driven operational technology can significantly boost treatment performance," Kim explained, adding that this intelligent control approach helps both improve treatment efficiency and reduce operating costs. Expanding Environmental AI Through International Research Visits The two researchers were selected for the Global Innovation Talent Growth Support Program in Advanced Industries, which funds six-month research visits to outstanding institutions abroad. Woo will research a "generative AI-based integrated process-environment autonomous design framework" at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. By inputting target material and raw material properties, required yield and quality, energy consumption, and environmental impacts, the generative AI proposes potential process structures and operating conditions to explore optimal alternatives. Industrial process design involves combining multiple unit processes and repeatedly reviewing material and energy balances along with process simulations. Because of the vast number of potential combinations and the need to balance productivity with energy consumption, cost, carbon emissions, and waste generation, the process requires substantial time and expert judgment. Woo aims to use generative AI to navigate this vast design space efficiently and create an intelligent design support system that provides viable alternatives for experts to review. This research also connects to resource circulation. Reusing useful components in industrial byproducts or waste resources as raw materials, or recovering water and energy used in processes, requires various separation, purification, and recycling process combinations. Generative AI can broadly explore potential reuse pathways and process combinations, comparing recovery rates, purity, energy use, and environmental impacts to support resource-circulating process designs. Kim plans to research energy-efficient DAC technology using solid sorbents at Georgia Tech in the United States. Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. He plans to continue his research by using AI to inversely design better adsorbent materials at the molecular level and modeling and optimizing the carbon capture processes utilizing those materials. Selected for the National Research Foundation's Doctoral Course Student Research Support Grant, his project aligns with this research direction. The project is titled "AI-Based Inverse Design, Modeling, Autonomous Operation, and Climate Integration Study of DAC Systems for Carbon Neutrality." Since DAC performance varies depending on the temperature and humidity of the installation site, it must factor in regional climate conditions. “I want to design a more realistic DAC system based on this,” Kim said. “I will deepen my DAC research during the Georgia Tech visit and apply the methodologies learned there to domestic research.” From Lab to Field: Expanding the Scope of Environmental AI The achievements of both researchers were built upon Kyung Hee's educational and research environment. They conduct research in the Environmental Systems Engineering Laboratory under the guidance of Professor ChangKyoo Yoo. Professor Yoo has guided them toward defining practical environmental engineering problems using AI while simultaneously examining engineering validity and field applicability. The collaborative environment of the laboratory also served as an important foundation. Environmental AI research requires organic connections among multiple stages, including water quality data preprocessing, time-series AI model development, material structure screening, process modeling, and result interpretation. Lab members shared their expertise and ideas, repeatedly reviewing results to enhance research quality. Intramural research and education support programs—such as the Brain Korea 21 (BK21) Graduate School Innovation Project and the Graduate School for Climate Change—helped both researchers broaden their perspectives through domestic and international academic activities and international collaborations. Looking ahead, Woo plans to advance research that seamlessly integrates environmental data collection and analysis with process design and operations into a unified workflow. Offering advice to junior peers aspiring to enter the field of environmental AI, he noted: "Meaningful research doesn’t end with merely adopting the latest models. It begins by asking why a problem truly matters and how the solution can make a tangible difference in the field." Kim envisions developing into a scholar who deeply bridges environmental engineering and artificial intelligence. "Beyond publishing strong papers, I want my research findings to be translated into real-world applications and societal impact," he emphasized. "Ultimately, I hope to contribute to addressing pressing societal challenges, such as achieving carbon neutrality.” The two researchers continue their work integrating environmental engineering and AI at the Environmental Systems Engineering Laboratory.
2026.09.01