CEO Kim Taek-jin and Others Elected as Full Members of the National Academy of Engineering

Selection of New Members of the National Academy of Engineering of Korea This Year

Kim Taek-jin, CEO of NCSoft (from left), Hwang Seong-woo, President of Samsung SDS, Cho Seong-hwan, President of Hyundai Mobis, Jeong Cheol-dong, CEO of LG Innotek,

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] Kim Taek-jin, CEO of NCSoft; Hwang Seong-woo, President of Samsung SDS; Cho Seong-hwan, President of Hyundai Mobis; Jeong Cheol-dong, CEO of LG Innotek; Kim Hee-chul, President of Hanwha Solutions; Lee Gyu-seong, Vice President of Samsung Biologics; and Cho Hwang-hee, President of STEPI, among other corporate leaders, have been selected in large numbers as full members of the Korean Academy of Engineering, the most prestigious organization in South Korea's engineering technology field.

The Academy of Engineering announced the list of new members this year after a 10-month review process. This year, 50 full members and 89 regular members were selected. Members of the Academy are chosen as top experts who have made significant contributions to national development through outstanding research achievements and innovative technology development in universities, research institutes, and companies.

Among the full members from the industry, in addition to those mentioned above, 24 individuals were selected, including Kim Hee-chul, President of Hanwha Solutions; Lee Gyu-seong, Vice President of Samsung Biologics; and Cho Hwang-hee, President of the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI). In academia, 26 individuals were named, including Moon Soo-bok, Professor at KAIST; Kim Dong-hwan, Professor at Korea University; Yoon Chae-ok, Professor at Hanyang University; and Jeong Sang-seom, Professor at Yonsei University. Full members are selected from among the regular members.

The newly selected regular members from the industry include 46 individuals such as Koo Hyun-mo, President of KT; Kyung Kye-hyun, President of Samsung Electro-Mechanics; Jin Gyo-won, President of SK Hynix; Ryu Seung-ho, CEO of Isu Chemical; Son Ji-woong, President of LG Chem; Cho Jung-woo, CEO of SK Biopharm; and Lee Sang-woong, Chairman of Sebang Group. In academia, 43 members were selected, including Han Seung-yong, Professor at Seoul National University; Yang Kyung-cheol, Professor at POSTECH; and Chae Chan-byung, Professor at Yonsei University.

The member selection review begins each year in the first half with the identification and recommendation of candidates, followed by a four-stage review process in the second half. After evaluating achievements across various fields such as academic accomplishments, technology development, patents, human resource development, and contributions to industrial advancement, a written vote by all full members is conducted. The Academy of Engineering members are categorized into full members, regular members, emeritus members, and foreign members.

Chairman Kwon Oh-kyung of the Academy of Engineering stated, "We doubled the time spent on member evaluations and conducted a rigorous review based on significantly strengthened criteria," adding, "We especially focused on securing members in convergence, advanced, and new technology fields, small and medium-sized enterprises that succeeded through technological prowess, and female members." Following this new member appointment, the Academy now has 289 full members and 347 regular members.