G-Dragon Appointed as Visiting Professor in Mechanical Engineering at KAIST... Lecturing for 2 Years

KAIST Hosts 'Innovate Korea 2024'
G-Dragon Appointed as Visiting Professor in Mechanical Engineering
Also to Serve as KAIST Global Ambassador

Composer and singer G-Dragon (real name Kwon Ji-yong) has been appointed as an invited professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). He is scheduled to lecture KAIST students on artistic experience and spirit for two years until June 2026, the duration of his appointment.

Singer G-Dragon.
[Photo by G-Dragon Instagram]

On the 5th, KAIST held 'Innovate Korea 2024' at the Ryu Geun-cheol Sports Complex and presented the appointment certificate to Professor Kwon. This appointment was promoted to integrate the latest scientific technologies developed by KAIST with globally recognized K-content and the cultural industry, aiming to expand the global competitiveness of Korean culture.

Professor Kwon will begin his lectures with leadership special lectures for undergraduate and graduate students. Drawing from his experience and life as a member of the boy group 'Big Bang,' he will actively share with KAIST students a vision and insight for viewing the world, as well as challenges and inspiration to pioneer their respective fields. He will also hold cultural events to communicate with members and generously support the artistic experiences necessary for growth as creative and convergent talents. Upon his appointment as a professor, Professor Kwon was also selected as a KAIST Global Ambassador, contributing to strengthening KAIST's overseas promotion.

Professor Kwon, together with his agency Galaxy Corporation, will also promote joint research integrating various KAIST technologies into cultural content. Specifically, the 'KAIST-Galaxy Corporation Entertech Research Center (tentative name)' will be established within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and research on Digital Twin technology targeting Hallyu artists will be conducted. Additionally, research on the convergence of rapidly emerging scientific technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and metaverse, as well as the development of artist avatars using volumetric, motion capture, and haptic technologies, will be carried out.

KAIST sweatshirt and jumper certified by singer G-Dragon.
[Photo by G-Dragon Instagram]

Professor Kwon said, "It is an honor to become an invited professor at KAIST, which produces numerous scientific geniuses," and added, "I hope that the meeting of top scientific technology experts and my expertise in entertainment will create a great synergy, a 'Big Bang'." He continued, "Many people are increasingly working with AI in the music field. These advanced technologies enable more diverse forms of creative work," and expressed his wish, "Through the AI avatar developed jointly by Galaxy Corporation and KAIST, I want to communicate more closely with fans around the world whom I cannot meet often." He also showed his joy by posting a KAIST department jumper (gwajam) on his social media.

KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung stated, "Not only will KAIST’s scientific technology contribute to the global expansion and growth of K-culture, but sharing Professor Kwon’s experience and spirit, who has led global trends, will also be a great asset to KAIST members aiming to become a top-tier university."

Meanwhile, Professor Kwon is a hip-hop artist who has captivated the public with his fresh musical sensibility and unique charm. He debuted in 2006 as a member of the boy group 'Big Bang' and has continued his career for over 15 years with hits such as 'Lies,' which he wrote and composed alone. He has appeared several times on MBC’s variety show 'Infinite Challenge,' showcasing his entertainment skills, and has achieved various honors including the Prime Minister’s Commendation at the 7th Popular Culture and Arts Awards and the Singer of the Year Award at the Gaon Chart Music Awards.