Yoon Dong-han, Chairman of Korea Kolmar, Becomes First PhD in Yi Sun-sin Studies Department

Daegu Catholic University Department of Yi Sun-sin Studies First PhD Holder

Yoon Dong-han, the founder of Korea Kolmar, became the first Ph.D. graduate of the Yi Sun-sin Studies Department. This is the first doctoral degree awarded by the Yi Sun-sin Studies Department, newly established in 2021 in collaboration with Daegu Catholic University.

According to Kolmar Holdings on the 23rd, Chairman Yoon received his Doctor of Literature degree at the Daegu Catholic University graduation ceremony held on the 22nd in Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk. The thesis topic was "A Study on Yi Sun-sin's Victory Strategy Utilizing the Geographical Advantages of Gohado and Gogeumdo," which reexamined Yi Sun-sin's achievements from a modern perspective.

Yoon Dong-han, Chairman of Korea Kolmar, received a Doctorate in Literature at the degree conferral ceremony held on the 22nd in Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk.
[Photo by Korea Kolmar]

While previous research focused on Yi Sun-sin's tactics and the naval forces' exploits, this thesis holds academic significance for analyzing the geographical factors of victory and the importance of logistical military supply.

Chairman Yoon has taken the lead in widely promoting Yi Sun-sin's leadership and philosophy. In 2017, he and like-minded entrepreneurs established the Seoul Yeohae Foundation, named after Yi Sun-sin's courtesy name, using their private funds. In 2021, he signed a business agreement with Daegu Catholic University to establish the Yi Sun-sin Studies Department for master's and doctoral programs. The goal is to cultivate experts who successfully manage the nation and enterprises based on the spirit of Yi Sun-sin. To this end, interdisciplinary research is conducted by integrating various fields such as history, political diplomacy, geography education, and public administration.

At the graduation ceremony, Chairman Yoon said, "I am deeply moved to receive a degree with a thesis on Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who is my most respected historical figure and like a mentor to me," adding, "I want to emulate the general's spirit and contribute to society."

Meanwhile, Chairman Yoon is also actively engaged in writing related to Yi Sun-sin. Last year, he published the "New Annotated Translation of the Complete Works of Yi Chung-mu-gong (Yi Sun-sin)" in modern language. He has also authored Yi Sun-sin-related books such as "General Jeong-geol Active at Age 80" (2019) and "The Mother Who Protected Joseon" (2022).