[Reading Science] Why a Business Executive Received the Scientist Award

2024 Excellent Scientist Awards Ceremony Held
Awards for Scientists Representing the Present and Future of Korean Science
Lee Ki-hyung, Chairman of Chaos Foundation, Receives 'Choi Seok-jung Award' for Contributions to the Spread of Mathematical Culture

On the 12th, the 2024 ‘Outstanding Scientist Awards’ ceremony was held at the Korea Science and Technology Center. Reflecting on the year 2024, this event encouraged those who contributed to the advancement of science and technology through outstanding research achievements and passion, honoring 17 outstanding scientists with awards.

On the 12th, at the '2024 Excellent Scientist Awards Ceremony' held in Gangnam, Seoul, and the Korea Science and Technology Center, Minister Yoo Sang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT, along with Korea Science Award recipients Professor Seon-ung from Korea University and Professor Yoon Ju-young from Ewha Womans University (from left), are posing for a commemorative photo. Photo by Ministry of Science and ICT

The ‘Outstanding Scientist Awards’ began in 1987 and have accompanied the history of South Korea’s scientific and technological development. Some past recipients have grown into world-renowned scientists and are active both domestically and internationally. Past awardees such as Professor Jae-Seung Jeong of KAIST and Professor Nam-Kyu Park of Sungkyunkwan University have drawn attention with innovative research in artificial intelligence (AI) and energy fields, elevating the status of South Korean science and technology. The researchers recognized at this ceremony are also expected to become the future of South Korea’s science and technology.

At the event, researchers who achieved outstanding accomplishments in various fields such as the ‘Korea Science Award,’ ‘Engineering Award,’ ‘Young Scientist Award,’ and ‘Scientist of the Month Award’ took the stage and were recognized for their research achievements and contributions.

The four recipients of the ‘Korea Science Award’ produced diverse results in fields including medicine, materials, new drugs, and engineering. Professor Ju-Young Yoon of Ewha Womans University developed a phototherapeutic agent for treating intractable cancers, leading domestic cancer treatment research to a world-class level. Professor Yoon is evaluated as having presented new possibilities for cancer treatment by reducing side effects and maximizing effectiveness. Professor Woong Seon of Korea University Medical School received the award for his development of technologies utilizing neural organoids for human developmental research and new drug development. His technique for producing mini spinal cords using human pluripotent stem cells contributed to research on intractable diseases such as neural tube defects and opened new horizons for treating neurological disorders.

Professor Hyung-Hee Cho of Yonsei University led the localization of advanced gas turbine engines, which are essential for power generation and advanced aircraft, contributing to the energy industry and strengthening competitiveness. Professor Jong-Beom Baek of Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology developed a mechanochemical technique to polish bulk metals into single-atom catalysts. This technology, capable of mass-producing single-atom catalysts, is evaluated as having changed the paradigm of catalyst research.

The ‘Young Scientist Award’ is a cradle for emerging scholars who will carry the future of Korean science. Professor Jung-Soo Kang of Seoul National University led fusion research between classical mechanics and Hamiltonian mechanics, solving mathematical challenges and pioneering interdisciplinary research between physics and mathematics. Research Fellow Seung-Joo Lee of the Institute for Basic Science made significant contributions to theoretical physics by identifying universal constraint conditions in quantum gravity theory. Professor Chang-Hyuk Choi of Pohang University of Science and Technology solved challenges in the electrochemistry field and pioneered new research areas such as single-atom catalysts and cation effects. Professor Yoo-Sik Kim of KAIST elucidated the role and control mechanisms of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), contributing to treatments for degenerative arthritis and autoimmune diseases.

Among the recipients of the ‘Scientist of the Month Award,’ Professor Jun-Seok Noh of Pohang University of Science and Technology developed mass production technology for ultrathin metalenses, contributing to the popularization of optical technology and cost reduction. Professor Chang-Seok Kim of Pusan National University developed LiDAR technology capable of autonomous driving even in severe weather, making remarkable contributions to the advancement of autonomous driving technology. Professor Sung-Joong Lee of Seoul National University revealed the brain function regulation mechanisms of glial cells, suggesting new directions for research on emotional disorders and sociality. Professor Moon-Jung Park of Pohang University of Science and Technology established methodologies for stabilizing nanostructures through polymer phase transition research, presenting a new paradigm in chemical research. Director Il-Moon Jung of the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology developed sand dam technology for water-scarce regions, contributing to local communities. Professor Beom-Jun Kim of Pohang University of Science and Technology discovered the quantum spin nematic phenomenon for the first time in the world, opening a new chapter in quantum technology development. While most matter exists in three states?solid, liquid, and gas?the fourth state, ‘nematic,’ exhibits properties of both liquid and solid. Spin nematics can be applied to quantum technology and high-temperature superconductors, and according to the Ministry of Science and ICT, Professor Kim’s research has significantly enhanced national competitiveness.

Lee Ki-hyung, Chairman of the Chaos Foundation, is giving an acceptance speech after receiving the 'Choi Seok-jung Award of the Year.' Photo by Baek Jong-min

Three recipients were awarded the ‘Choi Seok-jeong Award of the Year,’ which honors outstanding scholars in mathematics. Professor Jin-Woo Shin of KAIST’s Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI was recognized for his mathematical contributions to artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and performance analysis of computer systems. Professor Seung-Yeol Ha of Seoul National University led related research by developing mathematical models explaining collective phenomena in complex systems physics.

At this ceremony, a businessperson who is not a scientist also received an award. The final recipient of the Choi Seok-jeong Award was Chairman Ki-Hyung Lee of the Chaos Foundation. Well known as the founder of the e-commerce company Interpark, Chairman Lee was recognized for his transformation from a science student who graduated from Seoul National University’s Department of Astronomy into a science advocate through this award.

After selling the commerce division of Interpark, he transformed the company into Gradient, a bio-investment firm. This was a pioneering move anticipating the industrial shift where the commerce sector shrinks and the bio sector rapidly grows. He established the Chaos Foundation, greatly contributing to the popularization of science lectures, especially conveying the value of mathematics. This is why he received the Choi Seok-jeong Award. The Korean Mathematical Society also recommended him as a recipient.

Despite his busy schedule, Chairman Lee attended the event until the end and, in his acceptance speech, said, "I hope more scientists will give lectures," before quickly leaving the venue. President Jong-Il Park of the Korean Mathematical Society explained, "We understand that Chairman Lee made a difficult effort to attend the award ceremony."

At the event, Minister Sang-Im Yoo of the Ministry of Science and ICT said in his congratulatory remarks, "The dedication of today’s awardees has become the cornerstone that will illuminate the future of South Korea," and added, "I hope their achievements will inspire younger researchers and serve as a milestone for science and technology talents."