World-Renowned Media Artist Ayoung Kim Appointed as Special Professor at UNIST

"Driving Science-Art Convergence and Catalyzing AI Research"

World-renowned media artist Ayoung Kim has been appointed as a special professor at the Graduate School of Artificial Intelligence at UNIST (President Chong Rae Park). Her term will run for three years, from December 18 until December 2028.

Professor Kim has gained international recognition for her media art works utilizing virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence. She has explored the impact of technology on human perception and social structures through her art.

Media artist Ayoung Kim, appointed as a special professor at UNIST.

UNIST highly valued Professor Kim's approach of expanding AI technology beyond computation and processing, aiming to include meaning interpretation and thought processes. The university believes that artistic thinking can serve as a catalyst to broaden the scope of artificial intelligence applications.

Professor Kim will collaborate on joint projects with UNIST's artificial intelligence research team. She will add an artistic perspective to the technology research process and reinterpret AI outcomes in new ways. She will also provide consulting in the field of science-art convergence and deliver special lectures on campus.

UNIST sees the role of art as essential for broadening technological understanding and enhancing the communication of research outcomes.

President Chong Rae Park stated, "An approach that bridges science and art will deepen AI research and education," adding, "The recruitment of Professor Ayoung Kim will bring new perspectives to our research and educational environment."

Special Professor Ayoung Kim holds a Master of Fine Arts from Chelsea College of Arts in the UK, and bachelor's degrees from London College of Communication and Kookmin University.

In 2023, she became the first Korean artist to win both the Terayama Shuji Prize and the Golden Nica, the world's most prestigious media art award at Ars Electronica. In 2025, she was selected for the LG Guggenheim Award and received a commendation from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, further cementing her artistic excellence and influence.